Michelle Buteau Embraces Collaboration Over Competition in Comedy Michelle Buteau’s journey into comedy began unexpectedly, fueled by encouragement from coworkers at her TV news editing job. Initially hesitant, she was convinced to try standup, a decision that would redefine her career. “The minute I grabbed that mic, it was like, Oh, this is what I want to do when I grow up,” she recalls, describing the moment she discovered her passion. This revelation led her to not only pursue comedy but also become a vocal advocate for women in the industry, challenging the notion that female comedians must compete against one another. Buteau’s advocacy stems from her early experiences in the comedy scene, where she observed a recurring dynamic: male hosts often framed female comedians as a “difference of opinion,” positioning them as novelty rather than equals. “Every time there was a female comedian, it’d always be a male host being like, ‘Alright, everyone, we’re gonna switch it up, get a difference of opinion,’” she explains, reflecting on the dismissive attitudes she encountered. These experiences shaped her belief that women in comedy should unite rather than pit themselves against each other, a philosophy she has carried into her work. This ethos is central to her Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, a show based on her 2020 book of the same name. The third and final season premieres on July 2, marking the culmination of her creative vision. As co-creator and star, Buteau aims to create a space where diverse voices—particularly those of women and marginalized communities—are celebrated. The series, she hopes, will inspire viewers to embrace self-empowerment while finding joy in humor.#comedy_series #netflix #michelle_buteau #survival_of_the_thickest #women_in_comedy
