Overcompensating Review: Prime Video’s Honest, Funny, and Heartfelt College Series
Prime Video’s “Overcompensating” is a bold, fresh, and unexpectedly touching college comedy. Created by internet comedian Benito Skinner, the series dives into the life of a young man trying to appear like the perfect “straight guy” while quietly struggling with his real identity. The show mixes frat house madness, awkward self-discovery, and emotional storytelling, all in one binge-worthy package.
In recent years, we’ve seen many comedies set on college campuses, but Overcompensating stands out by blending humor with honesty. While it features wild parties, over-the-top characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, at its heart, it’s about growing up and accepting who you truly are. The series doesn’t just go for easy laughs, it also explores deeper themes like sexuality, peer pressure, family expectations, and grief, making it relatable for today’s viewers.
What makes this show even more unique is the voice behind it. Benito Skinner, best known for his viral online sketches, uses his real-life experiences as inspiration. The result is a show that feels both hilarious and personal. Whether you’ve gone through similar struggles or just enjoy a smart, character-driven comedy, Overcompensating offers something more meaningful than your typical college sitcom.
Stream Overcompensating on Prime Video in UK.
Benito Skinner Brings His Viral Humor to Streaming
Benito Skinner became an online star during the pandemic with his over-the-top impressions of celebrities. His skits featured wild versions of Kris Jenner, Billie Eilish, and Timothée Chalamet. One popular video showed a younger Skinner in denial about his love for Gossip Girl and Glee, insisting he wasn’t gay, all while dancing to Lady Gaga.
Now, Skinner takes that same energy to television in Overcompensating, an eight-episode comedy on Prime Video.
Meet Benny: A College Freshman With a Secret
In the series, Skinner plays Benny, a good-looking, popular high school graduate starting college. On the outside, he’s the all-American guy: football star, prom king, and top of his class. But Benny is hiding something big, his true identity.
Right from the first scene, he tries to convince himself (and others) that he’s straight. But flashbacks, awkward dates, and uncomfortable moments tell a different story.
Benny tries hard to live the “straight frat bro” life. At parties, he hangs with macho guys. He even raps Super Bass by Nicki Minaj in a funny, drunken scene. The show uses throwback music like this to add humor and nostalgia.
But Benny’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems. He’s struggling inside, unsure how to be himself while keeping up the act. It’s a real look at the pressure to fit in, and what it costs.
A Cast Full of Comedy and Charm
While Benny remains the emotional center of Overcompensating, the supporting cast brings life, laughter, and unexpected depth to the show. Each character adds something unique, making the series more than just a personal journey, it’s a shared experience filled with unforgettable personalities.
Carmen, played by Wally Baram, is Benny’s first real friend in college. She’s cool, smart, and grounded, with a vibe that’s effortlessly authentic. Carmen isn’t impressed by surface-level charm or popularity. She sees right through Benny’s act but still chooses to stand by him. Their friendship becomes one of the most meaningful relationships in the series, offering both emotional support and genuine connection.
Then there’s Hailee, Carmen’s roommate, portrayed by the bold and hilarious Holmes. Hailee is unpredictable, loud, and constantly oversharing. She’s the kind of character who makes every scene pop, miming outrageous acts one moment and dropping bizarre one-liners the next. Her energy is chaotic but lovable, adding a wild contrast to Carmen’s calm presence.
Adam DiMarco, known from The White Lotus, plays Peter, Benny’s sister’s boyfriend and a campus upperclassman who takes Benny under his wing. Peter is all about being the “alpha male.” He talks in ridiculous slang, flexes constantly, and is overly confident. But what makes his character interesting is that, beneath all the macho posturing, there’s a real person who cares. DiMarco finds a great balance between comedy and heart, making Peter feel more human than he first appears.
Together, this group of characters creates a rich and dynamic environment. Their personalities clash, blend, and evolve as the season progresses, keeping the story fresh and emotionally grounded.
More Than Just Laughs: A Story With Heart
Overcompensating may be packed with jokes and college clichés, but at its core, it’s a story about identity and self-acceptance.
Benny is not just trying to fit in, he’s trying to figure out who he really is. His journey includes questioning his future, confronting his father’s expectations (played by Kyle MacLachlan), and letting go of the image he worked so hard to maintain. He’s not the only one dealing with big emotions. Carmen is also trying to cope with the loss of her older brother, who died the year before.
These emotional layers bring weight to the show. It’s not just about being funny, it’s about being honest. Viewers may come for the comedy, but they’ll stay for the heart. The series shows how hard it can be to grow up, let go, and finally be yourself.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted show that also has emotional impact, Overcompensating is a great pick. It delivers sharp humor, lovable characters, and important messages, all without being too heavy.
It’s not your typical college comedy. Yes, there are crazy parties, shirtless bros, and hilarious awkward moments. But there’s also a sensitive soul behind all of it. The show handles serious topics like sexuality, grief, and personal growth with care and authenticity.
Overcompensating proves that you can be funny and still tell a meaningful story. It’s entertaining, easy to watch, and refreshingly real.