Tasha Smith and Tone Bell Join Netflix Comedy Series ‘Survival of the Thickest’

Tasha Smith and Tone Bell have signed on for roles in Michelle Buteau’s upcoming Netflix comedy series, Survival of The Thickest, the streamer announced.

The series is based on Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays, and the comedian and actress will lead the cast as Mavis Beaumont.

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Bell previously starred in Netflix’s original series Disjointed, the comedy film The Weekend, and Truth Be Told.

In Survival of The Thickest, he’ll play Khalil, Mavis’ best friend and first phone call since high school. He’s a creative and talented artist who always prided himself on making life choices that keep things simple, affordable, and uncomplicated. But now in his late 30s, he starts to question what really matters and if life is worth complicating for the right person.

Smith was recently tapped to star in an untitled Lee Daniels Netflix horror movie, and she had a role in Fox’s Empire.

She’ll play Marley in the series,  an early 50s self-made millionaire. She’s a woman of NYC status who always has a fresh luxury manicure and the best day and night serums money can buy.

Here’s the official description of the show: Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single (not by her choice), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body-positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss.

Linda Mendoza, who most recently wrapped as executive producer and director of Harlem, and directed episodes of Never Have I Ever, 30 Rock, and Girs5Eva will direct the first two episodes of Survival of the Thickest.

The eight-episode series was created by Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and will be executive produced by A24 and Anne Hong from Mosaic. Sanchez-Witzel is also the showrunner for the series.