Fix: College Life, Messy Relationships, 2010s Vibes
Platform: Prime Video
Prime Video Summary:
Created by Benito Skinner, Overcompensating is a college-set ensemble comedy about the chaotic journey of Benny (Skinner), a closeted former football player and homecoming king, as he becomes fast friends with Carmen, an outsider on a mission to fit in at all costs. Deeply funny and personal, the show explores the lengths to which we all overcompensate while finding out who we really are.
FYA Summary:
Real talk: this show first landed on my radar when my feed was aghast by how no one looks college-aged in the promo poster. But what convinced me to check it out was the Keep It podcast hosts comparing it to Greek, but with a rare gay lead; SAY NO MORE, MON AMOUR.
Familiar Faces:
Benito Skinner as Benny Scanlon and Wally Baram as Carmen Neil
I was mostly unfamiliar with the main cast, aside from Adam DiMarco (The White Lotus Season 2, and the Disney Channel movie Radio Rebel*) and Rish Shah (Ms. Marvel). Skinner’s also involved behind the scenes (creator/writer/executive producer), so this is unquestionably his show.
There are definitely some familiar faces among the supporting cast and cameos, but I’ll leave those as delightful surprises for y’all. (Esp. those who have been joining us for our Friday Night Lights rewatch… )
* Specifically, the FYA post on it, because I’ve never even watched it.
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
You know the drill by now: if it’s a season of television on a streamer, it’s unlikely to hit double digits in episodes, WHOMP WHOMP. Which is too bad, since I definitely wanted to spend more time with these characters. There are only 8 half-hour-ish episodes, so you might even be able to binge uninterrupted — barring any gastrointestinal issues in an unwise attempt to fit in on campus.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Beer Pong or Edward 40 Hands
Sure, there are bad decisions being made APLENTY. Will you cringe? Probably. But then you remember that these are young college kids, which is exactly the time to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.** More importantly, they live and they learn*** — and not just in the classroom. The ‘good’ characters screw up! The ‘bad’ ones aren’t always awful! What I’m saying is that the second-hand cringe doesn’t necessitate libations, but I love a theme, so stock up on the college cocktail of your choice! (But, uh, maybe skip the college coke.)
** Yes, I did just quote The Frizz.
*** Yup, that was Alanis.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Good
With the demise of The CW as we once knew it, there’s a real dearth of YA- and YA-adjacent shows, so there was very little question whether I’d be tuning in — and I was rewarded with a fun show full of heart and humour. It also has a weird nostalgia aspect, in that it’s unclear when this is supposed to be set, other than not exactly now. But who cares as long as you’re having a good time!
