Survival of the Thickest
Survival of the Thickest
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Survival of the Thickest

"Thick girls are having a mo'ment."

6.7
Yr 2023
Rt 27m
Status Ended
Comedy Drama
Your Verdict
Unrated

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Series Brief

Overview

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.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 75 /100

Survival of the Thickest received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Michelle Buteau's charismatic lead performance and the show's empowering, body-positive spirit. Many reviewers highlighted the series' authentic commentary on diversity, modern relationships, race, and mental health, commending it for delivering unapologetic fun and genuine charm without feeling overly cheesy.

While critics celebrated the comedy, chemistry, and vibrant tone, several reviews noted flaws in the writing and structure. Some outlets felt the show relied on sitcom clichés, suffered from rushed pacing, or featured paper-thin plotlines that prevented it from reaching its full potential. Despite these scripting drawbacks, Buteau's presence and the show's joyful energy were broadly seen as strong highlights.

“unapologetically fun and chaotic, allowing audiences to laugh, gawk and wince alongside a floundering Mavis”

“The storytelling in Survival of the Thickest has been concise across all of its seasons, and the comedy on point”

“It’s a product of its time but also has the potential to be remembered and survive the test of time.”

“Survival of the Thickest has some glaring issues with the script, and that holds it back from being anything more than a forgettable Netflix series”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Netflix
US • UK • CA
Netflix Standard with Ads
US • CA • UK
Why fans love it

Survival of the Thickest plays with the familiar tropes of a romantic comedy through a sharp, fashion-forward lens. Adapted from a book, the series leans into the chaotic process of starting over when a long-term relationship collapses. Michelle Buteau anchors the show with a performance that balances dry humor with a genuine commitment to the protagonist's professional and personal growth.

It functions as an underdog story that prioritizes the stability of a chosen family over traditional romantic success. The dialogue remains witty rather than sentimental, focusing on the everyday hurdles of a career in the fashion industry. By centering a plus-size lead, the show offers a feel-good perspective on navigating modern dating and independence that feels refreshingly grounded.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 3
Longest run 24 eps
Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau
as Mavis Beaumont
24 episodes
Tone Bell
Tone Bell
as Khalil
16 episodes
Tasha Smith
Tasha Smith
as Marley
13 episodes
Taylor Selé
Taylor Selé
as Jacque
5 episodes
NaTonia Monét
NaTonia Monét
as Kimberly
1 episode
Annie Pisapia
Annie Pisapia
as Cathy
1 episode
Shannon Destiny Ryan
Shannon Destiny Ryan
as Sabine
1 episode
Jordan Carlos
Jordan Carlos
as Jordan
2 episodes
Show 67 more
Monnae Michaell as Loretta 2 episodes Ambre Anderson as Dr. Britta 2 episodes Donovan Louis Bazemore as Cooper 4 episodes Anna George as Shira 3 episodes Peppermint as Peppermint 10 episodes Sarah Cooper as Sydney 1 episode Liza Treyger as Jade 8 episodes Allan K. Washington as Trent 5 episodes Christina Brown as Beautiful woman 1 episode Sagan Chen as PA 1 episode Hugh Moore as Camden 1 episode Anissa Felix as India 6 episodes Princess Adenike as Lisa Bonet Top Hat 2 episodes Becca Blackwell as Day 7 episodes Usama Siddiquee as Amir 2 episodes Solomon Georgio as Queen Solomon 3 episodes Marouane Zotti as Luca 10 episodes J. Riley Jr. as Divinity 1 episode Matteo Lane as Waiter 1 episode Christine Jones as Callie 1 episode Anthony Michael López as Bruce 6 episodes Mark McKinnon as Davis 1 episode Michelle Visage as Avery Delane 1 episode Joyelle Nicole Johnson as Anita 1 episode Veronica Mosey as Karen 1 episode Candyce Adkins as Chevion 1 episode Winter-Lee Holland as Woman 1 episode Nicole Byer as Nicole 1 episode Kelly Augustine as Influencer 1 episode Princess Bey as Meg 1 episode Erik McKay as EMT 1 episode Rojo Perez as Barry 3 episodes Rovin Sena as Egypt 3 episodes Katie Sturino as Influencer 1 episode Clifton Davis as Emmanuel 1 episode Misha Osherovich as Billy 2 episodes Dina Drew as Dr. Aetos 1 episode Joel Haberli as Steven 1 episode Justin Andrew Phillips as Mark 1 episode Robert Christopher Riley as Henry 1 episode Karla Maiden-Vazquez as Rita 1 episode Anderson .Paak as Anderson .Paak 1 episode Celisse Henderson as Celisse 1 episode Jerrie Johnson as Daphne 6 episodes Garcelle Beauvais as Natasha Karina 5 episodes Monya Tebji as Gabriella 1 episode Jacopo Rampini as Tommaso 1 episode Tiziano Ferracci as Chicken guy 1 episode Dave Ahdoot as Man 1 episode Curtis Bannister as Enzo 1 episode Francesca Shipsey as Sophie 1 episode Lucia Ceracchi as Bride 1 episode Alecsys Proctor-Turner as Nala 5 episodes Kristopher Kling as Freddie 1 episode Yamaneika Saunders as Reiki healer 1 episode Jordan Mann as Lizz 1 episode Deon Cole as Lamar 2 episodes Hassan Johnson as Dr. Lawrence 3 episodes Dan Amboyer as Harrison 2 episodes James Villemaire as Ted 2 episodes Nore Davis as Tony 2 episodes Tika Sumpter as Simone 5 episodes Rolonda Watts as Adrienne 2 episodes Monét X Change as Monét X Change 2 episodes Jonathan Higginbotham as Trey 3 episodes RonReaco Lee as Charles Renee 2 episodes Jonina Thorsteinsdottir as Greta 2 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Survival of the Thickest overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

hilarious sarcastic underdog based on novel or book romcom fashion witty feelgood
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
July 13, 2023
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
27 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
48