Michelle Buteau has yet another project in the works at Netflix. The streamer has ordered eight episodes of “Survival of the Thickest,” a scripted comedy starring the multi-hyphenate and based on her 2020 book of essays of the same name.
Created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (“New Girl”), “Survival of the Thickest” tells the story of Mavis Beaumont (Buteau). “Black, plus-size, and newly single, Mavis Beaumont 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,” a press release announcing the project details.
The book saw Buteau reflecting on growing up Catholic and Caribbean, attending college in Miami, and working as a newsroom editor during 9/11, among other topics.
Netflix is the home of Buteau’s first hour-long comedy special, 2020’s “Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia.” She also hosts the streamer’s hit reality series “The Circle.” She’s appeared in Netflix projects such as “Always Be My Maybe” and “Tales of the City,” and narrates its upcoming docuseries “The Principles of Pleasure,” and is set to host the second season of “Barbecue Showdown.”
“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.”
Tracey Pakosta, Head of Comedy at Netflix, added, “Michelle Buteau is many things: a brilliant writer, a gifted stand-up comedian, and an empowering performer. 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.”