Benito Skinner Stars in Prime’s ‘Overcompensating’ in New Comedy Series
Benito Skinner is set to make his debut as a lead actor in a new television series called "Overcompensating." The multi-talented actor and comedian recently shared insights about his upcoming Prime Video show during an appearance on the Therapuss podcast with Jake Shane.
Expressing his excitement, Skinner described the experience of working on the series as truly unbelievable. He emphasized how the opportunity allowed him to delve deep into his creative process, learn more about himself, and draw inspiration from collaborating with the cast.
"Overcompensating," created by Skinner, is a college-set ensemble comedy that follows the journey of Benny, portrayed by Skinner himself, a closeted former football player and homecoming king. The storyline unfolds as Benny forms a close bond with Carmen, a high school outsider determined to assimilate into the college scene at any cost. With the guidance of Benny’s older sister and her legendary boyfriend, the duo navigates a world of awkward hookups, flavored vodka, and fake IDs. The show explores themes of self-discovery and the lengths people go to in order to find their true identities.
Skinner revealed that the series draws inspiration from his personal experiences and emotions during his college years. He highlighted the creative process of developing characters based on ideas, feelings, and relationships rather than simply replicating himself. The show’s narrative is a blend of humor and introspection, reflecting on the concept of overcompensation in the quest for self-realization.
Reflecting on his own journey, Skinner shared insights into his struggles with perfectionism and the misconception that being "perfect" meant conforming to a heterosexual identity. He candidly discussed the challenges he faced while trying to maintain a facade of heterosexuality before ultimately embracing his true self.
In addition to Skinner and his podcast co-host Mary Beth Barone, the star-studded cast of "Overcompensating" includes Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, Adam DiMarco, Owen Thiele, Charli XCX, and Kaia Gerber. The series, which initially entered development in 2022, received a series order from Amazon in collaboration with A24 and Jonah Hill’s Strong Baby Productions. Charli XCX is set to contribute original music to the show, adding another layer of creativity to the project.
