Skip to main content

Irish Star

Prime Video just added 'relatable' college drama that comes with viewer warning

The college-drama is already a huge hit with fans and critics alike

Prime Video just dropped an adult drama that's being hailed as 'thoroughly relatable' by viewers.


Overcompensating premiered on the streaming service today (May 15), chronicling the life of closeted university student Benny as he confronts his own sexuality. The show was penned by internet celeb Benito Skinner, who also takes on the lead role.

Article continues below

Sharing the spotlight is up-and-comer Wally Baram, who plays Carmen, another misfit. After enduring her high school years as a wallflower, Carmen sets to reinvent herself at college. On the other hand, Benny strives to maintain his image as a straight football player.


Throughout its eight-episode run, we see the pair gradually find the bravery to be their true selves, reports Surrey Live.

Benito Skinner and Wally Baram
Benito Skinner (left) and Wally Baram (centre) star as Benny and Carmen(Image: Prime Video )

The show's ensemble features Adam DiMarco of The White Lotus fame, Black Mirror's Mary Beth Barone, and Rish Shah, recognized for his appearance in Ms. Marvel.


While the bulk of viewers have yet to catch the series, it's already been met with critical praise. Overcompensating has secured a coveted 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from nine critics.

One enthused movie-goer on the review aggregation website awarded it five stars, extolling it as, "Overcompensating is fast-paced, entertaining, and considerate of the characters. The show of the summer!"

The dramedy has received even more acclaim, with Leisure Byte throwing in a three-star rating and summarizing their thoughts with the headline: "Overcompensating review: Fun, extremely loud, thoroughly relatable."


TV and City's writer Elazar Abrahams also showered praises on the series for its bold approach to the tried-and-true theme of growing up.

Benito Skinner in Overcompensating
Viewers claim the series is 'thoroughly relatable'(Image: Prime Video )

Their review reads: "In a landscape crowded with college comedies, Overcompensating manages to carve out its niche by being unapologetically bold, refreshingly honest, and consistently funny."


The review went on, giving the show a glowing endorsement: "It's a testament to Skinner's talent that the series feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. For those seeking a comedy that delivers both laughs and heart, this is one to check out."

Gazettely also chimed in with approval, highlighting that: "Viewers seeking a fresh take on coming-of-age tales, especially those highlighting queer discovery, will find its ensemble dynamics rewarding."

READ MORE: Inside Overcompensating star Wally Baram's life including cowgirl past

However, they did offer a heads-up in their four-star critique: "Binge responsibly: the cast's decade-older appearance may momentarily jar, but strong performances quickly eclipse that detail."

Article continues below

Skinner, who is 31 years old, has openly shared that he based the central character on his own experiences at 18, even collaborating with an acting coach to nail the youthful mannerisms.

Despite the notable age gap between the actors and typical college freshmen, critics have noted that this age difference does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the show.

Overcompensating is streaming now on Prime Video.

Follow Irish Star:


reach logo

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.