How does a TV series become a beloved cult classic? While it is not something you can necessarily predict, with time being the determining factor, a dedicated fandom that champions a series that has yet to make it into the mainstream is a good indicator of where a show may land in the coming years. An originalPrime Videoseries has such indications that it may become a future cult classic:Overcompensating.
Whilecult status is great for legacy, it often means the show in question doesn’t get enough attention on release. In the worst-case scenario, a fan-favorite lacks a desired second season if it does not attract a large enough audience. We will look at the new series and what people love about it, hoping to get it to move beyond a future cult classic into the mainstream.
The Cast and Crew that have made ‘Overcompensating’ a Fan Favorite on Prime Video
Overcompensating
Overcompensatingfollows a former high school football star, Benny (Benito Skinner), whose popularity saw him pushed into roles like homecoming king and valedictorian.Now entering college, Benny starts to struggle with his life as a closeted gay man, still trying to play up to the macho, hetero roles he embodied to make it through the high school landscape. This leads him to begin a relationship with a girl named Carmen (Wally Baram), to remain under the radar. However, when he meets Miles (Rish Shah), he begins to develop feelings and question why he denies his feelings and happiness for the sake of others.
Aiming to establishone of the best gay characters in TV history,Overcompensatingblends comedy and drama to create a highly personable lead in Benny. The series marks the first leading role for actor Benito Skinner. Skinner fills the role immaculately, drawing on his own experiences. In aninterview with Bazaar, the actor related his own coming out to Benny’s, stating, “Benny does really awful things, and I did really s**tty things to people when I was in the closet,” adding, “My coming out was so messy. I didn’t get everything right—but I don’t think you have to get it right.”
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Benito Skinner also acts as the show’s creator and primary writer, giving the series a highly personable and relatable touch throughout. Skinner is joined by a diverse cast of rising, young talent, which provides the show with an authenticity around Benny’s struggles with trying to come to terms with his sexuality.A testament to the show’s success and potential future cult appeal lies in acting as an early showcase for a cast and crew that is only likely to move forward on an upward trajectory in the industry off the series' success.
The Many Elements That Make ‘Overcompensating’ a Potential Future Cult Hit
Besides the talented cast and crew,Overcompensatinghas many elements that give it the potential for future cult success.The LGBTQ+ communityoften rallies around and helps hype up shows that sincerely approach the struggles many face while still delivering entertainment value. Yet, the series doesn’t get by on representation alone, and the series is packed with quick-fire pop-cultural references and an emotionally packed script. Certainly,Overcompensatinghas cameos and references that appeal to Gen Z and millennials, but it ties it together with universal themes like love and friendship to make it accessible to a broader audience; it is one of the series that is also going to be a blast to revisit with a balance of nostalgia and poignant drama.
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The comedy is fast-paced and quick-witted, ensuring the content never feels dull; another attribute that helps situate it as a future cult classic.Overcompensatingis addictive TV with a personal touch, strong characters, sincerity, and wit. Sadly, the downside of potential cult status means that the show may not get renewed for a second season.While creator and lead actor Bonito Skinner has expressed hopes for a second season, Prime Video has not yet confirmed whether they are interested.Overcompensatingends on a cliffhanger, which, if not addressed, will leave fans wanting more and championing the series vocally. The fact that the series currently sits at 94% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes also helps speak to its potential longevity or chance at subsequent cult success.
Should You Watch ‘Overcompensating’ Now or Later?
The show does have a slightly niche appeal and is aimed at a particular age group (even though it can appeal to different generations), which may make some uninterested. Still,anyone interested inOvercompensatingshould check it out without hesitation. Those enthralled by heartfelt yet silly TV comedies and LGBTQ+ content should support the series now since its potential to be a cult hit partly relies on early cancellation and not getting enough love on release. Here is hopingOvercompensatingis given moreepisodes to find its footingand switches from future cult classic to mainstream hit.Overcompensatingis available to stream on Prime Video.
