Internet icon Benito Skinner AKA Benny Drama is making his TV debut with semi-autobiographical comedy series Overcompensating.
Skinner writes, executive produces, and stars in the college-set Prime Video series that boasts a who’s who of legendary co-stars. Connie Britton and Kyle MacLachlan appear in the show, with Charli XCX serving as the executive music producer and guest star.
The official synopsis reads: “‘Overcompensating’ is a college-set ensemble comedy about the wild, chaotic journey of Benny (Skinner), a closeted former football player and Idaho homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen, a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. With guidance from Benny’s older sister and her campus-legend boyfriend, Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, flavored 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.”
Wally Baram, Mary Beth Marone, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah are among the main cast, with Kaia Gerber, Owen Thiele, Nell Verlaque, Holmes, and more guest starring. The series is co-produced by A24 and Amazon MGM Studios.
Skinner previously starred in Chelsea Peretti’s “First Time Female Director.” The multihyphenate told Vanity Fair that he created “Overcompensating” to reflect the modern coming out experience.
“I really wanted queer people to see their experience and the complicatedness of that experience,” Skinner, who teased at least a four season series arc, said. “Not that I don’t think that exists, but I just feel like every time it was so much more complicated to come out than I’ve seen. […] I feel like the villain of the show in a lot of ways is this addiction to masculinity. I think that everyone feels that, not just queer people.”
And it’s not just Skinner who is having a moment: collaborator Charli XCX is the new It girl of cinema, with roles in Cathy Yan’s “The Gallerist,” Romain Gavras’ “Sacrifice,” and Gregg Araki’s “I Want Your Sex.” Charli XCX also recently filmed a secret indie with director Pete Ohs, titled “Erupcja,” which is Polish for “eruption.” The film co-stars Jeremy O. Harris, who also co-produces alongside Charli XCX. The “Brat” singer/songwriter is reportedly also being considered for a role in Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia” film at Netflix; the rumor is that Charli XCX is being eyed to play Jadis, The White Witch, which Tilda Swinton formerly played. Gerwig and Charli XCX previously collaborated on “Barbie,” with Charli XCX’s song “Speed Drive” being part of the soundtrack.
“Overcompensating” premieres May 15 on Prime Video.
