2022: TV's Year of Fatties?
Every January, Americans are bombarded with advertisements for diets, workout plans, gyms, "health" and "wellness", so it's a pleasant surprise to notice that this year audiences are getting an unexpected number of shows with plus size actors in mainstream roles.
Even more astonishing, quite a few are premiering in the first couple months of the year! Check out a bunch we're excited about:
Astrid & Lilly Save the World - January 26th on SYFY
Plot: "High school is hard enough when you’re different, but when outcast BFFs Astrid (Jana Morrison) and Lilly (Samantha Aucoin) accidentally crack open a portal to a terrifyingly quirky monster dimension, it gets a lot more complicated. It’s up to them to vanquish the creepy creatures and save the world, becoming the badass heroes they were meant to be. That is, if they can survive the horrors of high school."
Where's the Fatty?
Both titular characters, Astrid AND Lilly, are played by plus size actresses. The last time I remember this many fatties leading a teen-focused series was 2010's Huge. Already being compared to Buffy, this series is groundbreaking for sci-fi and fantasy lovers, like myself.
Watch the trailer for Astrid & Lilly Save the World here.
Single Black Female - February 5th on Lifetime
Plot: Reeling from the death of her beloved father and a difficult breakup, Monica (Raven Goodwin), is ready to move forward with her life as she tries to land the new hosting job for an afternoon talk show. When she hires a new assistant, Simone (Amber Riley), the two quickly become close friends as Simone moves in next door and completely immerses herself in Monica’s life. But underneath her sweet exterior, Simone harbors a dark secret and as time goes on cracks in her façade begin to appear. Monica decides to sever ties once and for all with Simone, but Simone has other plans and is determined to take over Monica’s life for good.
Where's the Fatty?
Another twofer! Goodwin and Riley are experienced actresses and, assuming this is a variation of the 90s classic starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, it's impressive to see this type of story explored with two incredibly talented, plus size Black women.
The trailer for Single Black Female has not yet been released.
Single Drunk Female - January 20th on Freeform
Plot: After a public flame-out at a New York media company, 20-something alcoholic Samantha Fink (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is forced to seize the only chance she has to sober up and avoid jail time: moving back home with her overbearing mother, Carol (Ally Sheedy). Confronted with remnants of her old life, including run-ins with her perfect former best friend, who is now dating her ex, Samantha sets out on a path to move past her worst self and figure out her best self. Kinda.
Where's the Fatty?
Unlike the other two projects listed, the titular character isn't plus sized, nor is her mother. To no one's surprise, her loud and outspoken best friend is, played to perfection by Lily Mae Harrington. But she's not alone. The entire cast is intentionally packed with body diversity, including Trans and Disabled actors, as well as the recurring character of Gail, Sam's parole officer ,played by Madison Shepard.
Watch the trailer for Single Drunk Female here
Honorable mention to the Peacemaker series, which premieres January 14th and has Danielle Brooks in a supporting role.
Which of these are YOU most looking forward to? Are there other plus-led projects coming out in 2022 that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.