If you don’t recognize Benito Skinner’s name chances are you’ve seen his Instagram or TikTok videos. A content creator who exploded during the stay-at-home pandemic, Skinner made a name for himself with his impersonations of the Kardashians and his fictional characters such as LA relator Deliverance Richards and Jenni the TMI hairstylist. Now, after two years of development, Prime Video has greenlit his new series “Overcompensating” and pop star Charli XCX is giving him an assist by producing the soundtrack.
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In a release from Prime Video, the A24-produced series is described 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. 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.”
We’re going to assume the show will be ironically cast as Skinner is 30 years old and can’t really pass for a college student anymore. His previous screen credits include Peacock’s shortlived “Queer as Folk” reboot, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Search Party.”
Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly-owned development, Amazon MGM Studios, noted, “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. 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.”
Skinner added, “I am so honored and excited to be partnering with Prime Video, A24, and Strong Baby to bring you ‘Overcompensating.’ 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!”
“Overcompensating” will be executive produced by Jonah Hill, Matt Dines, and Ali Goodwin for their company Strong Baby, and Charli XCX will serve as executive music producer. The series is produced by A24 and Amazon MGM Studios.