OVERCOMPENSATING

Overcompensating is a hilarious and truly heartfelt series that breathes life back into the college comedy all thanks to the amazing talents of writer, creator and leading man Benito Skinner who proves himself a true star in every sense of the word.

Comedies about college have a reputation for being raunchy and sometimes straight up crude thanks to films like Animal House, Van Wilder, American Pie 2 and Everybody Wants Some!! While these titles have not shied away from having some element of heart to them, they were created to garner laughter from audiences and reflect on the good old days, even if the stories being told in them are how young people operate in society today… or at least most young people. While it has elements that callback to these memorable college comedies, the latest A24 television series created by comedian and actor Benito Skinner is a more profound, self-reflective character piece situated within the outrageous world of college relationships, fraternities and journeys of self-discovery. Unfolding over the course of eight episodes, get ready for all the laughter and feels as Skinner and his great ensemble cast bring to life one of the most honest, delightful and enjoyable new comedies that you won’t be able to stop watching.

Finding one’s self is no easy task, especially when one cannot be truly honest to their friends and family as to their true self. Never mind the challenging landscape of college, dating and fraternities, which only amplifies a young person’s dilemmas. And this is the situation that viewers meet Benny in, a young man off to his first year of college trying to fit in while hiding his big secret: that he is gay. As the title suggests, Benny overcompensates to protect his truth, throwing himself into the world of fraternities under his sister’s boyfriend Peter, while spreading rumours of his sexual conquests, trying desperately to fit in and not be singled out as the “gay guy.” His internal struggle with his truth is visualized through nightmares and Benny talking to his poster of Megan Fox on his dorm room wall, as viewers go on this journey with Benny as he begins to navigate the gay world and becomes more comfortable with who he truly is. There is never a shortage of laughter in each episode, with some of the season’s highlights being the hilarious awkward handshake hug between Benny and Peter, and Carmen’s drinking game expertise, ensuring that the comedy is never not at the series’ forefront.

Even though it's a comedy, the emotion and character development is never for a second lost and the most memorable aspect of the series. The entire season is told with a heartfelt honesty, as creator, writer and lead star Skinner uses his own life as inspiration for the story, creating multidimensional characters full of flaws and admirable qualities. Skinner’s writing captures the complicated relationships of college, first romances, the casual dating scene, and the secrets we all hide and lies we tell to fit in, extending this beyond Benny to each of the main characters. It adds to the drama unfolding on screen, helping to keep viewers engaged in the story, but also gives opportunities for each character to grow and have a well developed arc over the course of the season. This all builds to the explosive final scene of the season finale, which will have fans eager for a second season renewal to see what happens next for Benny, his friend Carmen and his sister Grace after that shocking cliffhanger.

With the series being inspired by his own life, it should be no surprise to viewers that Skinner is the standout of the series. From the second you meet Benny in the premiere episode, Skinner immediately captures Benny’s warmth and compassion, making for one central character that you cannot help but to instantly fall in love with. When it comes to his comedic moments, Skinner is killer as he has Benny interacting with the frat culture on campus, playing up a macho persona that could not be more true to himself. But beneath the happy-go-lucky exterior that Benny is creating to try and fit in, Skinner creates a longing within Benny as Benny struggles with sharing his sexuality with his family, friends and the world. With an aching vulnerability and fearlessness as he not only shares Benny’s insecurities with audiences, but that of his own, Skinner transcends the comedic talent he is known for and proves himself the next breakout actor. His performances infuses the entire series with a reflective nature that strikes all the emotional notes that Skinner wants to convey to the audience, allowing Skinner’s portrayal to become the beating heart of the series. Needless to say, Skinner is the real deal and a true threat both in front of and behind the camera and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him in the business.

Even with Skinner firing on all cylinders, the series would not work without its excellent supporting cast. Wally Baram is wonderful as Carmen. Benny’s best friend at university. Her playful on screen chemistry with Skinner is infectious, bringing to life this instant friendship, while also bringing compassion to Carmen as she works through Carmen’s own secrets and challenging situations she finds herself in. Mary Beth Barone is great as Benny’s sister Grace, balancing the off putting persona that Grace creates to become the woman her boyfriend wants her to be, while also providing moments of vulnerability as she re-assesses the choices she has made at college to fit in. Never for a second not nailing his toxic frat boy energy is Adam DiMarco, creating one character that you can’t help but be simultaneously repulsed by and feel terribly sorry for as this young man trying so hard to be something that he will never become. There is no shortage of bigger names having scene stealing moments, such as Megan Fox as herself, Connie Britton and Kyle MacLachlan as Benny’s parents, James Van der Beek, Andrea Martin, Lukas Gage, Bowen Yang, and Charlie XCX as herself, while relative newcomers Rish Shah, Kaia Gerber, Nell Verlaque, and Holmes round out the ensemble cast with memorable supporting turns, creating one excellent cast for the series.

Bringing an undeniable heart and honesty to the college comedy genre, Benito Skinner has created one of the best new original comedies series of the year so far. Bursting with heart, sincerity, honesty and outrageously funny moments, Overcompensating takes audiences back to the wild days of college parties and first relationships, and the mess that follows in its path due to everyone’s secrets and trying to be someone you are not as they navigate their first foray into adulthood. Led by a glorious lead performance from Benito Skinner that allows his charm, wicked comedic chops and vulnerability create the beating heart of the series, Overcompensating stands out as one of the best new series of the year thanks wonderful ensemble cast and its insightful writing that honestly captures its nuanced characters and emotional themes of accepting one’s self as they truly are.