Survival of the Thickest is the latest comedy series to come from Netflix. The series is based on Michelle Buteau’s book of essays of the same name. In the series, we meet Mavis Beaumont, a plus-sized Black woman who seems to have it all. A great job, a great life, a great long-term boyfriend. That is until she walks in on him having sex with a model.

Honestly, I was worried the series would fall into a pattern of woe is me fat girl sadness, but shockingly it doesn’t. It would’ve been very easy to fall into the typical fat girl who gets cheated on trope. Instead, Survival of the Thickest uses Mavis’s darkest moments to make her stronger and learn hard lessons.

SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST – MAVIS GETS HER GROOVE BACK

Survival of the Thickest. Michelle Buteau as Mavis in Survival of the Thickest. Cr. Vanessa Clifton/Netflix © 2023

When starting Survival of the Thickest I wasn’t so sure if I was going to like it. However, after the first episode, I was invested enough in the characters to keep going, and I’m glad I did. Sometimes when you have a multi-lead series, some of the characters can get left in the dust. That’s not the case here. Every character is important, and while they serve Mavis and her main storyline, they also have their own lives.

I appreciate all the body positivity throughout the series. Especially the storyline with Garcelle Beauvais as Natasha. Natasha is an ex-supermodel who is trying to feel comfortable in her own skin when she’s no longer a size 0. That is something relatable to me, as well as many people out there. Mavis helps Natasha feel beautiful in her body at any size and helps bring her confidence back. At the same time, Mavis is learning how she can really help others, but also making herself stronger as well.

I love Mavis’s best friends Kahlil (Tone Bell) and Marley (Tasha Smith). The two create an unlikely friendship over the course of the first season that I’m obsessed with. I also appreciate that Survival of the Thickest shows that men and women can just be friends. Also, as a RuPaul’s Drag Race fan, I LOVE seeing Peppermint all over this series.

Overall, I enjoyed the series a lot. It’s funny, poignant, and addictive. If you’re looking for something to binge this summer look no further.