“Survival of the Thickest: A Critique of the Too Short New Netflix Comedy”

Review: Michelle Buteau’s Netflix Comedy ‘Survival of the Thickest’ Is Too Little of a Good Thing

The Problem with Compressed Sitcoms

One of the great ironies of the streaming age is that many platforms, which initially gained popularity through sitcoms with extensive episode catalogs, have now shifted to producing abbreviated, compressed sitcoms of their own. Shows like “Friends,” “The Office,” and “Seinfeld” have served as a bridge between the previous era of television and the current one, demonstrating the enduring popularity of shows that have room to develop their characters and storylines over a 22-episode season.

Unfortunately, streamers like Netflix prefer to invest in a wider variety of shows, often compressing full seasons into just a handful of episodes. This approach, while allowing for greater diversity in content, often does a disservice to otherwise promising series.

A Missed Opportunity

Michelle Buteau’s Netflix comedy, “Survival of the Thickest,” is a prime example of how this compressed format can hinder a show’s potential. Buteau, known for her role as the host of reality competition “The Circle,” steps in front of the camera in this series, playing the central character of Mavis Beaumont, a fashion stylist with dreams of dressing women with larger bodies to help them feel confident.

However, with just eight episodes, “Survival of the Thickest” is overcrowded with subplots and themes, leaving little room for the most effective form of star-making: spending time with charismatic characters in amusing, low-stakes situations. Co-created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, the show attempts to delve into Mavis’ personal and professional self-discovery, a love triangle, her background as a child of Caribbean immigrants, and the arcs of her friends. The result is a rushed and abrupt narrative that fails to fully explore these storylines.

The Potential of the Cast

Despite the limitations of the show’s format, the cast of “Survival of the Thickest” shines through. Buteau, along with Tone Bell and Tasha Smith, who play Mavis’ best friends, have great chemistry, creating the foundation for a hangout sitcom set in a particular slice of upwardly mobile Black New York. The potential for an updated riff on shows like “Living Single” is evident.

Serialization vs. Sitcom Structure

One of the challenges faced by “Survival of the Thickest” is its decision to include serialized elements in a sitcom format. While this choice allows the show to explore major shifts and develop ongoing storylines, it also limits the time available for character development and the exploration of relationships. Late-season developments, such as Mavis’ decision to start a family or her choice between two romantic prospects, feel rushed and underdeveloped.

Additionally, the show struggles to maintain the structural staples of a sitcom, such as developing relationships between supporting characters, as these moments are squeezed into a limited number of scenes. The compressed format of the series prevents it from having a slower burn, reducing the opportunity for viewers to enjoy the cast’s company and fully immerse themselves in the world of the show.

A Reflection of Changing Television Landscape

The shortcomings of “Survival of the Thickest” reflect the larger shift in the television landscape, where platforms like Netflix have moved away from traditional sitcom formats in favor of shorter, more diverse content. While this shift allows for experimentation and the exploration of contemporary themes, it also highlights the importance of balance between classic formats and engaging storytelling.

Other shows, such as “Abbott Elementary” on ABC, have demonstrated that it is possible to combine classic sitcom formats with contemporary themes, proving that viewers do not need to choose between the two. Similarly, “Survival of the Thickest” could have benefited from a more traditional approach, allowing the show to fully develop its characters and storylines.

Conclusion

In a time when the streaming landscape is filled with numerous options, “Survival of the Thickest” falls short of its potential. While the cast shines through with great chemistry and the show touches on important themes, the compressed format prevents it from fully delivering on its promise. As viewers, we must demand a balance between experimentation and the timeless appeal of classic sitcoms.