Although there’s nothing that really fits the bill when it comes to Michelle Buteau’s new rom-com series Survival Of The Thickest, we’ve tried to make a compilation of shows that may scratch that itch the show left behind. This show is witty, comedic, emotional, and inclusive, and even tackles serious issues in the perfect way, leaving no crumbs. It’s like watching a 30-something coming-of-age show about a plus-size black woman trying to make it big in the looming fashion industry. Michelle is especially charismatic, even as she plays a loud and often clumsy protagonist. It’s an endearing quality, unlike some similar leads who come across as obnoxious and living in a fairy tale. While Netflix alone brings us a smorgasbord of shows that fit this category of “period time” cravings with romance, fashion, and all things cozy, they’re usually hit or miss. So let’s quickly get into some of these hits and why they can be the perfect marathon watch with Survival Of The Thickest.
The Perfect Find (movie)
Netlfix’s recent, The Perfect Find, is a movie about a woman in her 40s who also happens to work in fashion and falls in love with a young man. There’s drama, there’s hiding, and there is a struggle, and Jenna seems very much like Mavis in the way that she’s looking to be someone different and cool in the fashion industry while also balancing her personal life perfectly at the age of 40. Not to forget, Jenna’s new self-love journey begins with heartbreak too. If you’re looking for a movie that gives you a similar feeling to Survival Of The Thickest but within an hour and a half, then without a doubt, this is the one for you. It’s fast-paced, has some humor, and even has a hint of the enemies-to-lovers trope that is always fun to watch. Added to all this, it’s got a dazzling cast and fashion too!
The S*x Lives Of College Girls (show)
When it comes to comedy and people of color, nobody can forget Mindy Kaling, and while everyone knows about Never Have I Ever, there’s a less PG version of her humor in The S*x Lives Of College Girls over on Prime. It’s possibly funnier, and we have a lot more stories to follow than one lead character. It’s inclusive in all aspects and has two full seasons to enjoy. It follows four roommates who happen to be as different as the moon and the sun but find a tight bond with each other after some time of living together. It’s cute and funny and makes you wish you could go back to college (hahaha, maybe not for everyone). Just like how a lot of Mavis’ problems are rooted in real life, it feels like everything the four girls go through is totally plausible or an experience one may have actually been through.
Four More Shots Please! (show)
This Hindi-language (Hindi + English) show follows the lives of four grown women from different walks of life. We see them develop their friendship, fight, find love, and much more over the course of three seasons. Although it loses its way a little in the third season, it’s still a fun show to enjoy with your gal pals. It’s a good representation of different kinds of women and all that they face in work, romance, and anything else. Even if some of the show may not make complete sense or feel like it goes a little bit overboard, all the actresses do an incredible job at grounding their characters and keeping it real. They have distinct personalities, which works really well for a show like this. It’s got everything you’re looking for in an adult rom-com-drama, so quickly go check it out.
Someone Great (movie)
This one stars Michelle Buteau in a small supporting role, so if you want to see more of her, this is a good opportunity. Someone Great stars Gina Rodriguez as the leading lady and LaKeith Stanfield as the man who broke her heart. Wow, it seems like a very common thread for women to decide to change up their lives after a break with a long-time partner. The cast of this movie is fantastic, and if for nothing else, that should be reason enough to see it. Again, it’s very rooted in reality and is a product of its time. A great romance of life and relationships—it’s a great movie! This one will make you laugh, cry, dance around, and scream out loud. The diverse nature of the narrative happens to be incredible, and that is why you should give this one a go.
Hairspray (movie)
This movie explores very similar themes to the show Survival Of The Thickest, but with 60s-tinted glasses on. It follows a “thick” girl who wants to be a singer on television screens across America. She’s an incredible performer, and thanks to the right opportunities, she’s able to do it. The movie is thought-provoking, adorable, and hilarious, too, with an array of superstars, including Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, John Travolta, Amanda Bynes, and the list goes on. But the highlight of the movie is definitely the lead actress, Nikki Blonsky. The movie is endearing, the music is phenomenal, and it’s just such a good time. If you’re not moving your feet to Welcome to the 60s, then you have a heart of stone for sure. Additionally, it’s really just a work of art when John Travolta plays a mom perfectly, with no qualms and the perfect blush.
Pitch Perfect (movie)
Admittedly the most different out of all the films and shows on this list and the most unlike Survival Of The Thickest, this movie only makes this list because of the love it dedicates to female friendships. Now while that’s not a running theme in Survival Of The Thickest, there is definitely a lot of upliftment and endearment in the friendships within the show. The humor is more slapstick, but it’s the music that makes it worth it. Additionally, the movie is a perfect representation of the era that it was made in and feels very similar socially to this show, hence we thought it was worth a mention.
We will definitely be looking back at these shows and movies to get over the big hole left behind by Survival Of The Thickest. Which one of these have you seen, and what do you think of them? Let us know in the comments what other shows or movies you would add to this list!
