Michelle Buteau’s upcoming Netflix series is still taking shape. Tasha Smith and Tone Bell have joined the cast of the scripted comedy series, according to the streaming giant.
Buteau’s new series, “Survival of the Thickest,” was inspired by her popular book of essays, “Survival of the Thickest,” and received an eight-episode order from Netflix earlier this year. Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel created the show, and Buteau stars as Mavis Beaumont, a black, plus-size woman who is newly single and “unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist,” according to Netflix’s official description. “With the help of her chosen family, a body-positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss, she’s determined to not only survive but thrive.”
Smith and Bell are new characters in Beaumont’s world. Smith plays Marley, a self-made millionaire in her fifties who lives in New York City. She is said to always have “a fresh luxury manicure and the best day and night serums money can buy,” and she is expected to bring a “warm big-sister vibe” to Beaumont. Smith has appeared as Carol Hardaway in “Empire,” Tyler Perry’s “For Better or For Worse,” and other shows.
Khalil, Beaumont’s best friend since high school, is played by Bell (“Little,” “The Flash”). As a “creative and talented artist,” he begins to wonder “what really matters and if life is worth complicating for the right person.” In addition to the casting announcements, Netflix announced Linda Mendoza (“Never Have I Ever,” “30 Rock,” “Girls5Eva”) as the first two episodes’ director.
Buteau, as previously reported by theGrio, issued a statement about the series and her partnership with Netflix when it was announced. “It’s been so incredible to find a home with Netflix.” To say I’m excited to keep working with them is an understatement. I’m both over the moon and under it! “Danielle has been an incredible collaborator, and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on,” she said. A24 and Anne Hong of Mosaic executive produce, with Sanchez-Witzel serving as showrunner.