Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest is a fun and heartwarming comedy with a positive message about body image and being comfortable in your own skin. Check out the details in my parents guide review.
Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest released on the streaming service on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The show stars comedian Michelle Buteau (Mavis Beaumont), Tasha Smith (Marley), Tone Bell (Khalil), Garcelle Beauvais (Natasha), Anissa Felix (India), Michelle Visage (Avery), and Marouane Zotti (Luca). Check out the details in my parents guide review.
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Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest Quotes
Survival of the Thickest Parents Guide
Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single (not by her choice!), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss. The scripted comedy is based on Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays.
Survival of the Thickest Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what parents need to know about the age rating of the movie before letting their younger children watch Survival of the Thickest.
Language: Survival of the Thickest contains strong language, with profanity used throughout. Lookout words include: f*ck, sh*t, b*tch, d*ck, c*nt, p*&&y, wh*re, ho, a**, c*ck, d*mn, dildo, t*tties, and the N word.
Mature Content: Other than the strong language in the film, the other big thing that parents need to be aware of is the sex and drug content. Characters are shown engaging in the act of sex, which shows scenes of characters in the act, thrusting, riding each other, and even one scene where a character is shown giving a blowjob. While there are multiple sexual scenes, there is rarely nudity shown; rather, characters are shown in their underwear or nude under blankets and sheets. There is also a scene in which a character holds a dildo before placing it in a casket. Characters are also shown drinking alcohol and engaging in drug use, particularly smoking weed, and there is an entire episode where a character is high on cannabis.
Age Rating of Survival of the thickest: Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest has a TV-16 rating, which has not been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America (Motion Picture Association rating), but lookout for strong language, drug content, and sex content, and the parental guidelines advisory recommends it for mature audiences, an adult audience, young adults, teens, and older kids aged 16 and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or a legal guardian (adult guardian) is highly suggested for a younger audience (young viewers) under 16 years of age in this TV-16-rated movie for adult material. The minimum age recommendation is 16 years old; it is not suitable for younger viewers.
Overall Thoughts
Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest is a new comedy series created by and starring Michelle Buteau. The show follows Mavis, a plus-size stylist who is trying to make it in New York City. Mavis is confident and funny, but she also has her fair share of insecurities. She is constantly trying to prove herself to her boss, Jacque, who is a thin, white woman. Mavis also has to deal with the challenges of dating in New York City, where she often feels like she is not seen as desirable.
The show is full of body-positive messages, and Mavis is a great role model for young women who are struggling with their body image. The show regularly discusses larger, plus-size women shining in the light rather than hiding or covering themselves. There is a powerful monologue given by Mavis in the show that goes as such: “Plus-size women are always being told to shrink. Literally, everyone is telling us to lose weight, be smaller, but the birds-of-paradise flowers, they bloom when there’s enough light, and so I just really wanted to take beautiful kings and queens and nonbinary royalty and just showcase them in beautiful bright, bold colors in the light because they haven’t let the world shame them into shrinking“
While Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest has its powerful moments pertaining to body image, it is best when the comedy shines through. Buteau is a hilarious actress, and she brings Mavis to life with her wit and charm. The show works due to the comedic timing, hilarious one-liners, and overall chemistry of Buteau with the rest of the cast, which is also great and gives the show a lot of heart.
While Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest is an enjoyable watch with lots of laughs, it is not without its flaws. The plot is a bit predictable, and the show can be a bit preachy at times. Yes, body positivity is the theme of the series, but at times it feels forced down the viewers throats, which is fine but out of place in some sequences. Additionally, the show’s eight-episode run feels a bit too short. Some viewers will appreciate the quick binge, but as the season comes to a close and the cliffhanger-type ending unfolds, many will be begging for more.
Overall, Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest is a fun and heartwarming comedy with a positive message. It is a great show for anyone who is looking for a laugh and a reminder that you should love yourself for who you are.
