According to ComicBook, Netflix has given Survival of the Thickest a second season. Michelle Buteau’s (The First Wives Club, Always Be My Maybe) comedy series, based on her book of the same name, was able to generate strong following despite being released during the writers and actors strike last year.
The series appeared in Netflix’s Top 10 most watched series list for three weeks at the time of its release last July.
After the news of the renewal broke, Buteau made an appearance on TODAY with Hoda and Jenna to talk about her excitement for the new season.
“You guys, I’m getting a season two of Survival of the Thickest,” Buteau said. “Oh, I’m so excited yes.”
“Oh my goodness, I was in the middle of a pile of laundry, so I was really trying to match socks for five-year-olds,” she said. “So, the feeling was very confusing. But, also, it was just a very calm overwhelming feeling of joy. But, I didn’t jump up and down. I was just like, ‘Yes. I did it. This is what I’ve been working towards.’
The series was created after Netflix bought the rights to a collection of Buteau’s essays with the intent of creating long form content of her written works. Among the original essays that were purchased was the rough draft of Survival of the Thickest.
Buteau said one of the stipulations in selling the rights to her works was that she wanted to have creative control of the series/films.
According to ComicBook, in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Buteau explained why it was necessary for her to have involvement in the series.
“There’s so many things that I wanted to tackle, [such as] Black women supporting each other. Oftentimes, especially in comedy, I know that I’ve experienced [this notion] that there’s only one spot for us at the table, and that’s not what it should be,” Buteau said. “And what’s that saying? “If you don’t have a seat at the table, make your own table.” B****, I got a table and a buffet, so let’s go.”