Michelle Buteau is back in full force as Mavis Beaumont, the unapologetic, plus-size stylist with a sharp wit and an even sharper wardrobe. Survival of the Thickest Season 2 officially dropped on Netflix on March 27, 2025, continuing the vibrant mix of humor, heart, and haute couture that made the first season a breakout success.
Building on its celebrated debut, the second season dives deeper into Mavis’s world as she reclaims her power — professionally, emotionally, and romantically — all while strutting through life in heels and bold prints.
Season 2 doesn’t just pick up where things left off — it elevates the story. With production beginning in June 2024 and filming taking place across both New York and Italy, the new season kicks off with a trip to Rome that sets the stage for a more worldly, emotionally complex narrative. Mavis’s attempt to reignite a romance abroad quickly turns into a personal reckoning, pushing her to grow in ways she didn’t expect.
The eight-episode season sees returning favorites like Tone Bell and Tasha Smith (now a series regular), alongside new guest stars including Anderson .Paak, Deon Cole, and Peppermint. It’s a “very sexy season,” as teased by Buteau herself — one filled with romantic twists, career reinvention, and continued exploration of body positivity, friendship, and queer joy. With rave early reviews and a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Survival of the Thickest is proving once again that Mavis’s story isn’t just stylish — it’s essential.
Episode Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of Season 2 by episode:
| Episode | Title | Release Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 E1 | When in Rome, B….! | Mar 27, 2025 | A lovestruck Mavis is swept off her feet in a sexy Roman rendezvous. However, unresolved decisions from the past may complicate her future with Luca. |
| S2 E2 | Dreams Do Come True at Afropunk, B….. | Mar 27, 2025 | At the Afropunk festival, Mavis seizes the opportunity to elevate a celebrity’s style, while Marley catches the eye of a charismatic councilwoman. |
| S2 E3 | You Can Heaux Your Own Way, B….. | Mar 27, 2025 | Feeling frisky, Mavis expands her dating pool; Khalil works up the courage to seek guidance; Marley’s competitive streak surfaces during a date. |
| S2 E4 | Mind Ya Business, B….! | Mar 27, 2025 | Having outgrown her workspace, Mavis makes a risky change. Khalil’s irresponsible mother lands him in a tight spot – until a lucrative way out appears. |
| S2 E5 | A Change Gon’ Come, B….? | Mar 27, 2025 | An anxious supermodel inspires Mavis to prove that sexiness has no expiration date; Marley copes with a rare emotion, vulnerability. |
| S2 E6 | The Category Is Love, B….. | Mar 27, 2025 | Mavis juggles one man too many at Peppermint’s wedding; Khalil’s artistic block threatens to derail everything he’s worked for. |
| S2 E7 | You Best Come Correct, B….. | Mar 27, 2025 | A shipment of ill-fitting dresses puts Mavis in conflict with an arrogant designer at the forefront of a movement for “oddie bodies” everywhere. |
| S2 E8 | It’s Not a Mo’Ment, It’s a Movement, B….! | Mar 27, 2025 | After stirring up controversy on a popular podcast, Mavis proposes an unlikely collaboration that could revolutionize plus size fashion. |
Key Takeaways
- Season 2 premiered on Netflix March 27, 2025, with eight new episodes.
- The season expands internationally with scenes filmed in Italy, including Rome and the Amalfi Coast.
- Guest stars this season include Anderson .Paak, Deon Cole, Sandra Bernhard, Tika Sumpter, and Peppermint.
- The series continues to center body positivity, queer joy, and the challenges of reinventing yourself after heartbreak.
What’s New in Season 2
In Season 2, Mavis Beaumont takes her career up a notch. She’s hustling to build her own stylist brand while dealing with the emotional aftershocks of love lost and paths not taken. Her brief time in Italy rekindles old flames, especially with Luca (Marouane Zotti), but unexpected turns send her racing back to New York, where real growth happens — in chaotic apartments, in late-night fashion emergencies, and on uncomfortable therapy couches.
One standout moment in the season includes a beautifully shot wedding episode featuring Peppermint, a Black trans woman marrying her high school sweetheart — a moment that has drawn praise for its nuanced and joyful representation of trans love.
Cast & Character Updates
Michelle Buteau returns in peak form as Mavis Beaumont — funny, flawed, and more ambitious than ever. Alongside her, fan favorites Tone Bell (Khalil), Tasha Smith (Marley), and Monét X Change (Natasha) return with sharper dialogue and deeper storylines.
- Marouane Zotti reprises his role as Luca, whose on-again, off-again romance with Mavis gets even more complicated in Rome.
- Jerrie Johnson joins the cast as a savvy fashion insider who may be a mentor… or a rival.
- Deon Cole plays a charismatic entrepreneur who offers Mavis a chance to elevate her brand — but not without strings.
- Anderson .Paak not only contributes to the soundtrack but appears briefly in a music-themed subplot.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Team
The second season is again helmed by co-creators Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, with contributions from writers like Amy Aniobi (*Insecure*) who help ground the comedy in lived experience. The directing team includes returning talent Thembi Banks and newcomer Kim Nguyen, both of whom bring a strong sense of visual storytelling, particularly in the vibrant Italian sequences.
Season 2 was shot on location in New York and Italy, with real Roman streets and Amalfi vistas featured in early episodes. The soundtrack — curated by Taylor Parks — adds fresh flavor, with Anderson .Paak contributing original compositions that reflect Mavis’s emotional arc.
Fashion Continues to Speak Volumes
As ever, *Survival of the Thickest* uses fashion as a language. Season 2 builds on the visual confidence of the first, with costume designers collaborating with plus-size designers to ensure the representation remains grounded in authenticity and aspiration. Mavis’s wardrobe evolution reflects her emotional growth, blending vibrant colors, luxe textures, and Italian influences — think bold silhouettes in Rome and cozy, layered Brooklyn vibes back home.
Season 2 Reception
Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the show’s deeper emotional range, expanded cultural lens, and unshakable sense of fun. Season 2 currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics, who highlight the show’s refreshing approach to storytelling that centers Black joy, queer love, and real-world ambition without the typical clichés.
Fans on social media have also embraced the new season, with hashtags like #ThickestSeason2 and #TeamMavis trending after the premiere. TikToks recreating Mavis’s Italian strut and Instagram reels showcasing her outfits are adding to the online celebration.
Is Season 3 Happening?
Netflix has not yet confirmed a Season 3. However, given the show’s strong critical response and growing fanbase, many expect a renewal announcement within the coming months. The Season 2 finale leaves just enough open threads — professionally and romantically — to warrant a continuation.
Where to Watch
All eight episodes of *Survival of the Thickest* Season 2 are now streaming exclusively on Netflix. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the love stories, or the head-turning fashion moments, Mavis Beaumont’s journey remains one of the most empowering and stylish rides on TV in 2025.
