Name: Survival of the Thickest
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2023-07-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Michelle Buteau

The moment Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau) steps out of her ex’s apartment with nothing but a bag of clothes and her signature lip-gloss, Survival of the Thickest stakes its claim as a comedy-drama determined to carve out space for plus-size Black women in romantic leads. Based on Michelle Buteau’s autobiographical essays, this Netflix series dives into Mavis’ post-breakup life with a blend of humor and heart that, while uneven, offers some genuinely refreshing moments.

What sets Survival of the Thickest apart is its unapologetic focus on a Black, plus-size woman navigating love, career, and self-worth. Mavis Beaumont is not a sidekick or a punchline; she’s the heart of the show, and Buteau brings her to life with a mix of vulnerability and tenacity that feels rare in mainstream comedy-dramas. The series’ strength lies in its commitment to authenticity—Mavis’ struggles are relatable, her triumphs feel earned, and her flaws make her human.

Buteau’s performance is the anchor of the show. Her delivery of lines like “I put all my eggs in one man’s basket” lands with both humor and pathos, making Mavis’ journey resonate. The chemistry between Buteau and Tone Bell, who plays Khalil, adds depth to their will-they-won’t-they dynamic, while Peppermint’s cameo as herself injects a dose of real-world charm. Tasha Smith as Marley brings warmth and wisdom to the role of Mavis’ best friend, grounding the series in a sense of chosen family that feels genuine.

The show’s exploration of body positivity is one of its most compelling aspects. Survival of the Thickest refuses to shy away from Mavis’ struggles with self-image, whether it’s her discomfort in certain social situations or her determination to reclaim her confidence. This theme is woven throughout the series, from Mavis’ fashion choices to her dating experiences, and it’s handled with a mix of humor and sincerity that makes it feel fresh.

Where Survival of the Thickest stumbles is in its pacing and tonal balance. The first season’s early episodes feel rushed, juggling Mavis’ career woes, romantic misadventures, and friendships with uneven focus. Some comedic moments veer into sitcom clichés, undercutting the series’ more nuanced drama. For example, the subplot involving Mavis’ ex Jacque (Taylor Selé) in Season 1 feels underdeveloped, serving more as a narrative device than a fully realized character.

The show’s greatest misstep is its tendency to prioritize broad humor over character depth in key moments. For instance, Mavis’ professional struggles as a stylist—central to her arc—often take a backseat to romantic subplots, leaving her career trajectory feeling underdeveloped. The finale of Season 2 attempts to tie up loose ends but leaves some threads dangling, hinting at unresolved tensions that never quite materialize.

That said, Survival of the Thickest carves out a necessary space in the comedy-drama landscape. It’s not perfect—tonal whiplash and pacing issues hold it back—but Buteau’s charisma and the show’s unapologetic embrace of body positivity make it worth watching. The series’ commitment to representing a plus-size Black woman’s journey with humor, heart, and honesty sets it apart from more conventional rom-coms and sitcoms.

The direction by Linda Mendoza in the first two episodes sets a solid foundation, but the show struggles to maintain consistency as it juggles multiple subplots. The cinematography is straightforward, focusing on character interactions over visual flair, which aligns with the series’ grounded tone. However, some scenes feel staged, particularly those involving Mavis’ dating mishaps, which could benefit from more nuanced direction.

The soundtrack, featuring original music from Transcenders, adds a contemporary edge to the series, enhancing its modern appeal. The music choices complement the show’s blend of comedy and drama, but they occasionally overshadow the dialogue in key moments, detracting from the emotional impact.

In comparison to other recent comedy-dramas like Maestro (5.6) and Madame Web (3.2), Survival of the Thickest stands out for its focus on a rarely seen perspective. While Maestro delves into the complexities of a legendary conductor’s life, Survival of the Thickest offers a more relatable, albeit less polished, exploration of personal growth and self-acceptance. Unlike Madame Web, which struggles with tonal consistency and character development, Survival of the Thickest maintains a clearer vision of its protagonist’s journey.

The series is for viewers who crave stories about women who look and love like Mavis Beaumont. It’s for those tired of seeing plus-size women relegated to the sidelines or reduced to punchlines. The series’ blend of humor, heart, and body positivity makes it a refreshing addition to the genre, even if its execution isn’t always flawless.

Survival of the Thickest is a show that balances comedy and drama with varying degrees of success. Its strengths lie in Buteau’s performance, the exploration of body positivity, and its commitment to authenticity. However, pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies hold it back from being a standout series.