‘Survival of the Thickest’
Michelle Buteau has been known for her work in comedy and reality television, but her new Netflix series Survival of the Thickest allows her to actually shine for once. Based on Buteau’s bestselling book of essays by the same name, Survival of the Thickest follows 38-year-old stylist Mavis Beaumont who is trying to rebuild her career and love life after going through a tragic breakup. The characters are rich and believable, with their own distinct story arcs and frank, New York City attitudes that don’t feel disingenuous. But its Mavis’s kindness that turns this into a feel-good, adult comedy with actual laugh-out-loud humor – not just a few flat jokes that force you to politely chuckle. Survival of the Thickest is also a quick watch with just eight 22-minute-long episodes that will leave you wanting more.
This Netflix series is a strong debut for the comedian. Fingers crossed it gets renewed for a second season.