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Survival of the Thickest

Survival of the Thickest is an American comedy-drama television series on Netflix starring Michelle Buteau as Mavis Beaumont, a plus-size Black stylist rebuilding her life after a breakup.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Survival of the Thickest is an American comedy-drama television series on Netflix that premiered on July 13, 2023. The series, created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, is based on Buteau's 2020 essay collection and stars Buteau as Mavis Beaumont, a plus-size Black stylist rebuilding her life after a breakup in New York City.

Premise

The series follows Mavis Beaumont as she rebuilds her personal and professional life after discovering her boyfriend has been unfaithful. The story focuses on dating, friendship, fashion, and self-acceptance in New York City.

Cast and characters

Michelle Buteau plays Mavis Beaumont, with Tone Bell and Tasha Smith among the main cast. The series also features Marouane Zotti in a recurring role.

Production and development

Survival of the Thickest was created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and is based on Buteau's book of essays. The show is produced for Netflix and was developed as a comedy-drama series.

Release and reception

The series premiered on Netflix on July 13, 2023. Reviews described it as a warm, character-led comedy-drama, and it later received a renewal for a third and final season.

Key facts

  • The series centres on Mavis Beaumont, a stylist navigating life after a painful breakup.
  • It is inspired by Michelle Buteau's 2020 essay collection of the same name.
  • Michelle Buteau co-created the series and stars in the lead role.
  • The show was created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel.
  • Netflix renewed the series for a third and final season in 2025.
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Canadian context

The series streams on Netflix in Canada and may be of interest to Canadian viewers as part of the platform’s North American original comedy-drama lineup.

Frequently asked questions

What is Survival of the Thickest about?
It follows Mavis Beaumont, a stylist who starts over after a breakup while pursuing love, career growth, and self-acceptance.
Who created Survival of the Thickest?
Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel created the series.
What is it based on?
The series is based on Michelle Buteau's essay collection Survival of the Thickest.
Where can it be watched?
Netflix is the series' official streaming platform.
When did it premiere?
It premiered on July 13, 2023.
Is the series still ongoing?
Netflix renewed it for a third and final season in 2025.

References

  1. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81354524
    Supports: Official synopsis, genre, cast, and creators
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_of_the_Thickest
    Supports: Series format, country of origin, language, seasons, and episodes
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/survival_of_the_thickest
    Supports: Synopsis, creators, network, rating, and release date
  4. Variety — https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/survival-of-the-thickest-renewed-netflix-ending-season-3-1236397935/
    Supports: Renewal for a third and final season and production details
  5. Netflix Tudum — https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/survival-of-the-thickest-release-date-news
    Supports: Premise, inspiration from Buteau’s book, and setting