Netflix has officially given the green light for a second season of the hit comedy series, “Survival of the Thickest,” and simultaneously announced a new comedy special featuring co-creator and star Michelle Buteau. The show, based on Buteau’s essay collection of the same name, revolves around the character Mavis Beaumont, played by Buteau, who, as a black, plus-size, and newly single woman, unexpectedly finds herself navigating life as a struggling stylist.
The logline for the series emphasizes Mavis’s determination to not just survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body-positive attitude, and a stylish v-neck paired with some lip gloss. The cast includes Tone Bell as Khalil, Tasha Smith as Marley, and additional support from actors like Garcelle Beauvais and Michelle Visage.
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Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, co-creator of “Survival of the Thickest,” serves as the showrunner, and the series has received critical acclaim, earning seven NAACP Award nominations, including categories like comedy series, comedy actress, and breakthrough creative in television.
This renewal and the upcoming comedy special strengthen Michelle Buteau’s relationship with Netflix, where she previously starred in the stand-up special “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia.” Buteau has also been involved in other Netflix projects, such as the series “Tales of the City” and the film “Always Be My Maybe.” Additionally, she has hosted unscripted series like “The Circle” and “Barbeque Showdown” on the streaming platform.
The success of “Survival of the Thickest” adds another feather to Netflix’s cap, with the show boasting an 85 percent critics’ score and an 89 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The second season renewal and the upcoming comedy special reflect Netflix’s commitment to supporting diverse and engaging content, aligning with Michelle Buteau’s efforts to bring representation and positivity to the forefront in the entertainment industry.