The New Adults: How Survival of the Thickest Puts Consumption in a Different Light

Recently, I’ve found myself binge-watching a show that had been on my list for a while.

Survival of the Thickest, starring comedian Michelle Buteau, debuted on Netflix in 2023. The show follows Buteau as Mavis Beaumont, an aspiring stylist trying to find love, build a career, and, ultimately, find happiness on her own terms. 

The show is pretty funny in a lot of ways. Aside from Mavis, her supporting cast, including Tone Bell as Khalil and corporate badass Tasha Smith as Marley, adds plenty of flavor to the series. Smith also steps behind the camera to direct several episodes.

Fans have praised the show for its inclusiveness and body-positive messaging. Survival of the Thickest centers a plus-size Black woman while also creating space for Black, queer, and other characters who aren’t always given this much room on television. That inclusiveness is baked into the DNA of the series. 

However, what stands out most to me, of course, is how cannabis is used throughout the show.

The show depicts cannabis without making it a big deal.

Nobody needs to announce that they smoke weed. Nobody has to become the stereotypical “stoner character.” Cannabis is simply there, existing alongside conversations about careers, relationships, sex, family, and figuring out what the hell you’re doing with your life.

In that way, Survival of the Thickest also showcases the new adults. There’s less wine pouring and bar hopping and more vape pens and joints being passed.

And honestly, that feels a lot closer to how many adults live today.

Moments like the crew puffing on a pen before a run, Khalil offering his therapist a joint after getting some good advice, or the group coming together over a blunt at Afropunk while trying to solve a problem all show how naturally cannabis fits into their lives.

And that’s what makes the cannabis moments in Survival of the Thickest worth talking about. The plant isn’t necessarily driving the plot. Instead, it’s treated as something normal.

After three seasons, Survival of the Thickest recently came to an end. The third and final season premiered this summer, bringing Mavis’ story full circle. 

If you haven’t watched it yet, consider this your sign.