By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****1/2

Benito Skinner (pictured) writes and stars in this comedy series about the 1st year at college for a former high school jock who is coming out and it’s hilariously messy.

• Read on for reasons including how Charli XCX makes a guest appearance alongside her hits

1. Benito Skinner’s writing and starring role

Skinner created this series and stars as Benny who was a high school jock in Idaho and is now a closeted college student navigating his freshman year. He befriends New Jersey freshman Carmen, tries to join the college’s secret society and develops a crush on fellow frat brother Brit Miles while aping the machismo of his sister’s dim boyfriend.

2. Feisty Wally Baram as a messy best friend

Baram plays Carmen and much of what differentiates this from standard fare with a similar starting point is quite how messy this brat 1st college year becomes with a whole host of characters, male and female, going on individual journeys which are especially relatable but also need a much-demanded 2nd season to resolve themselves.

3. Lukas Gage as an adorable gay awakening

Benny is haunted by a recent memory of a near kiss with White Lotus’ Gage in a car and this series distinguishes itself by allowing Benny the space to go back home to Idaho for Thanksgiving to re-connect with friend Sammy and for the ride not to be in any way as expected.

4. Charli XCX playing herself and bringing the hits

The soundtrack leans into the many hits in Charli XCX‘s back catalogue and she even appears briefly for a college gig at which she plays an exaggarated version of herself while driving the plot further forward.

5. Brit Rish Shah as Miles Hari

No spoilers but crush Miles isn’t quite what he seems and we enjoyed Shah’s nuanced performance as someone who is fish-out-of-water while frustratingly promising more than he actually delivers – at least in this 1st season.

6. Mary Beth Barone as Benny’s sister taking control of her life

Overcompensating has a great deal going on and Benny’s older sister Grace goes on her own journey throughout the year as she becomes increasingly aware of the unsuitability of her boyfriend despite the hero worship Benny initially bestows upon him.

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy Overcompensating Where To Watch
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