agmtw logo
search

Survival of the Thickest

Survival of the Thickest

7.8

A refreshing body-positive that delivers genuine laughs and a great message

TV Show

English, French
Comedy, Drama
2023

TLDR

Can you imagine being this functional after a breakup???

What it's about

A plus-size woman in New York City navigates her messy single life after a devastating breakup, determined to not only survive but thrive.

The take

Michelle Buteau is the hilarious and charismatic lead of this amazingly diverse and body-positive comedy. In her post-breakup glow-up, Buteau's character Mavis takes no prisoners as she prioritizes herself and her career with the help of her equally funny and wholesomely supportive friends. As with any comedy, there are some cheesy punchlines, but the humor and story still feel authentic (a given since the show is based on Buteau's collection of essays). Without resorting to self-deprecation or below-the-belt jokes, Survival of the Thickest boasts a refreshingly inclusive, queer, diverse cast that isn't afraid to take up space. This series is a great comfort watch with fun and laughs guaranteed. 

What stands out

It's amazing to see Mavis' confidence constantly reinforced without being heavy-handed. Mavis is aware of how her body is perceived but she never internalizes it as a shortcoming. She knows she's good at her job, knows that her ex-boyfriend cheating is not a reflection on her, and uplifts her clients to respect and love themselves. Allowing a woman to enjoy her body shouldn't be revolutionary, and yet this show will pave the way for women (especially Black women) to imagine a life that doesn't force them to cower away from their well-deserved spotlight.

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

One Hundred Years of Solitude

An ambitious mini-series that succeeds in adapting the classic magic realist novel

8.0

Ethos

A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality

9.9

Black Doves

A tale of espionage, romance, and friendship all tied in a neat bow, just in time for Christmas

8.1

Caliphate

A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.

8.9

Say Nothing

A powerful take on the Northern Ireland conflict that smartly shows all sides

8.5

The Sticky

Margo Martindale stands out in this true-story-based Canadian maple syrup heist

7.1

Occupied

Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.

8.7

Pretend it’s a City

A wildly entertaining series of interviews with a New York legend

9.2

Unorthodox

A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community

8.5

Escape at Dannemora

Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast

9.3

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.