Netflix has renewed “Survival of the Thickest” for a second season and ordered a comedy special from co-creator and star Michelle Buteau.
“Survival of the Thickest” is based on Buteau’s essay collection of the same name. Per the logline, the series “centers on Mavis Beaumont (Buteau). Black, plus size and newly single (not by her choice!), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss.”
Along with Buteau, the cast includes Tone Bell as Khalil and Tasha Smith as Marley, with Garcelle Beauvais and Michelle Visage and more in supporting roles.
Danielle Sanchez-Witzel co-created “Survival of the Thickest” and serves as showrunner. She and Buteau executive produce with Linda Mendoza, A24’s Ravi Nandan and Alli Reich and Mosaic’s Anne Hong. Along with Buteau and Sanchez-Witzel, writers include Grace Edwards, Ian Edwards, Solomon Georgio, ER Fightmaster, Hillary Handlesman and Julia Lindon. Mendoza, Kim Nguyen, Amy Aniobi, Kimmy Gatewood direct episodes.
The series earned seven NAACP Award nominations including for comedy series, comedy actress, comedy writer and breakthrough creative in television.
The Season 2 greenlight and upcoming comedy special continue Buteau’s relationship with Netflix, where she starred in the 2020 standup special “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia.” She has also acted in the Netflix series ““Tales of the City” and film “Always Be My Maybe” and hosted the unscripted series “The Circle” and “Barbeque Showdown.
