Overcompensating, which premiered on Prime Video on May 15, 2025, is a comedy-drama created by and starring Benito Skinner. The story follows Benny, a former college football player who's trying to find his place in a new social world, alongside his bold and eccentric new friend, Carmen. What truly sets the series apart, beyond its sharp wit and chaotic energy, is its nostalgic soundtrack, packed with early 2010s bangers, all handpicked by Charli XCX, who also steps in as executive music producer and makes a cameo in the show.
Episode-by-episode soundtrack breakdown (with fun facts)
Episode 1: Lucky
George of the Jungle Theme Song
Plays during the opening credits, setting a cheeky tone for the show.
Lucky – Britney Spears
Plays during Benny's intro, mirroring his search for purpose.
I Love It – Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX
Plays at a wild college party, perfectly capturing the out-of-control vibe.
Fun Fact: Released in 2012, this was one of Charli XCX's first big hits as a songwriter.
Team – Lorde
Highlights the budding friendship between Benny and Carmen.
Vroom Vroom – Charli XCX
Charli makes a stylish, high-impact appearance in the series here.
Episode 2: Who’s That Girl?
Who’s That Girl? – Eve
Plays when Carmen goes full makeover mode.
Pop the Glock – Uffie
Used in a hilariously chaotic dance rehearsal scene.
Like A G6 – Far East Movement feat. The Cataracs, Dev
Blasts at a frat party gone rogue.
Super Bass – Nicki Minaj
Closes the episode on a high-energy note.
Fun Fact: The scene was inspired by a 2019 viral video of Benito Skinner lip-syncing in secret.
Episode 3: Black and Yellow
Boys – Charli XCX
Plays as Benny starts making new connections.
Fun Fact: The song underscores Benny’s journey toward self-discovery.
Black and Yellow – Wiz Khalifa
Soundtracks a fiercely competitive frat sports match.
Gucci Gucci – Kreayshawn
Used during a hilarious shopping spree sequence.
I’ve Seen Footage – Death Grips
Cranks up the intensity during a moment of rising tension.
Where’d You Go – Fort Minor feat. Holly Brook, Jonah Matranga
Plays during a reflective moment for Benny.
Love In Stereo – Sky Ferreira
Closes the episode on a moody note.
Episode 4: Boom Clap
Boom Clap – Charli XCX
Plays during a feel-good montage.
Fun Fact: Originally offered to Hilary Duff, the track was later featured in The Fault in Our Stars and on Charli's album Sucker.
Girls Night Out – Charli XCX
Perfect for a wild girls-only night.
Big Fish – Vince Staples
Elevates a dramatic showdown.
Trap Queen – Fetty Wap (performed by the cast)
A full-blown musical moment at a theme party.
I Love It – Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX
Makes a second appearance during a spontaneous dance moment.
Boys – Charli XCX
Returns as Benny wrestles with complicated feelings.
Sucker – Charli XCX
Plays during a moment of personal empowerment.
party 4 u – Charli XCX
Closes out the episode with quiet reflection.
Episode 5: Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex
Used during a full-tilt party scene.
Fun Fact: Perfectly channels Benny’s inner chaos and social pressure.
No Angel – Charli XCX
Plays in a raw, emotional moment.
Rockin’ Zombie – The Crewnecks
Sets the tone for a Halloween bash.
Face Like Thunder – The Japanese House
Used to underscore rising interpersonal tension.
Unlock it (Lock It) – Charli XCX feat. Kim Petras, Jay Park
Marks a scene of personal epiphany.
Own It – DAAMM!! feat. Faith Vernon
Accompanies a montage of resilience.
We Are Your Friends – Justice vs. Simian
A group bonding moment soundtracked to euphoria.
Nuclear Seasons – Charli XCX
Kicks in during a crisis scene.
Claws – Charli XCX
Ends the episode on an intense note.
Episode 6: The Edge of Glory
Everything Is Embarrassing – Sky Ferreira
Plays in a scene filled with vulnerability.
Official (Instrumental) – Charli XCX
Backs a silent montage with flair.
The Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga
Serves as the soundtrack to a crucial turning point.
Love Me – The 1975
Highlights emotional connection.
Fuck the Pain Away – Peaches
Plays during a scene of emotional release.
Sorry If I Hurt You – Charli XCX
Closes the episode with notes of regret.
Episode 7: Welcome to the Black Parade
All the Things – Beverly
Plays in a nostalgic flashback.
Fuckboyz – Dead Obies
Punctuates a series of confrontations.
Happy Faces – Babe Youth
Plays during a joyful montage.
Let’s Talk – Death In The Afternoon
Backs a heart-to-heart conversation.
Floating Vibes – Surfer Blood
Plays in a wind-down scene.
Welcome to the Black Parade – My Chemical Romance
Delivers the emotional high point of the episode.
Sugar – Maroon 5
Closes things out on a sweet note.
Episode 8: Crown on the Ground
Crown on the Ground – Sleigh Bells
Bangs during a victory moment.
Fun Fact: The noisy, celebratory tone is a perfect fit for the emotional crescendo.
Ribs – Lorde
Underscores a reflective scene.
Fun Fact: Lorde explores the fear of growing up, a theme mirrored in the series finale.
Lipgloss (Instrumental) – Charli XCX feat. Cupcakke
Backs a stylized montage with flair.
Gucci Gucci – Kreayshawn
Comes back during a shopping spree redux.
Fun Fact: The lyrics poke fun at luxury label obsession, matching the scene’s satire.
Doses & Mimosas – Cherub
Plays during a bittersweet farewell party.
Be Your USA – EASYFUN feat. Iiris
Ends the series on a hopeful, forward-looking note.
Whether you're here for the campus chaos, the coming-of-age feels, or just the certified bangers, Overcompensating delivers on all fronts. Its soundtrack doesn’t just set the mood; it tells a story of its own, echoing every emotional high and crash landing Benny and his crew go through. With Charli XCX’s fingerprints all over the musical DNA, this show is as much a love letter to the 2010s as it is a journey of self-acceptance and messy friendships.
So go ahead, revisit the series, crank up the playlist, and let yourself feel it all over again.