Gayety

Tag: Wally Baram

  • Closets, Crushes, and Charli XCX: ‘Overcompensating’ Is Prime Video’s Queer Masterpiece

    Closets, Crushes, and Charli XCX: ‘Overcompensating’ Is Prime Video’s Queer Masterpiece

    Benito Skinner is having a moment, and fans can’t get enough of it. The internet sensation—best known as Benny Drama—has officially made the leap from Instagram Reels to streaming royalty with Overcompensating, his raucously queer, painfully relatable college comedy series on Prime Video.

    Released just days ago, the series is already earning glowing reviews, viral praise, and a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. From chaotic frat parties to heart-melting crushes and Charli XCX cameos, Overcompensating is giving viewers a little bit of everything—and a whole lot of gay panic.

    A Queer Coming-of-Age… With Keg Stands

    Skinner stars as a fictionalized version of his college-aged self, Benny, a closeted freshman doing everything he can to mask his queerness—frat parties, chugging beers, and over-the-top bro behavior included. But beneath the football jerseys and shouted greetings lies a boy just trying to figure himself out.

    The plot follows Benny as he forges an intense friendship with Carmen (played by Wally Baram), develops a crush on the effortlessly charming Miles (Rish Shah), and tries desperately to impress his frat bro fantasy, Peter (Adam DiMarco). The result? A beautiful, messy, and painfully familiar portrayal of what it means to perform masculinity while being unsure of where you fit in.

    Social Media Can’t Get Enough

    The response to Overcompensating has been nothing short of euphoric. Social media is flooded with praise, memes, and unfiltered emotion.

    “How f***ing perfect was this scene,” one viewer posted on X alongside a clip of Carmen comforting Benny at a party. “Show of the year.”

    @xcxvoid

    obsessed with this diva | @Benito Skinner | cc sat6rns sc @sky | #overcompensating #overcompensatingedit #overcompensatinghailee #haileeovercompensating #diva #edit #show #foryou

    ♬ original sound – xcxvoid

    Another fan wrote, “Didn’t expect #Overcompensating to eat like this. Came for Charli XCX, stayed for the comedy, chaos & iconic soundtrack. Feels like a love letter to her pop eras wrapped in queer college drama. Funny, real, well-written. I need season 2 like NOW.”

    And one particularly enthusiastic fan declared: “Literally begging everyone to watch the new show Overcompensating. sooo queer and fun and funny. Have been laughing out loud every single episode.”

    Behind the Scenes: Real-Life Shenanigans

    Speaking exclusively to Gayety, Skinner teased his hopes for a second season, admitting there were “so many jokes and one-liners that didn’t make the cut” the first time around. “I’ve already watched the show 200 times,” he laughed. “And every time, I notice something new about these incredible cast members.”

    @gayety

    Benito Skinner says he is ready for a season two after watching season one nearly “200 times” #Overcompensating

    ♬ original sound – Gayety

    What’s Next?

    While Prime Video hasn’t officially announced a second season, the response from fans suggests it’s only a matter of time. With its perfect mix of absurdity, emotional depth, and queer truth, Overcompensating feels like the college comedy we didn’t know we needed—and now can’t live without.

  • Mary Beth Barone Relives Viral Milk Moment: ‘I’d Do Anything Drew Asked!’

    Mary Beth Barone Relives Viral Milk Moment: ‘I’d Do Anything Drew Asked!’

    Mary Beth Barone brought her signature charm and candid humor to the red carpet at the premiere of Overcompensating, the new comedy-drama series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Held on May 14, the event celebrated creator and star Benito Skinner‘s semi-autobiographical journey through college life, identity, and self-discovery.

    The Milk Challenge: A Moment of Triumph

    Barone’s appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show became a viral sensation when she flawlessly chugged a massive glass of milk. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted to feeling nervous but was emboldened by Barrymore’s unwavering confidence in her abilities. “When I tip this glass back, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Barone recalled, adding with a laugh, “But then with Drew’s confidence in me, I just felt like I could take on the world.” She jokingly added that seeing any glasses of milk on the red carpet would be “triggering” for her.

    @thedrewbarrymoreshow

    “I am dairy-free for attention.” – @Mary Beth Barone 😂 #overcompensating @Benito Skinner @Wally Baram #primevideo

    ♬ original sound – thedrewbarrymoreshow

    Milk, Mayhem, and Too Many Takes

    Stepping into the role of Grace, Benny’s older, endlessly opinionated sister, was no small feat for Mary Beth Barone, who’s actually the youngest of six in real life. To nail the big sister energy, she worked with an acting coach and dove headfirst into sibling psychology. But nothing could prepare her for Episode 4, where chaos, and comedy, took over.

    Barone recalled one scene in particular where her on-screen boyfriend Peter (played by Adam DiMarco) let loose with so much improvisation, she physically couldn’t keep it together. “He was jumping up and down, just so excited, and every take I broke,” she said. “I was like, ‘I think I’ve ruined the scene. I don’t think we have one usable take.’” Luckily, the magic of editing saved the moment—and likely a lot of blooper reel footage too.

     

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    And when the conversation shifted to college, Barone didn’t hold back. She attended Boston College before transferring out and clearly still has a few wild stories tucked away. While she didn’t go into every detail, she hinted that her college years, like her comedy, involved unexpected turns and plenty of laughs.

    The Premiere: A Night to Remember

    The premiere event was a blend of glamour and excitement. After the screening of the first two episodes, attendees enjoyed themed merchandise, delectable snacks, and a surprise DJ set by Haim, turning the evening into an impromptu dance party. Cast members, including Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah, joined Barone on the carpet, celebrating the show’s launch.

    (L-R) Rish Shah, Mary Beth Barone, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram and Adam DiMarco attend the "Overcompensating" Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Rish Shah, Mary Beth Barone, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram and Adam DiMarco attend the “Overcompensating” Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    Mary Beth Barone attends the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    Mary Beth Barone attends the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone, Petra Collins, guests, and Benito Skinner attend the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone, Petra Collins, guests, and Benito Skinner attend the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone and Kaia Gerber attend the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
    (L-R) Mary Beth Barone and Kaia Gerber attend the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    About ‘Overcompensating’

    Overcompensating follows Benny (Benito Skinner), a closeted former football player navigating his freshman year at Yates University. Seeking to fit in, he befriends Carmen (Wally Baram), a high school outsider. The series delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the lengths individuals go to in order to belong. The ensemble cast includes Mary Beth Barone as Grace, Adam DiMarco as Peter, and Rish Shah as Miles. The series is executive produced by Charli XCX and produced by A24 and Amazon MGM Studios.

    You can also now stream all episodes of Overcompensating now on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Boman Martinez-Reid on College Life and Finding His People: ‘We Were a Band of Freaks’

    Boman Martinez-Reid on College Life and Finding His People: ‘We Were a Band of Freaks’

    Boman Martinez-Reid brought the charm and candor to Amazon Prime Video’s Overcompensating red carpet premiere on Wednesday, May 14, in Los Angeles—and he didn’t hold back. While the evening was a celebration of creator Benito Skinner’s new comedy-drama series, we caught up with Boman to talk all things college, career, and Made for TV dreams come true.

    A Red Carpet, a Queer Coming-of-Age, and One Haim Surprise

    Held just one night before Overcompensating premiered on Prime Video, the event served as both a stylish kickoff and an emotional moment for the cast and creators. Skinner, who also stars as Benny—a closeted former football player navigating campus life—introduced the crowd to the show’s first two episodes. Cast members including Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah also walked the carpet.

    (L-R) Rish Shah, Ali Goodwin, Mary Beth Barone, Connie Britton, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, and Matt Dines attend the 'Overcompensating' Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L-R) Rish Shah, Ali Goodwin, Mary Beth Barone, Connie Britton, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Adam DiMarco, and Matt Dines attend the ‘Overcompensating’ Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    And when the credits rolled? Guests were treated to photo ops, themed merch, next-level snacks, and a surprise DJ set by none other than Haim, who turned the post-screening reception into an impromptu dance party.

    Amidst the glitz, we grabbed a few moments with Boman, who lit up the carpet in true “that girl” fashion.

    Boman on College: Join the Club (Literally)

    While Overcompensating explores the highs and heartbreaks of campus life, Boman offered his own college survival guide—complete with mistakes and milestones.

    “You have to join a club. You have to meet people,” he said. “I went to college, and I had no friends in my first year because I didn’t do anything. I didn’t join any clubs.”

    It wasn’t until he joined musical theater that everything clicked. “Was everybody in that club a freak? Yes—but in a good way,” he laughed. “We were a band of freaks, and it was so much fun.”

    Boman Martinez-Reid attends the "Overcompensating" Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    Boman Martinez-Reid attends the “Overcompensating” Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

    His biggest out for college life? Overdoing it.

    “Don’t drink too much. Oh, don’t smoke weed. I did that, and that was a problem because you just go a little berserk, and nobody wants that,” he warned with a wink.

    Made for TV: The Dream That Actually Happened

    Of course, Boman’s star turn didn’t start on a red carpet—it started with a dream.

    “When I was 18, I sat around with my family, talking about our dreams,” he shared. “Mine was that I wanted to have my own TV show. And somehow I got there.”

    That dream manifested as Made for TV, a chaotic, clever, mockumentary-style series that’s not only a fan favorite but also Canadian Screen Award-nominated.

    “I think we’re going to win. I actually might know that we’re going to,” he teased. “There’s no way we’re not going to win.”

    While Boman admits he was bummed that some of his scenes were cut, he’s still obsessed with the show’s energy and originality.

    “You have to be that girl, and so I am that girl,” he declared. “So many other shows don’t have that girl on the cast. This is why I might win.”

    And Season 2? It’s coming.

    “When it drops—whenever that is—the world is going to gag.”

    From Campus to the Screen

    Whether reflecting on his “freaky” theater club roots or manifesting red carpet greatness, Boman Martinez-Reid continues to bring heart and humor to every project he touches. From Overcompensating’s college-themed chaos to his own TV show glow-up, one thing is certain: Boman knows how to show up, stand out, and be that girl.

    You can also now stream all episodes of Overcompensating now on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Charli XCX ‘Channeled That Rage’ on What It’s Really Like Performing for College Students in ‘Overcompensating’

    Charli XCX ‘Channeled That Rage’ on What It’s Really Like Performing for College Students in ‘Overcompensating’

    Charli XCX is officially in her acting era—and it’s just as chaotic and fabulous as you’d expect. In a standout cameo for Benito Skinner’s new comedy series ‘Overcompensating‘, the pop provocateur steals the show in a scene that satirizes college concerts and Gen Z debauchery, and fans are living for every second.

    In a recent interview with Gayety, comedian Benito Skinner and co-star Wally Baram opened up about the behind-the-scenes hijinks of their new project, what it was like keeping straight faces during absurd scenes, and, of course, how Charli XCX became a surprise highlight of the series.

    Charli XCX: Chaos Queen of Campus Concerts

    Skinner, known for his razor-sharp humor and viral online personas (like his fan-favorite character Kooper the Gen Z intern), explained how the idea for Charli’s cameo came to life during the writer’s room process.

    “We were in the writer’s room, and I know when we got to that episode, it was so obvious that she of course was going to do the college concert,” Skinner said. “But I think it was about trying to find a game for her.”

    He recalled being inspired by his own experiences performing at universities and the universal chaos that often surrounds campus events.

    “I had done stand-up at colleges, and I was just thinking… musicians are up there performing their life’s work in front of college kids that are throwing up and making out and fingering each other,” Skinner said, laughing. “I wanted a little bit of a cathartic moment for her—and maybe for musicians watching—to be like, ‘Yeah, that is kind of a nightmare to have to do that.’”

    Skinner added, “She channeled that rage quickly and perfectly, and she was so down and so game. We were so lucky to have her. Oh, my God.”

    Mary Beth Barone and Benito Skinner attend the "Overcompensating" Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    Mary Beth Barone and Benito Skinner attend the “Overcompensating” Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Prime Video)

    From “Boom Clap” to Bedlam

    Charli’s scene—shot to look like a typical campus concert gone off the rails—manages to feel both hilarious and authentic. For queer audiences and longtime Charli fans, the appearance is not just comedic; it’s iconic. She leans into her status as a cult favorite among LGBTQ+ fans, delivering both humor and attitude in a way only she can.

    The “Seriously Unserious” Comedy Behind the Scenes

    The series itself is a comedy playground, with Skinner and Baram navigating scenes full of improvisation, absurdity, and plenty of queer-coded chaos. “Deeply, seriously unserious,” Baram said when asked about trying not to break character during filming. “Doing scenes across from Holmes was so difficult. It felt like you had some sort of onion in the eye because you were constantly trying to blink back emotion.”

    Skinner added that filming scenes with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang nearly broke him. “I had to think of the worst things that have ever happened to me in order to not laugh while they’re doing this back and forth,” he said. “Literally, every line I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I can’t.’”

    Despite the chaos, Skinner said there was intention behind every scene. Especially when it came to portraying a closeted character. “I said to the director, Daniel Longino, and to Desiree [executive producer], ‘At any point you are allowed to be like, Benny, put on a show a little bit more,’” Skinner explained. “It’s hard. It’s hard to be in the closet. Let me tell you.”

    Rish Shah, Mary Beth Barone, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram and Adam DiMarco attend the "Overcompensating" Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    Rish Shah, Mary Beth Barone, Benito Skinner, Wally Baram and Adam DiMarco attend the “Overcompensating” Screening And After-Party at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Prime Video)

    A Star-Studded, Queer-Forward Comedy

    The series is filled with surprise appearances and a cast that is both hilariously talented and deeply relatable. Skinner and Baram’s on-screen chemistry, combined with appearances from LGBTQ+ faves like Yang and Rogers, makes the show feel like a celebration of queer joy and the absurdity of modern life.

    But it’s Charli XCX who stands out for bringing unexpected emotional depth—and that unmistakable chaotic pop energy. Her willingness to poke fun at the very culture she dominates is what makes her cameo such a perfect fit for the series’ tone.

    Whether you’ve seen her at a real college concert or just streamed her heartbreak bangers while crying on the floor, Charli’s moment here feels like a gift to her fans—and a wink to every queer person who’s ever found euphoria in the chaos.

    Watch the Series Now

    Benito Skinner’s new series ‘Overcompensating’ is streaming now on Prime Video, and Charli XCX’s unforgettable cameo is already generating buzz across social platforms. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the satire, or the pop royalty, this is a comedy that knows its audience—and serves it well.