Overcompensating, an exciting new TV series centred around a closeted former football player trying to survive university in America, should be top of your watchlist right now. And not just because Charli XCX produced the music.
Comedian and actor Benito Skinner will star, and also wrote the script – which is more than a little autobiographical. “I am so honoured and excited to be partnering with Prime Video, A24, and Strong Baby [Jonah Hill's production company] to bring you Overcompensating,” he has said. “I wrote this pilot four years ago in an attempt to make people laugh, feel a little less alone, and maybe to work through some residual college trauma.
"Since then, the project has found the perfect partners and we are all so excited for people to see this show we love so much. I also want to thank Charli XCX for not being freaked out when I asked her if she would do the music before even introducing myself. Highly recommend! Mom and Dad… I’m going back to college!”
It's important to understand.
Skinner has previously opened up to Deadline about the moment he asked Charli XCX to be a part of his project. “I had had two margaritas, trashed,” he said. “I told my boyfriend: ‘That’s Charli XCX. I want her to do the music for my show.’ He was like, ‘Feels kinda bold for a party, but go for it, live your life.’
“I think it’s why she’s a true visionary and an artist,” Skinner added. “This kid comes up to her and is like, ‘I love you, will you do the music for my show?’ She was like, ‘Send me the script, babe.” I sent her the script, and she signed on to do the music on a Monday. She hired my boyfriend to work with her on a Tuesday. She doesn’t play games.”
“The moment we heard this story from Benny, we knew it was an irresistible, bold story that would captivate and inspire our global Prime Video customers,” said Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly owned development, Amazon MGM Studios. “We look forward to Benito’s laugh-out-loud series coming to life with original music from Charli XCX and all the talented teams involved at A24 and Strong Baby who consistently deliver beautifully executed storytelling.”
Here's everything else we know about Overcompensating.
Overcompensating plot
The plot synopsis for the series reads as follows: “Overcompensating is a college-set ensemble comedy about the wild, chaotic journey of Benny (Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen (Wally Baram), a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs.
“With guidance from Benny’s older sister (Mary Beth Barone) and her campus-legend boyfriend (Adam DiMarco), Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, flavoured vodka, and fake IDs. Deeply funny and personal, the show explores the lengths to which we all overcompensate while on the path to finding out who we really are.”
Skinner has also opened up about a key inspiration for the story: “I think it is that core relationship between gay men and women that really inspired me,” he said. “It can be funny, but I feel like it really saved my life and changed my life.”
It is very much inspired by his university experience – the highs and the lows. “The tapestry of college made it so easy to be like, ‘We’re at a party, this is sick, I’m having the best time of my life, I’m in love,’” Skinner said. “Then you’re completely heartbroken in your dorm room, eating ramen and crying. That feels like college to me — the highs of the drug and the comedown.”
Overcompensating cast
Joining Skinner, Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone and Adam DiMarco will be Rish Shah, Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, Kaia Gerber, Nell Verlaque and Owen Thiele.
Overcompensating release date
The series will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on 15 May.
Overcompensating trailer
Watch the trailer below and delight in Charli XCX's appearance where she refuses to play Boom Clap at a university party. Genius.
