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!”
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.”