Netflix has released the trailer for the third and final season of Survival of the Thickest, the acclaimed comedy co-created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. The final chapter premieres July 2.
The series follows Mavis Beaumont, a Black, plus-size stylist navigating love, friendship, self-worth and career ambition in New York City. Season 3 sees Mavis continuing to build her brand as both a stylist and designer while leaning on her chosen family. Buteau returns alongside series regulars Tone Bell and Marouane Zotti, who has been promoted to series regular after recurring in the first two seasons.
The final season also marks a milestone behind the camera. Buteau will make her directorial debut with Episode 5, while co-creator Sanchez-Witzel directs Episode 3. Amy Aniobi returns as showrunner and executive producer, with additional directing contributions from Aniobi and Kim Nguyen.
Guest stars this season include Peppermint, Garcelle Beauvais, Wanda Sykes, D.L. Hughley, Ashley Graham, Ronny Chieng, Ice-T, Wyatt Cenac, Jenna Lyons, Liza Treyger, LaQuan Smith, Charles Harbison, Ashley Romans, Anthony Michael Lopez, Alecsys Proctor-Turner, Jonathan Higginbotham, Dan Amboyer and RonReaco Lee.
“It’s bittersweet,” Buteau told Essence. “It feels like a beautiful journey. Three is such a strong number. It’s a trilogy. It’s giving Father, Son, Holy Spirit. I love a nice round number.” She reflected on the arc of the show, from Mavis being cheated on and working as an assistant to becoming her own boss, and from supporting character Peppermint finding love and living her soft life. “It feels good. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and I’m going to look back on this and it’s going to make my heart grow even more.”
Buteau also spoke to the significance of the series for audiences. “I’d like viewers to know just how much thought and time goes into not just making television, but making this kind of television from a plus size Black woman. How rare it is, how special it is, how it’s like lightning in a bottle. I hope it inspires them to do the same for themselves.”
Produced by A24 and Mosaic, Survival of the Thickest is inspired by Buteau’s book of essays. The third and final season premieres July 2 on Netflix.