'Survival of the Thickest': Michelle Buteau Says Season 2 Is "Bigger, Better, Blacker" (EXCLUSIVE)
“This is the world that I see that is very diverse with all different types of people and body types and opinions," Michelle said.
May 8 2024, Published 7:29 a.m. ET
In a world of snacks, Michelle Buteau is soul food. The stand-up comedian-turned-executive producer is behind one of the most inclusive sitcoms to have ever graced the small screen, and after months of anticipation, thickness is served.
In early 2024, Netflix announced that Michelle’s Survival of the Thickest was renewed, which means viewers won’t have to wait long before the series returns.
During an exclusive interview with Distractify, the Circle host spilled the tea on what viewers can expect in Season 2. Here’s what she said!
Michelle Buteau promises that Season 2 of ‘Survival of the Thickest’ is “bigger, better, Blacker than before.”
Gone are the days when the leading lady was a damsel in distress. Mavis Beaumont trumps that trope with style and grace.
When asked about the conversations happening in the writer’s room, Michelle didn’t “want to give away too much” but teased that Season 2 will be “bigger, better, [and] Blacker than before.”
“This is my version of Brooklyn and New York,” she said of the characters and stories that viewers can expect to see in the encore season. “This is the world that I see that is very diverse with all different types of people and body types and opinions.”
She added: “And the great thing that we can do is all come together in the name of love.”
Mavis saw true growth in Season 1 of Survival of the Thickest, but according to Michelle, her character’s journey of self-discovery is far from over.
“A lot of times, we're supposed to think that we stopped growing like at 30-35 [years old],” Michelle said.
“We're like, we haven't figured out, and we're supposed to have all this money by the time we're 50 and retire at 65 — that's not it.” the actress added. “We can still learn about ourselves in life. You know, we are complex; we are nuanced.”
Although Mavis is one of a kind — her story is not unique. There are plenty of 30-, 40-, and 50-year-olds who are still figuring out. During her interview with Distractify, Michelle offered a piece of advice to aspiring creatives.
Michelle had a word for aspiring creatives: “You’re never too old to create.”
Michelle champions creative exploration both on and off-screen, and her partnership with Miss Vickie’s is a testament to her commitment.
The potato chip brand tapped Michelle to be a judge for their “Stroke of Goodness” contest, which challenged artists to submit for the chance for their artwork to be featured on a billboard in a major U.S. city.
“This contest is not just for young people, it's for people of all ages. Like, take pen to paper — you're never too old to create,” she said. “I think we get caught up in like, ‘This is how my face should look,’ ‘I should work out in this routine.’”
“You could just do something fun and creative and be inspired in different ways. And I think you'd be better off for it,” Michelle went on.
Winners of Miss Vickie’s “Stroke of Goodness” contest will be announced on Thursday, May 9. Click here to learn more!