Benito Skinner has revealed that fans nearly got an unexpected crossover between two popular LGBTQ+ television series, but scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented the collaboration from becoming a reality.
Speaking during an appearance at Obsessed Fest, the comedian, actor and writer shared behind-the-scenes details about casting for the second season of his Prime Video comedy Overcompensating. Skinner explained that he had hoped to bring in actors from the hit hockey drama Heated Rivalry, believing they would have been a perfect fit for the show’s next chapter.
Although the plans never materialized, Skinner made it clear that the idea remains very much alive and that he has not given up on working with the actors in the future.
Among the performers he approached was Canadian actor Hudson Williams, one of the breakout stars of Heated Rivalry. According to Skinner, discussions took place about a possible guest appearance, but the production schedules of the two series ultimately made the collaboration impossible.
Skinner explained that Williams’ commitments left little room for additional projects during the filming period for Overcompensating. While he did not go into detail about how far negotiations progressed, he suggested that timing simply worked against everyone involved.
Rather than expressing disappointment, Skinner spoke with understanding, acknowledging that actors often have to prioritize existing commitments when multiple productions overlap.
Williams has become increasingly busy following the success of Heated Rivalry, a series that has attracted a passionate fan base thanks to its emotional storytelling and central romance. As interest in the show has grown, so too has demand for its cast members, making scheduling significantly more complicated.
Skinner also confirmed that another familiar face from Heated Rivalry was invited to appear in the upcoming season.
Actor Robbie G.K., who already has a connection to Overcompensating after portraying Riley during the comedy’s first season, was also approached about returning. Fans who enjoyed his earlier appearance had hoped to see his character again, but those plans likewise fell through because of professional obligations.
According to Skinner, bringing Robbie back was something the creative team genuinely wanted to do. The actor’s performance during the first season had left a positive impression on both the production team and viewers, making his return an appealing possibility as work began on new episodes.
Unfortunately, Robbie’s filming commitments meant that he was unable to participate.
Despite the setbacks, Skinner spoke warmly about both actors and emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with a lack of interest. Instead, it reflected the realities of television production, where coordinating the schedules of multiple performers can often become one of the biggest logistical challenges.
Rather than viewing the missed opportunity as the end of the conversation, Skinner suggested it is simply a matter of finding the right moment.
He expressed confidence that the collaborations will eventually happen, even if they have to wait until future seasons or entirely different projects. His comments suggested that the relationships between everyone involved remain positive and that the door remains open for future guest appearances.
“There will be something someday,” Skinner hinted, conveying optimism that audiences will eventually see the crossover fans have been hoping for.
Part of the scheduling conflict appears to stem from the production timeline for Heated Rivalry itself.
Skinner noted that the drama’s second season is expected to begin filming in August, leaving its lead actors focused on preparing for another demanding production schedule. With both television series entering active production around similar periods, coordinating appearances became increasingly difficult.
Rather than expressing frustration, Skinner said he completely understood why Williams and Robbie had to prioritize their existing commitments.
He also made it clear that he is looking forward to watching the next season of Heated Rivalry as a fan himself.
His comments reflected genuine enthusiasm for the success of another LGBTQ+ series, highlighting the supportive atmosphere that has increasingly developed among creators working within the genre.
That sense of mutual encouragement has become one of the defining characteristics of recent queer television, with many actors and writers openly celebrating one another’s projects instead of viewing them as competitors.
Although the hoped-for crossover will not happen this season, Skinner revealed that audiences can still expect several exciting guest appearances in the upcoming episodes of Overcompensating.
Without revealing too many details, he confirmed that a Grammy Award-winning entertainer has joined the cast for season two. While he chose not to disclose the performer’s identity during the interview, the announcement immediately generated excitement among fans eager to discover which music superstar will appear on the comedy.
The mystery surrounding the celebrity cameo has only increased anticipation for the show’s return.
Since its debut, Overcompensating has earned praise for combining sharp comedy with emotionally honest storytelling, exploring themes of identity, friendship and self-discovery through Skinner’s distinctive sense of humor.
As both creator and leading actor, Skinner has become closely associated with the series’ creative direction, often drawing from personal experiences while balancing heartfelt moments with exaggerated comedy.
His willingness to invite performers from other popular LGBTQ+ projects reflects that collaborative approach. Rather than limiting casting choices to traditional comedic actors, Skinner appears eager to bring together talent from across television, film and music whenever possible.
Fans quickly reacted to Skinner’s casting revelations across social media.
Many expressed disappointment that scheduling conflicts prevented Williams and Robbie from joining the upcoming season, particularly because both actors have developed loyal followings through Heated Rivalry. Others, however, remained encouraged by Skinner’s confidence that future collaborations remain possible.
Some viewers also noted that Robbie’s previous appearance in Overcompensating had already demonstrated strong chemistry with the existing cast, making his absence from season two especially noticeable.
At the same time, the announcement of an undisclosed Grammy winner joining the series generated widespread speculation. Online discussions immediately turned toward identifying which musician might make a guest appearance, with fans proposing a variety of possibilities based on Skinner’s personal friendships and previous collaborations.
For Skinner, these conversations highlight the growing popularity of the series.
As production continues on season two, expectations are naturally higher than they were during the show’s debut. Success has brought larger audiences, increased media attention and greater interest from performers interested in appearing alongside Skinner.
Even though two highly anticipated guest stars could not be accommodated this time, the creator’s comments suggest he remains committed to expanding the show’s universe through future collaborations.
The possibility of eventually bringing actors from Heated Rivalry into Overcompensating remains firmly on the table.
Given the enthusiasm surrounding both series, a crossover would likely be welcomed by viewers eager to see performers from two of the most talked-about LGBTQ+ productions share the screen.
For now, however, both casts remain focused on their own upcoming seasons.
Overcompensating continues filming its second installment with new guest stars, fresh storylines and a surprise Grammy-winning performer still waiting to be revealed. Meanwhile, Heated Rivalry prepares to begin production on its own second season, keeping its lead actors fully occupied.
Although scheduling prevented the crossover from happening this year, Skinner’s optimism suggests fans may only have to wait a little longer. If his comments are any indication, the collaboration remains less a canceled idea than a postponed one—something that could eventually become reality once the calendars of everyone involved finally align.