Overcompensating is a fresh and bold comedy series streaming on Prime Video. Created by comedian and actor Benito Skinner, the show brings a relatable and humorous take on college life through the eyes of Benny—a closeted former high school football player trying to figure himself out during his first year of college. If you’ve already seen the trailer or the early episodes, you might be curious about where all those campus scenes and chaotic parties were actually filmed.
At NetFilming, we’re here to give you all the insights on the real-world filming locations used in Overcompensating. The show’s vibrant visuals and authentic college atmosphere didn’t just happen by accident—it was a well-thought-out production filmed in two key cities: Toronto, Canada, and Los Angeles, California.
Overcompensating: A Quick Overview
Overcompensating is an eight-episode comedy-drama that dives into the college experience through Benny’s eyes. He’s dealing with his hidden sexuality while trying to fit in, alongside his friend Carmen, a high school outsider eager to reinvent herself. With a stellar cast, including Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, and Charli XCX (who’s also the executive music producer), the series promises laughs and heartfelt moments. Filming kicked off in July 2024 and wrapped by October, with the cast forming a tight bond that shines through onscreen. Now, let’s check out the cities that brought this college world to life.
Overcompensating Filming Locations
The series was filmed mainly in Toronto, Ontario, and Los Angeles, California, and there were some claims Atlanta, Georgia, was involved too. These locations helped in the making of the fictional Yates University and the collegiate town it represents. Here’s a closer look at each and why they were great:
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, often called “Hollywood North,” was the main filming hub for Overcompensating. Production officially kicked off in April 2024 and continued for nearly six months, wrapping up in October 2024.
Most of the show’s college scenes were shot at the University of Toronto, located at 27 King’s College Circle. In the series, the university is rebranded as Yates University, where Benny begins his chaotic journey into college life. The production team made great use of both indoor and outdoor spots on the campus to maintain an authentic college setting. From dorm rooms and lecture halls to sports fields and cafeterias—many of the places you see in the show are real locations within this well-known institution.
The University of Toronto is respected around the world for its undergraduate teaching, learning, and research. These qualities made it a perfect stand-in for a high-profile U.S. university. The architecture and active campus made a believable setting for the ups and downs of Benny’s tale.
Toronto isn’t just famous for its academia; the city has also been called Hollywood North. With its generous tax incentives, highly skilled local crews, and versatile cityscape, Toronto has become a go-to location for numerous major film and TV productions. The city is notoriously adaptable, able to double as any number of American towns and cities, some of which makes it a good fit for a show like Overcompensating, which takes place in the U.S. but is shot elsewhere.
Some well-known Toronto landmarks that might pop up in the background of the show include High Park, Allan Gardens, Nathan Phillips Square, and the Toronto Islands. The city also hosts the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the biggest and most respected film festivals in the world.
Additional Filming in Los Angeles, California
While Toronto served as the primary location, the production also filmed additional scenes in Los Angeles. Many indoor scenes—especially those that needed specific studio setups or could not be captured on an actual university campus—were shot here.
Los Angeles is famous around the world as the home of the entertainment industry. Giant studios like Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and Walt Disney Studios have made it their home, as have numerous smaller studios and post-production companies. This infrastructure allows it to be very conducive for a series like Overcompensating to shoot complex or controlled scenes that need specific lighting, sound stages or even an urban feel in the background.
The team may have also taken advantage of L.A.’s wide range of cityscapes to film exterior shots, like the city streets, party locations or café scenes, that were designed to appear as though they could have been part of the fictional Yates University campus.
While in LA, some of the city’s most iconic locations are also spotted in the series, including the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Hollywood Boulevard. Those are not really in the foreground of the storyline, but LA’s general vibe adds to the authenticity of scenes that aren’t shot in Toronto.
Atlanta, Georgia: A Possible Third Location
Some sources mention Atlanta, Georgia, as an additional filming spot, starting in July 2024. Its studios, tax breaks and locations have made Atlanta a huge filming center. What scenes get filmed here isn’t clear, but, given the city’s urban areas or campus-like spots, locations could double as parts of Yates University or small-town locations nearby. Atlanta has hosted shows such as Stranger Things and The Walking Dead, indicating that the city is familiar with large-scale productions. Piedmont Park or the Georgia Aquarium also make it a fun place for visitors.
Fun Facts About the Filming Process
- Filming lasted about three months, from July to October 2024, with the cast bonding over their time on set.
- Toronto’s University of Toronto is a global leader in education, making it a fitting stand-in for the fictional Yates University.
- LA and Atlanta are home to some of the world’s biggest studios, giving Overcompensating access to top-tier resources.
- The show’s visuals pop with bright colors and real-life aesthetics, thanks to these dynamic locations.
By filming in both Toronto and Los Angeles, the show manages to create a believable and visually appealing world that feels like a real American college campus.
Overcompensating – Official Trailer
And if you enjoy learning more about filming locations and behind-the-scenes details, be sure to stay connected with NetFilming—your go-to source for entertainment location insights.
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