Fox's newest dark humor/murder mystery show "Scream Queens" had me hooked from the start--mostly because it was created by the producers of "American Horror Story" and "Glee," two favorites of mine. Twenty years following the infamous death at a Kappa Kappa Tau party, the sorority is targeted by a serial killer, dubbed the Red Devil. His main targets? Chanel Oberlin (Emma Roberts) and her stereotypically shallow sorority sisters. Characters are killed off in almost every episode, and while the premise may sound frightening, I promise this show will have you laughing your way to a six-pack. Although, at first glance, this show seems to be aimed towards the female teen demographic it is actually riddled with quirky references, jokes, and themes that reach teens, adults, guys, and girls alike. If I haven't fully convinced you to tune in yet, here are six reasons why you should:
1. We love to hate Chanel.
"My name is Chanel Oberlin, and I am the queen of Kappa Kappa Tau." Ever since this momentous opening scene in the pilot episode of "Scream Queens," we’ve been hooked. Not only does Chanel possess the uncanny ability to fire off crushing insults at her sorority sisters (i.e. "good evening, idiot hookers"), she does so with impeccable class. She rules KKT with an iron fist, smothering every attempt at defiance and displaying complete indifference whenever a sorority member is killed off by the Red Devil. Chanel does have her heroic moments, though, such as the time she faced the Red Devil Killer head on, bravely stating, “I am Kappa president.” We’re all a little bit scared of this fierce Kappa queen, but secretly we love her.
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2. Chad. Radwell. Enough said.
“I took a class called American Presidents…something like that. And they told us about a man named John Fitzpatrick Kennedy Jr. And that dude wrote a book about the time he served in Vietnam called ‘Profiles in Courage’.…As our great 60th president John Kennedy Jr. said, ‘the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.’” This quote basically sums up all that is Chad Radwell. The on-again, off-again boyfriend of Chanel Oberlin, and president of the golf fraternity, “The Dickie Dollar Scholars,” Chad encompasses a lovable mixture of goofiness and unpredictability. He’s an amusing addition to the show, to say the least.
3. Comedy or murder mystery? Why not both?!
This show is unique in its ability to have me hiding under my covers one minute and crying with laughter the next. The main plot of the show centers around a serial killer, the Red Devil, hunting down members of the Kappa Kappa Tau sorority. Sounds scary, right? The thing is, the show is mostly satirical. Each murder scene is just a spoof on original slasher films, like “Psycho,” and when characters aren’t getting murdered, the show pokes fun at modern day Greek life and the shallow, consumeristic personality of teens.
4. Fashion goals.
OK, admit it — we are all super jealous of the Kappa girls’ amazing wardrobe. These ladies’ modern-day spin on classic looks from historical fashion symbols (think Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy) is a trend we all secretly wish we could perfect. Chanel’s white fur vests have become iconic, while Chanel #3 somehow makes earmuffs glamorous. And don’t get me started on the walk-in closet — I think it physically pains me to see it. Point is, if you get nothing else from this show, at least you can admire their gorgeous outfits.
5. A+ references.
Easiest way to tell if a show is worth watching: it contains enough references that both older and younger viewers can relate. “Scream Queens” does exactly that! My favorite reference has got to be from the Chanel-o-ween episode, which is a blatant spoof on Taylor Swift’s “Swiftmas” tradition of gift-giving to fans. Another reference that’s pure gold is the spoof of the Bath & Body Works “Jen from Appleton” candle rant. If you haven’t watched it, stop reading and YouTube it right now; I promise your stomach will hurt from laughter!
6. The amazing cast, in general.
Chanel Oberlin and Chad Radwell are definitely not the only characters that stand out in “Scream Queens” — I’d argue that the entirety of the cast equally shares the spotlight. Jaime Lee Curtis, the Scream Queen herself, plays the badass Dean Munsch. Despite several attempts on her life (i.e. the “Psycho” shower scene spoof) she has somehow managed to survive the season. Other huge names in entertainment, such as Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer, Billie Lorde (my fave!), and Skyler Samuels, take the stage and have completely blown me away.
If you haven't tuned in yet, then what are you waiting for?!
