Overcompensating is the show Gen-Z and Millennials needed

When it comes to coming-of-age media, high school reigns supreme. From Outer Banks to Euphoria, the last five years of TV shows have centered around exaggerated narratives of high schoolers' everyday lives. However, TV often overlooks an important age of self-discovery: college. Although The Sex Lives of College Girls tried to make the college experience relatable, it fell short after losing Renee Rapp, a key player in the show. But when one door closes, another opens, and that's where Prime Video's Overcompensating swoops in to save the day.

Overcompensating follows college freshman Benny, the golden boy of his hometown. He was the valedictorian and the football star, but he harbored a big secret: he’s gay. As he begins his fall semester at Yates University, he navigates his standoffish older sister Grace and her frat-loving boyfriend Peter, both of whom he is constantly trying to impress. On the first day, Benny meets Carmen, a girl who is just as awkward as he is, and they immediately hit it off. Benny also faces the allure of a new friend and possible romance with Miles, who remains unreadable throughout. Together, Benny and Carmen team up to navigate their first semester of college, juggling school, romance, and the challenge of fitting in.

Overcompensating was a wild ride I wasn't prepared for but ultimately ended up enjoying so much that I've watched it twice already. I haven't laughed this hard at a TV show in a long time. Yet, there’s something remarkable about this show beyond that. Benito Skinner's writing is brilliant, and the vibe he curated for the series is nothing short of incredible. Although the exact year is never mentioned, it combines the essence of 2015-2020. The score and soundtrack are created by none other than Charli XCX, who also guest stars in the show.

As a longtime fan of Benito on social media, I can tell you that this show feels like one of his TikTok skits come to life. The niche humor and awkwardness work together perfectly, which is what makes the show resonate so well. Wally Baram, who plays Carmen, made her on-screen debut and absolutely crushed it. Her dry delivery and physical comedy matched the caliber of a seasoned actress. Marybeth Barone is fabulous as Grace, the stone-cold sister, and she absolutely kills it. Adam Demarco, fresh off White Lotus, plays Grace’s boyfriend and frat boy Peter, showcasing a role unlike any other character we've seen him portray. It’s time to give Adam his flowers!

However, there was one standout performance that might have eclipsed them all. Holmes plays Hailee Marie Matthews, Carmen's loud and eccentric roommate, and she is a total showstopper. Hailee's catchy one-liners and bizarre vulgarity keep you wanting more. She provides the perfect comic relief that balances the heartfelt and dramatic moments throughout the show. Since watching it, I haven’t been able to stop quoting Hailee, and I feel confident we will be seeing plenty more of Holmes in the future.

There is something both comforting and refreshing about Overcompensating. The show transports viewers back to a time that feels recent yet familiar. While it resonates most with young millennials regarding their college experiences, it ultimately captures the essence of anyone's college journey. I found the awkward moments reminiscent of my own experiences, and watching them come to life on screen is incredibly entertaining. Benito Skinner is a comedic genius, and I can only hope and pray for 10 more seasons of Overcompensating in the future.

If you haven't checked out Overcompensating yet, I highly suggest you do. All episodes are available for streaming on Prime Video now. If you're looking for a good laugh and characters that you may just fall in love with, this is the show for you.