Survival of the Thickest (2023)
A bold, feel-good Netflix comedy-drama about a plus-size Black woman reclaiming her life, her confidence, and her joy after an unexpected breakup.
Survival of the Thickest - Series Information
- Original Title: Survival of the Thickest
- First Air Year: 2023
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Michelle Buteau, Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (27 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- First Air Date: July 13, 2023 (United States - TV-MA), July 13, 2023 (United Kingdom - 15), July 13, 2023 (Brazil - 16), July 13, 2023 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: 서바이벌 (KR), Выживание толстейших (RU)
- Production Companies: A24, Mosaic
- Production Countries: United States of America
Survival of the Thickest - Plot
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.
Survival of the Thickest - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Mavis's journey of reinvention unfold:
Thick girls are having a mo'ment.
Where to Watch Survival of the Thickest
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Survival of the Thickest - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michelle Buteau
- Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
Main Cast
- Michelle Buteau
- Tone Bell
- Tasha Smith
- Peppermint
- Marouane Zotti
- Liza Treyger
- Becca Blackwell
- Anissa Felix
- Anthony Michael López
- Jerrie Johnson
Writers
- Michelle Buteau
- Solomon Georgio
- Grace Edwards
- Ian Edwards
- Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
Survival of the Thickest - FAQs
Is Survival of the Thickest based on a true story?
The series is based on Michelle Buteau's 2020 memoir of the same name. Buteau drew from her own experiences as a plus-size Black woman navigating love, career, and self-discovery in New York City, giving the show a grounded, personal authenticity that resonates throughout both seasons.
What makes Survival of the Thickest stand out from other romcoms?
Unlike most romantic comedies, this series centers a plus-size Black woman as the confident, funny, and fully realized lead — not a sidekick or punchline. Its blend of sharp wit, genuine emotional depth, and a vibrant chosen-family dynamic sets it apart from the typical will-they-won't-they formula.
Where can you stream Survival of the Thickest?
The series streams exclusively on Netflix, available with a standard subscription or Netflix Standard with Ads. Both seasons are available to watch in full, making it easy to binge from Mavis's messy breakup all the way through her hard-won personal reinvention.
Who plays Mavis in Survival of the Thickest?
Michelle Buteau plays Mavis Beaumont, the series' warm and witty lead. Buteau also co-created the show and wrote the memoir it's based on, making her performance especially personal. The supporting cast includes Tone Bell, Tasha Smith, Peppermint, Marouane Zotti, and Liza Treyger.
Is Survival of the Thickest renewed for a third season?
As of the latest available information, Survival of the Thickest is listed as a Returning Series and remains in active production. Season 2 arrived in 2025, and Netflix has not announced a cancellation, suggesting the show continues to perform well enough to remain on the platform.
How was Survival of the Thickest received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to the series, praising Michelle Buteau's magnetic screen presence and the show's refreshing body-positive perspective. Reviewers highlighted its feel-good energy balanced with genuine emotional stakes, and audiences appreciated its honest, funny portrayal of starting over in your thirties.
Who created Survival of the Thickest?
The series was co-created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. Buteau, a stand-up comedian and actress, developed the project from her own memoir, while Sanchez-Witzel brought television writing experience to shape the story into a full series for Netflix, produced by A24 and Mosaic.
What shows are similar to Survival of the Thickest?
If you enjoy Survival of the Thickest, try Maid for its resilient single-woman reinvention story, Never Have I Ever for its sharp comedic voice, or High Fidelity for its New York City romantic chaos. Younger and How I Met Your Father also offer a similar mix of humor and heart.
More About Survival of the Thickest
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