Benito Skinner‘s comedy series “Overcompensating” has been ordered at Amazon Prime Video.
The show was originally announced as being in development at the streamer in November 2022. Skinner created the series and will also star.
The series’ official description describes it as 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, 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.”
Skinner will also serve as an executive producer on “Overcompensating.” Jonah Hill, Matt Dines, and Ali Goodwin will executive produce for Strong Baby. Charli XCX will serve as executive music producer. The series is produced by A24 and Amazon MGM Studios.
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“I am so honored and excited to be partnering with Prime Video, A24, and Strong Baby to bring you ‘Overcompensating,’” said Skinner. “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 debuted his comedy stage show “Overcompensating” in 2018, eventually taking the show on tour across the country the following year. He is best known by the social media handle BennyDrama, where he posts humorous videos and impressions. He has over three million followers across his various social accounts to date. He previously collaborated with Charli XCX in her music video for the song “New Shapes,” in which he appeared onscreen. His acting credits include “Queer as Folk” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He was named one of Variety‘s 10 Comics to Watch in 2021.
“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 for 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.”
