Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Michelle Buteau's easygoing, fun series has sex, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Survival of the Thickest
What's the Story?
After years in the fashion stylist business, Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau) is ready to move up, her own way. In SURVIVAL OF THE THICKEST, she struggles to keep her head above water financially in Brooklyn while she builds her own business. Thankfully she has the support of her best friends Khalil (Tone Bell) and Marley (Tasha Smith) as she muddles through.
Is It Any Good?
Michelle Buteau is utterly lovable in her self-created series, breathing life and humor into a premise that could have easily been clichéd and dull. Instead, Survival of the Thickest viewers will fall in love with Mavis and will root for her to find both success in her career and a solid romance. In the meantime, there are adventures: Mavis styles a picky celebrity for a red-carpet event, Mavis battles with a snotty colleague, Mavis celebrates being newly single by hooking up with an old co-worker. It all sounds trite on paper, but Buteau is so adorable and natural that she makes it lots of fun.
Mavis' sweetness is a major part of the appeal. When she confronts the ex-co-worker-turned-sex-partner the morning after, she blows him off honestly and with affection: "You are like a well-made bra, honey. You're supportive and uplifting." The scene ends in sincere hugs and a laugh; it feels genuine, and joyful, just like the rest of Survival of the Thickest. There are laughs too, make no mistake, and they're well earned. Buteau is a star, and Survival of the Thickest is an easy-to-love winner, just like her.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why so many TV shows and movies are set in New York. What are the dramatic or comedic possibilities inherent in this setting? Would it surprise you to know that the Survival of the Thickest creator lives in New York?
Michelle Buteau created, wrote, and stars in this series. How often do actors write their own material? What would be the advantages of doing so?
Mavis' job causes her to come into contact with many different types of people, often conflicting with them. Why is this a good setup for an episodic series?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 13, 2023
- Cast : Michelle Buteau , Tone Bell , Anissa Felix
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 27, 2023
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