Benito Skinner: Too Old for College Roles?
- Benito Skinner, the creator and star of the Prime Video series "Overcompensating," is addressing concerns that he is too old to portray a college student.
- Barone noted some viewers questioned the show's ambiguous time period, mixing Ashlee Simpson references with Alison Roman jokes.
- Skinner emphasized that the creative team extensively discussed every detail of the show.
Benito Skinner fires back at age-related criticisms for his role in “Overcompensating,” the Prime Video series exploring LGBTQ+ themes in a Y2K setting. Skinner, along with co-star Mary Beth Barone, tackles audience reactions, particularly those questioning whether they’re too old to play college students. They dissect the show’s nostalgic elements and the importance of outlook, contrasting it to classics like “Glee” and “Grease.” Skinner argues that their age actually enhances the storytelling,enabling a agreeable exploration of the era’s “millennial cringe.” News Directory 3 sheds light on this defense, capturing the heart of the debate. Discover what’s next with the podcast “Ride” and the future discussions.
Benito Skinner Responds to Age Criticism Over ‘Overcompensating’
Updated May 28, 2025
Benito Skinner, the creator and star of the Prime Video series “Overcompensating,” is addressing concerns that he is too old to portray a college student. Skinner, 31, along with co-star Mary Beth Barone, 34, discussed audience reactions to their LGBTQ+ coming-of-age comedy on their podcast, “Ride.”
Barone noted some viewers questioned the show’s ambiguous time period, mixing Ashlee Simpson references with Alison Roman jokes. However, she questioned whether the timeline detracted from the comedy. Skinner responded, saying the actors’ ages mattered even less.
Skinner emphasized that the creative team extensively discussed every detail of the show. He compared “Overcompensating” to other American classics were actors play younger characters, citing “Glee,” “The OC,” and “Grease” as examples.
Skinner said the show exists in a “Y2K nostalgic, sweaty, nasty, American fantasy” but with a focus on gay themes and empowered female characters.He believes having distance from that time allows both the audience and the creators to approach the material with more comfort.
Barone added that some viewers felt older actors were necessary to capture the millennial cringe of the era. Skinner agreed,saying he wouldn’t have been ready to make fun of himself at 25. He urged viewers who can’t suspend disbelief to watch something else.
Barone humorously concluded that if viewers can accept zombies in “The Last of Us,” they should be able to accept actors in their 30s playing college students.
“Overcompensating,” which premiered on Prime Video on May 15, follows a closeted jock navigating his sexuality during his freshman year of college. Barone plays his sister. All episodes are available for streaming.
What’s next
Skinner and Barone plan to continue discussing audience feedback and exploring the themes of “Overcompensating” in future episodes of their podcast, “Ride.”