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.
Black, plus-size and newly single, Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life after putting all her eggs in one man's basket, but she's determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family.
A plus-size woman in New York City navigates her messy single life after a devastating breakup, determined to not only survive but thrive.
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.
Can you imagine being this functional after a breakup???
