Comedian, actor, and queen Michelle Buteau wrote a book of essays titled Survival of the Thickest. Netflix thought it was so good that they wanted to base a whole ass scripted comedy series on it.
The streamer greenlit the series today and ordered eight episodes of Survival of the Thickest, which centers on Mavis Beaumont (Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single, Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life after putting all her eggs in one man’s basket, but she’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss.
The series was created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and will be executive produced by Ravi Nandan and Alli Reich from A24. Sanchez-Witzel is also the showrunner for the series, following the recent announcement of her overall deal with Netflix that also includes show development.
“It’s been so damn amazing finding a home with Netflix,” said Buteau. “To say I’m excited to continue my relationship with them is an understatement. I’m over the moon and I’m under it! Danielle has been a dream partner and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been cooking up.”
“Michelle Buteau is many things: a brilliant writer, a gifted stand-up comedian and an empowering performer,” said Tracey Pakosta, Head of Comedy at Netflix. “But above all else: she is one of the funniest people alive. Paired with Danielle Sanchez-Witzel – one of TV’s sharpest visionaries – Survival of the Thickest will bring Michelle’s unique point of view to life.”
If you haven’t watched Buteau’s Netflix stand-up special Welcome to Buteaupia go watch it now because its funny and yes, that’s Cardi B’s voice introducing her. In addition to that, Buteau has a solid relationship with the streaming giant. She hosts the popular reality series The Circle and starred in the comedy feature Always Be My Maybe alongside Ali Wong and Russell Park as well as the Tales of the City revival. She will also narrate the upcoming docuseries The Principles of Pleasure and will host the second season of Barbecue Showdown.
Buteau says busy. She also stars in the BET+ adaptation of First Wives Club and Weekend Getaway with Michelle Buteau. Next up, she will appear in the Universal’s feature Marry Me alongside her fellow Leo Jennifer Lopez, which will be released on February 11.
