Amazon Prime Video’s latest comedy-drama, Overcompensating, has quickly become a standout hit of 2025. Created by and starring Benito Skinner, the series offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.
A Semi-Autobiographical Journey
Overcompensating follows Benny (Benito Skinner), a closeted former high school football star and valedictorian from Idaho, as he embarks on his freshman year at the fictional Yates University. Struggling to fit into the college’s hyper-masculine culture, Benny befriends Carmen (Wally Baram), an outsider determined to reinvent herself. Together, they navigate the challenges of college life, from awkward hookups to secret societies, all while confronting their own identities.
The series draws heavily from Skinner’s own experiences, capturing the highs and lows of his college years. As he described, college was a time of intense emotions: “We’re at a party, this is sick, I’m having the best time of my life, I’m in love,” followed by moments of solitude and reflection.
Meet the Cast
- Benito Skinner (Benny): Known online as “Benny Drama,” Skinner gained fame through his comedic sketches and celebrity impressions on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Overcompensating marks his transition from internet personality to television creator and actor.
- Wally Baram (Carmen): A stand-up comedian and writer, Baram brings depth to the role of Carmen. Her background includes writing for shows like What We Do in the Shadows and Shrinking. Initially hired as a writer for Overcompensating, Baram auditioned for and secured the role of Carmen, drawing from personal experiences to portray the character’s grief and determination.
- Mary Beth Barone (Grace): Playing Benny’s older sister, Grace, Barone is a comedian and co-hosted the podcast Obsessed with Skinner. Her character provides guidance and support to Benny as he navigates college life.
- Adam DiMarco (Peter): Portraying Grace’s boyfriend, Peter, DiMarco is known for his roles in The White Lotus and The Order. In Overcompensating, he embodies the quintessential college jock, representing the hyper-masculine culture Benny grapples with.
- Rish Shah (Miles): As Miles, Shah plays a fellow student who becomes a point of romantic interest for Benny. Shah’s previous work includes roles in Ms. Marvel and To All the Boys: Always and Forever.
- Holmes (Hailee): Stealing scenes as Hailee, Holmes delivers a standout performance as a flamboyant freshman. Initially appearing as a caricature, Hailee evolves into a complex and loyal friend, earning acclaim as one of the funniest characters on television.
Behind the Scenes
The series boasts an impressive production team, including executive producers Jonah Hill and Charli XCX. Charli XCX also serves as the show’s executive music producer, curating a soundtrack that features hits from Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Lorde. The music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and enhancing the storytelling.
Filming took place in Toronto, with the University of Toronto standing in for Yates University. The series was produced by A24, known for its distinctive and critically acclaimed projects.
Reception and Buzz
Overcompensating has been met with critical acclaim, earning a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praise its blend of humor and emotional depth, with The Hollywood Reporter noting it as a confident and funny debut for Skinner.
Fans have particularly resonated with the show’s authentic portrayal of queer experiences and the complexities of self-discovery during college years. The character of Hailee has become a fan favorite, with calls for Emmy recognition for Holmes’ performance.
Looking Ahead
While Amazon has not officially announced a second season, the show’s popularity and cliffhanger finale suggest a strong possibility for continuation. Skinner and co-star DiMarco have expressed enthusiasm for exploring the characters’ journeys further.
All eight episodes of Overcompensating are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. With its unique blend of comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and cultural relevance, the series stands out as a must-watch in 2025.
