Co-created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, the series draws inspiration from Buteau’s 2020 memoir of the same name, portraying Mavis as a fashion stylist navigating the intricacies of both her personal and professional life in New York.
From the fallout of a breakup that propels her into a journey of self-discovery to the complexities of love triangles and friendships, the series expertly blends humour, heart and the unexpected twists that follow heartbreak.
As Mavis navigates personal growth and romantic entanglements and embraces her cultural identity as a child of Caribbean immigrants, the series effortlessly weaves in the evolving storylines of her friends Khalil (Tone Bell) and Marley (Tasha Smith).
Celebrity cameos, offbeat gags, and Mavis’s mission to redefine beauty standards seamlessly integrate into the narrative.
But what sets the TV show apart, while following the journey of Mavis — an older, plus-size, Black woman — is its refreshing perspective on women’s growth.
Breaking free from typical narrative constraints, Survival of the Thickest delivers a realistic portrayal of a person reclaiming power. Mavis’s journey, filled with quirky roommates and unexpected romantic encounters, unfolds as a delightful blend of humour and authenticity.
The series has garnered recognition with seven NAACP Award nominations across categories including comedy series, comedy actress, comedy writer and breakthrough creative television. And the good news doesn’t end there – Netflix announced on Valentine’s Day the show’s renewal for a second season.
All eight episodes of Survival of the Thickest are currently available on Netflix.
Viewers should dive into this hilarious journey that seamlessly blends humour, heart, fashion, and life’s unpredictable twists. It offers a delightful, easy-going adventure that resonates with the challenges of starting afresh.
