Survival of the Thickest (2023– ) User Reviews

Haven't seen something this GOOD in a while

[wolfgovaerts · 8/10 · 14 July 2023]

Just on all fronts; production, acting, writing, etc. This show made me feel things in the absolute best way.

Funny and light and still hitting those deep spots that make you real emotional.

A story about empowerment, hope, relationships, dreaming big and striving for diversity.

I have been a big fan of Michelle Buteau for a minute and in this series she reaches all time highs with her charismatic and powerful character Mavis.

Not only does she play the part so well, she also co-wrote it which makes so much sense since she makes the whole series feel like the most realistic dream-montage.

It better be getting a second season!

Better than expected

[junemo · 7/10 · 12 August 2023]

As someone who leans strongly toward "old school" classic movies and shows from old Hollywood like those on Turner Classic Movies or MeTV, I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this show. As a baby boomer of the early 60's, I am generally not into modern sitcoms, hip-hop, stories that involve non-traditional relationships, foul language, or pot smoking. Despite all this, I found this show to be laugh out loud funny in parts. It didn't hurt that I got the romantic ending I wanted, either. If you want a mostly delightful distraction for an afternoon, suggest binge-watching since each episode is only about 30 minutes long.

Hilarious!

[bettillee · 9/10 · 8 December 2023]

I watched this program because I had seen Michelle Buteau in the First Wives Club. That one is funny, but this one is amazing. Ms. Buteau is so dang, funny, and unpretentious. This is what was needed in the TV verse, for all of us girls who are a bit chunky but not proud. She made me realize that I need to be proud because I'm kind of beautiful too! I'm only on the third episode, but I know that this is one of those that I'm gonna binge today, seeing as Covid has me stuck in the house what better way to spend the time since I have to lay here in bed anyway. There were many things that I could've watched, but I'm really happy that I chose this. This is a series that all the ladies need to watch for a good laugh.

I need other season!

[sweetlaci · 10/10 · 17 July 2023]

I love love lighthearted female lead shows. This show was outstanding and eight episodes wasn't enough.

I don't think I've ever seen Michelle Buteau in anything but now I love her. She plays this role well. I'm like is this how she is in real life because she nailed it.

The writing is so well done! I love that it's not a lot of heavy drama and plenty of funny moments.

I love that her best-friend was a straight gentle, loving and supportive black guy because we don't see that kind friendship enough on tv.

I liked how towards the end we got to see her interacting with her roommate more because I thought it was weird how she moved in and had her friends over often but we rarely saw the roomate.

By next week I'll probably be watching it again because I miss it already!

WAIT THIS IS SUCH A GOOD SHOW?!

[torirgreen · 10/10 · 17 July 2023]

I've never actually cared enough to write a review for something but this show was so beautifully done. I cried, I lol'd, and I said "as you should" way too many times. If your feelings are valid could be a show this would be it. So many relatable moments to make it feel real and the self aware characters are giving me life.i honestly wish this show was longer and that more people would watch it because it is such a beautiful take on how to make lemonade out of the sour lemons that life throws at all of us. I will be recommending this show to my two friends. 10/10 would binge watch and cry again.

This is a niche treasure.

[ms_oes · 13 August 2023]

If you not of a certain population or display hatred towards certain populations, you will not be desiring to watch this wonderful creation by Michelle Buteau. It definitely appeals to those who are real and have real lives. This show is a masterpiece of realness. Keep it up. Everyone will not like it but there is no need to bashed it. Just move on. I love it. The show features people who make of real life and surround the world daily. If you want to open your mind watch the show to experience difference that exist in the world through this show. I am so glad there is a show which really appeals to the world.

Walks a fine line of sappy

[alinafin101 · 7/10 · 30 September 2023]

This show is sweet, funny, inclusive, romantic. Why am I so jaded that I thought things will go off the rails, waiting for a betrayal (I mean besides the obvious one in the first episode). These characters are supportive, committed to growth, and growing. They say the right things during tense moments and mostly make the right decisions. I admit it made me even cry sometimes. It does walk a very very fine line of sappy and sometimes even preachy. I'd have rated it a bit higher if I didn't have a slight fear it can tilt into that territory. Still! I binged all 8 episodes and can't wait for second season. Also, watch Michelle's stand ups!

Words cannot describe how much I am loving this show.

[sarahbuhlman · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

I have laughed. I have cried. I am beyond excited about the positive messages surrounding sexuality, relationships, correcting outdated AF stereotypes, friendships, and love (all kinds) that have been shown. I wish more shows portrayed friendships and relationships and particularly breakups and communication how this show has! With the amount of influence media has on everyone, I want everyone to see how all different kinds of relationships and the (good) conflict that exist in the world and all the different kinds of people that are part of who we are can be so wonderfully amazing... watch this show!

Hard to dislike, hard to call it actually good

[benderangelika · 6/10 · 20 February 2024]

I'm so on the fence, I enjoyed the show which is really all you can ask for from a Netflix show these days but this one was just so over the top trying to include every thing and everyone. At one point it just felt forced. The cast overall was great even though none of them were actually good actors, least of all the main actress (which I think is one of the prettiest women ever and look wise as amazing for the part) but I mean... Sometimes I actually didn't know she was being ironic or sincere because her acting was so bad. Her energy made up for it though. Story wise it was good, the humor and the jokes often good but too flat at times.

Totally Unexpected!

[fayandray · 10/10 · 18 July 2023]

I avoided this for a couple days, because I haven't been a fan of Michelle Bateaux's standup or supporting roles (Always Be My Maybe). I knew I was gonna watch this eventually, but I never thought I'd binge it in an afternoon! I rated this an 8 up until the literal last minute of the show, which made me cry, then change the rating to a 10.

This is the perfect vehicle for her! I love everything about it: the direction, comedy, acting, pacing, editing, drama, co-stars, story... I cannot even imagine this not getting renewed, because I *need* to know what happens to this character and her group of friends!

The only thing that bothered me were the voice cut-ins that were edited in to cover up something they wanted to change in the original joke or script. It was always done when her back was turned, so it was plausible that she said it, but the change in "air" around the sound was obvious and distracting. Other than that, no complaints!

Nice but..

[roxanaancagheorghe · 6/10 · 18 November 2023]

So the acting is good, they strive from one episode to the other. I like that they include diversity in a not obnoxious way. Also quite funny and enjoyable.

The reason I gave a 6 is because it's just realistically not that easy to find someone after so many years of dating and at that age. You are devastated emotionally and the dating pool is not that great.

I wanted to see more of her struggle and how she resolves or gets past her own issues. How she actually evolves. She was a hustler from the beginning. She had already a strong persona. I wanted more than switch to a new stable man.

Rather than that, I recommend it.

So I just started the first episode, but I've been laughing so hard I give it a 10 out of 10

[brooksrodrigue · 10/10 · 13 July 2023]

I've been having a lot of fun so far. I'll give an updated review later on but so far laughing my ass off! L O L! I love Michelle she is a delight. It is so fun keep it coming!!!!! She is such a silly mess!!! I love it!!!!! I love her personality. It's so relatable but at the same time edgy and Fun, it's very refreshing. I love Michelle! This show is great! Also, I love that even when she thought of giving up she kept going thank you it's motivating it's inspiring but it's fun it's not preachy as she said it's the "mo-ment!" I just finished the first episode and loved everything about it down to the music!!!

Lacking

[dvjrpygj · 5/10 · 24 July 2023]

I really tried my best to give it a chance. There's something about the characters that you just can't connect with. The only one I liked was the lead actress. The others just felt like extras with no real charm.

There is so many different themes and messages being put out there but it's like give it a break already.

The show definitely doesn't deserve a 7.6 rating. I almost feel bad for the actors who gave it their best but unfortunately the show just doesn't have that oomph to keep you glued to the tv.

I usually don't write reviews but i did out of frustration waiting for the show to get better.

What a joyous surprise!

[lewatson-78810 · 10/10 · 28 July 2023]

I am so happy to land on this great series. You sometimes take a chance on Netflix. I was so wonderfully surprised with this show.

The storyline was enjoyable and I had many moments of laughter. Michelle Beteau was amazing. She was in her element with honesty and humor.

I also enjoyed the friendships between the main characters. The cast was very authentic and the directing was wonderful. Tasha Smith and Tone Bell were excellent.

I appreciate the empowerment the characters had as their love relationships.

I hope to see more from Michelle Buteau. It would be nice to continue the Survival of the Thickest as a season 2.

Awesomeeeee

[sunnyradiodiva · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

Definitely need a season 2 or more of this it's awesome af!!! It was hilarious and serious and all inclusive! Garceille Beauvais gave me life okayyyy!!! Truly enjoyed watching!!! Just finished and I'm sad it's over lol I really am! There needs to be more of this type of show!!! Michelle Buteau is everything she really went for her goals and achieved them and stood her ground oest we not forget!!! I was so happy with the ending and hopefully the beginning of a great new show!!! Netflix you freaking did it again!!! We need more!!! We need more!!! We need more!!! Say it with me folks!!! We need moreeeeeee!!!

Best new comedy drama in a long time

[danblack6789 · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

I've just binge watched this show and loved it. The characters, writing and music were superb. From the first episode I was invested in the characters. The story lines were inclusive and diverse and totally believable.

I can imagine most of us can identify with the situations some of the characters found themselves in at times, when it comes to relationships and I laughed with them and felt their pain when things went badly for them.

It was a glorious celebration of why it's right that people should be themselves and not have to conform to stereotypes.

I loved the fact that important issues were raised but not in a lecturing judgemental way.

I really hope this series is renewed because it's a long time since I watched a comedy drama which was a joy to watch.

To me it felt like a modern day Sex and the City, in the respect that it's groundbreaking and conversations took place which seemed genuine and real.

The writers of the sex and the city sequel 'And just like that' ended up writing unrealistic, lecturing scripts which just don't ring true. They could learn a lot from the writers of Survival of the thickest who have nailed it.

The Reality of this!

[modclothdiva · 10/10 · 16 July 2023]

When watching this show it reminded me of a weeks conversation in the groupchat! The ups the downs the set backs to go forward. The world throwing things at you simply because your black. The messy-ness that's so poetic. I loved and adored this show! And the best part of it is it's relatable for everyone and and every classification of how you identify. There is no handbook for life but to see parts of your life put onto a screen so you know you're not alone in what you're going through. And lastly, it goes to show you, with the right tribe you can do anything and get through anything. I'm just gonna wait for the release of season 2!

Good, Modern, Relatable

[Sarah423 · 10/10 · 20 July 2023]

This show takes viewers through the entire range of emotions and I very much hope they get to continue on.

That said, if they don't (stares at Netflix), then at least they ended at a wonderful moment with the lead character, Mavis (Michelle Buteau)

The story really did make the many plot twists believable, and I wasn't sure where to expect her to end up. Good job to the writers on not telegraphing their punches.

I really am interested if we get a second season what will happen with Khalil (Tone Bell) What a perfect character and how much growth was shown in just this short amount of time.

Really want more.

More, too, of the world the live in, which has plenty of positive representation for all.

Overinclusiveness Is Just As Bad As Exclusion

[1lauren1 · 3/10 · 20 July 2023]

Great to see Mavis/Michelle as a main character with layers and depth that other big people can relate to based on the comments in positive reviews. The rest was often cringe though, and the comparison some made to (the OG) SITC was laughable.

To get a show through these days something has to be weird clearly. So there was a bunch of sex by people that aren't sexy (except maybe Khalil and India, which was a good look), mixed in with stereotypes (emasculating corporate boss chick, flamboyant gays, oversexed New Yorkers, the oppressive man and his sidekick "Karen" blah blah. I'm not white yet couldn't relate to most of this, and it doesn't reflect the majority of the POC groups shown either. It would be nice to be able to just watch a show for entertainment value vs shock value again one day. Also, it got preachy in spots and forgot the golden rule of writing to "show vs tell."

Message to the entertainment industry: Not every demographic box has to be checked nor every evening news storyline jammed in for a show to be a hit! Contrived. But potential.

Amazing Show

[ebbie-35240 · 10/10 · 16 July 2023]

So thoughtfully connecting real issues, real life, and just a beautiful ensemble of people! I laughed, cried, and laughed some more. Seeing myself in so many of the characters was just inspirational. I felt like I went to therapy-and that is saying a lot because I AM a therapist. This creation speaks to my heart and so many of us as women who have felt marginalized, invisible, and overlooked. It's not just about feeling great with the extras like "at your size, for your age..." it's about feeling great PERIOD in exactly THIS skin I am already in. Tasha, Michelle, Nicole, Anissa, Liza, and Garcelle --just bellissima! Tone and Marouane-yummy ;)

We have already seen this show but the execution keeps me glued to the set

[kendallschristopher · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

It starts off as a show showing how weird and eccentric New York City can be and feels like a show that is exploiting this in order to come off as more interesting than it really should be, Brooklyn in particular. But then it reveals the complexity, frailty, and humanity of its characters, and the idea of the city as a character quickly dissapears. I like the show because of its infectious positivity and feel good nature, and it reminds me of what I love about urban environments.

It is a mix of a lot of different shows. It does check off a lot of boxes though, and I doubt closed minded individuals will be able to see past the aesthetics; there is a lot going on here. It will have to evolve past the tropes of shows with Black female protagonists, weight challenged protagonists, etc to find its way. As it is I can't see it getting past a second season.

Halo!

[juanmuscle · 10/10 · 22 July 2023]

I just wanted to come here and I thought it would be a really neat idea to add to the great reviews of how fun and splendid and awesome and really cute fun adorbz show is! Hope it keeps going and we get more seasons cause this lady and her friend writer are really funny and they bring light and humour to weird situations where normally we would feel awkward and sad! I love the writing so much and I did read someone disliked a bit of the race card playing , I do have to agree a lil 'bit the whole picking and choosing what we can be PC about but other things we disregard is terribly cringie but regardless, this is an excellent show! Great job!

So real and hilarious

[ladylustica · 10/10 · 19 July 2023]

This show is so great on every level. It's funny and heartwarming and brings me such Joy. I have always loved Michelle Buteau, ever since that show I Love the 90's where she did the Panties on/Panties off, she is hilarious. I hope there is another season, hear that Netflix, WE NEED A SEASON 2!!!!!! The whole cast is wonderful and it feels so real, I can imagine that it's based on a lot of real life situations. Also love that bigger girls are represented in such a beautiful and sexy way (cause we are) and I would buy the soundtrack if they had it, so many good songs from today and the past. Thank you Michelle for creating this gem of a show.

Top of the line

[romeovision2002 · 10/10 · 23 July 2023]

This is some great writing! This is definitely one looking to earn an Emmy! There are very few shows that come out that I even remotely consider binge watching. I watched this entire season 1 because I was hooked after episode 1. First of all, the cast is great! I knew when saw the entire cast and the pop ups that this was going to be a great comedy! How did the tell such an excellent story in such few episodes!!

My hope is that season 2 comes fast. No holding back. Give us new episodes in January 😂. Waiting until next July is ridiculous. I knew it would be good but upon watching it came across as great!

Too many fake reviews

[vus29 · 1/10 · 31 July 2023]

Was really debating whether or not to watch this. From the trailers and snippets, the agenda clearly is inclusitivity for those who identify as marginalised and their allies. The plot came across as rather stale and not at all funny even though the series identifies as a comedy. I decided not to be judgemental and came onto IMDB hoping for honest opinions of people who have watched this to sway my decision. The sheer amount of (fake) glowing 10/10 reviews from people involved in the production or promotion of this show was just too crass. I am thankfully not going to waste time on this one. If you are an overweight female, or a member/ally of the LGBTQ community this may be the show for you. I just wanted a watchable comedy/show and those fake reviews told me all I need to know.