If you haven't already binged Overcompensating, what are you waiting for? The series, which was written by and stars Benito Skinner (or BennyDrama7, as he's better known online), dropped last week, and has occupied more of our brain space than we'd like to admit since. Set in a fictional American college in the 2010s, Overcompensating draws loosely on Skinner's own experience coming to terms with his sexuality, and navigating the social minefield that is your late teens and early 20s. Throw in his signature on-point humour, backing from A24, and an impeccable ensemble cast, and you've got yourself a hit show.
While we're waiting patiently for season two to be confirmed, we had to do something to pass the time. So, we're turning to a second passion of ours: star signs. If you've ever wondered if your astrological placement best aligns with the chaotic (but so hilarious) antics of Hailee, the wise observations of George, or the scathing one-liners of Grace, you've come to the right place. Below, we've assigned star signs to every Overcompensating character.
1. Benny - Gemini
When we meet Benny in the show, he's living something of a double life: a football-playing, Flesh & Gold hopeful on one side, and a closeted gay who knows all the lyrics to 'Super Bass' on the other. And what better sign to describe that duality than Gemini? Quick-witted, outgoing, and enthusiastic, Geminis have the unique ability to adapt to just about any situation — which can sometimes lead to them being labelled deceitful. But we'd argue, as with Benny, often it's nothing more than a case of overcompensating (no pun intended), where they twist themselves into something they're not, simply to fit in with their surroundings.
2. Hailee - Scorpio
Hailee (expertly played by Holmes) doesn't have to say anything to make her presence known. But when she does, just know it's going to be beyond whatever you expected. It's what makes her a natural scorpio. Passionate, resourceful, determined, and intense, Hailee is a frontrunner for our favourite (and the funniest) Overcompensating character. She's also by far the most reliable person on at Yates, becoming Carmen's ride or die from move in day. Very Scorpio-esque.
3. Carmen - Pisces
Pisces are known for their deeply empathetic, intuitive, and imaginative nature. Sound familiar? Carmen dedicates herself to supporting Benny as he come to terms with his sexuality, is a friend to Grace when she has no one else, and (although a morally questionable relationship), sees through Peter's bravado. All the while, she's also grappling with her own grief in the wake of her brother's death. She's also the type who'd rather spend the night getting lost in a video game, than at a club, which is so Pisces coded.
4. Grace - Taurus
Much like her younger brother, Grace is deeply concerned with her social standing — despite how unhappy it might make her. It's this stubbornness and resistance to change that aligns best with Taurus. At the same time, she's practical, dependable and, when it comes down to it, a voice of reason when Benny needs her most; another reason why we think she best aligns with the second sign of the zodiac.
5. Peter - Aries
Love him or hate him, Peter is brimming with classic Aries energy: passionate, headstrong, and ready to go after what he wants. Whether it's leaking the Flesh & Gold admissions criteria, or working overtime to undo the backlash, he's a natural go-getter, and wired for action.
6. Miles - Libra
Miles embodies that Libra charm — a little mysterious, deeply thoughtful, and always five steps ahead. A Libra knows how to read a room and make everyone feel seen, all while keeping their own cards close to the chest. Reminds us a little of the final episode of Overcompensating, don't you think?
7. George - Aquarius
Like George, an Aquarius is quirky, independent, and a little bit unpredictable. Aquarians have a magnetic vibe that comes from marching to the beat of their own drum that pulls people in — we saw it in full effect when George befriended Benny.
8. Kathryn - Cancer
Cancer is the emotional anchor of the zodiac — intuitive, protective, and deeply connected to the home, it's only natural that Benny's mum, Kathryn, falls under this sign. A Cancer leads with their feelings but often hides their soft centre behind a cool exterior (like picking up 100 hobbies as soon as their youngest child leaves home). She feels everything deeply — even if she won’t always show it — and her instinct to protect the people she loves runs deep.
9. Emily - Sagittarius
Sagittarians are magnetic because they don't try too hard, which really sums up Emily. Like a true Sagittarius, Emily has charisma in spades — which is probably why she's immediately taken up by the girls of Flesh & Gold (even if they're not great people). Morals aside, Emily’s free-spirited optimism and slightly spaced-out vibes make her a textbook Sagittarius.
10. Charli XCX - Leo
Charli XCX plays herself in the series (dialled up just a touch), so it makes sense that she falls under her actual star sign. Leo's don't just enter a room; they arrive. Whether she's performing at Coachella or Yates university, Charli embodies the Leo perfectly: effortlessly charismatic, emotionally generous, and unafraid to take up space.
11. John - Capricorn
Disciplined, ambitious, and grounded, Capricorn is the father figure of the zodiac. And, as the archetypal father figure, Benny's Dad, John is the natural choice for this sign. He holds his children to impossibly high standards but, underneath it all, there's surprising depth.
12. Jered - Virgo
Hear us out. If you need a refresher, Jered (played by Matt Rogers), is a more experienced gay that Benny meets on Grindr. But their encounter quickly goes south when Jered reveals he's actually in an open relationship with Davis (Bowen Yang). And amidst the chaos of it all, Jered starts freaking out that wine has been spilt on the carpet — and really, is there anything more Virgo-coded than that?
