Every once in a while, a new comedy series mines something bigger than laughing. It can be associated with the embarrassment, beauty and heartbreak of being yourself, especially when the process is messy, loud and absolutely fun.
Prime Video’s adult comedy “Super Compensation” does, really, pairing sharp writing with emotional cores to capture the chaos of young adults. With a fearless ensemble, the dynamic creator star at its heart and a pulse of today’s culture, the series deserves serious consideration of the Emmy Awards.
Founded and starring by Benito Skinner, he has attracted attention through his viral roles on Tiktok and YouTube, "Beyond" is inspired by Skinner's college experience. He plays Benny, a closed former footballer who builds a quick, complex friendship with the ironic high school outsider Carmen played by Wally Baram while playing his own identity. Encouraged by the chaos of Benny's sister, Mary Beth Barone and her unpredictable boyfriend, Peter (Adam Dimarco), the two are connected through a culture of connectivity, flavored vodka, fake ID and the kind of intimate conversation that only found in your late teenage years and early 1920s.
The show blends the humor of teenage sexual comedy with the sensitivity of a remorseful diary. Imagine if “American pie” was reimagined as oversharing among a generation on therapy, gender mobility and tiktok. "Overcompensation" is totally interesting, but never cynical. This is sincere, sometimes sneaky.
Skinner also serves as a writer and executive producer, and he will compete for the writing of the comedian, the outstanding comedy series, and the outstanding fifth episode, The Horror Monster and the Pretty Elf. The episode gradually puts Carmen into pieces the truth about Benny’s identity, eventually pinpointing a tender and tearful embrace at the Halloween party – a tearful climax that makes the plot’s work even stronger under the direction of Desiree Akhavan, whose work will be submitted as the director of the series.
Mexico - Syrian actor Baram will compete for the main comedy, and if voters feel inspired to nominate her, she will be the fifth Latino (follow Selena Gomez's fourth place last year) and the first Middle Eastern performer to be recognized in the category.
The solo actor reads like a dream list of pop culture icons, including TV veterans Kyle Maclachlan, Connie Britton and James van der Beek, most notably British pop singer Charli XCX. The three-time Grammy winner not only appeared on the show, but also served as executive producer. If the show gets NOM for the comedy series, XCX may be a list of musical artists like Selena Gomez ("The Only Murder") and Drake (2022's "euphoria").
It's also on the producers' list of Jonah Hill, whose powerful baby work collaborates with A24 to make comedy creative. Hill has been twice nominated for "Moneyball" and "Wolf of Wall Street" but increasingly carved the space behind the camera with his directorial debut Mid '90s. The nomination here will mark his first sign and potentially along with his friend Seth Rogen, who is also the producer of Apple TV+'s Frontrunning satirical series "The Studio."
In this Emmy cycle, digital creators have historically dominated the network and cable heavyweights to enter the category. Although YouTube-born series "Hot People", "Challenge Acceptance" and "Good Myth Morning" advance non-fiction and short-term competitions, Skinner's hub from internet sketch comedy to storytelling with profound personal scripts represents a leap that proves that these creators are artists too.
While "overcompensation" seems to fly under radar (though Rotten Tomatoes impeccable 95%), Prime video has proven it can break through in a big way. "Journal Duty" became a sleeper in 2022, winning the comedy series' nod and supporters of James Marsden.
Skinner's show also invited Hulu's "Pen15" for comparison, another cruel and honest teen comedy that nods in writing for debut seasons and mentions the outstanding comedy series in 2020. For example, "Pen15", "classpermpospecpped" is the best when blending in messy details and super special facts.
"Overcompensation" knows exactly who its audience is, but it also manages to invite those curious to join in the fun without judgment. In an era of carefully planned identity and performative self-expression, Skinner offers something real that Emmy voters will notice well.
Please refer to the Emmy Awards predictions for variety shows:
Award Ceremony: Emmy Awards