Did Benito Skinner create the Prime Video comedy ‘Overcompensating’ based on a true story?

Streamers are captivated by Benito Skinner’s latest comedy series, Overcompensating, now streaming on Prime Video. The show follows the story of a closeted college freshman (played by Skinner) who forms a close bond with a high school outcast (Wally Baram) as they both strive to blend in and be accepted.

This charming series boasts a talented ensemble cast, sharp writing, delightful cameo appearances (featuring stars like James Van Der Beek, Charli XCX, and Megan Fox), a fantastic soundtrack, and clever nods to pop culture, making Overcompensating a must-watch for 2025.

Also, I’ve probably listened to Britney Spears’ iconic 2000 hit “Lucky” 1,000 times since bingeing the show.

For those who have already binge-watched all eight episodes of Overcompensating on Prime Video, there may be curiosity about whether the show is based on a true story. During the press tour for Overcompensating, Skinner discussed the origins of the show, shedding light on its inspiration. Here’s a glimpse into the backstory of this entertaining series.

Yes! Benito Skinner’s series is a semi-autobiographical story that details his own coming out journey. The narrative was originally a part of Skinner’s stand-up show, which was also called Overcompensating, and, as Skinner told Seth Meyers on a recent appearance on Late Night, audiences really responded to the material.

“I was talking about me, like, hunkering down for the long winter in the closet, just doing so much to remain in there,” Skinner told Meyers when talking about his stand-up show. “And I was seeing audiences really react to it and react to this story of overcompensating. I started to see that kind of thread of not just something that I had experineced, but so many people, not just people who are queer but kind of everyone feeling like they’re not enough.”

Skinner officially came out during his senior year at Georgetown, and just like his character on the show, Benito played high school football. Watch his interview with Seth below for the adorable photographic evidence.

Skinner also told Today.com that the Benny and Carmen (Wally Baram) relationship was rooted in reality.

“The relationship between Benny and Carmen is something that I felt with women my whole life,” the comedian revealed to Today, “of them always being protectors for me. So that feels very real.”

There’s still no official word on Season 2, but we strongly believe that Amazon will renew the show for another season.

Overcompensating has been a hit with both fans and critics, currently boasting an impressive 95% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 1 also ends on a cliffhanger, and series creator Benito Skinner recently told Variety that he’s “ready to go” when it comes to a potential sophomore season.

“I think I know what I want to do, and there’s so much more we wanna say,” Skinner said. “There will be backslide, and that’s what that finale is. This journey of becoming yourself and overcompensating, it’s a rollercoaster and at times I think college can be so selfish, and you can be like, it’s every man for himself. It’s drugs and alcohol and feelings, and we didn’t want to stray from that, and we want to continue it.”

Based on the above info, we believe there’s a very good chance that Overcompensating will be back for a second season.