Hockey romance is here to stay. Off Campus is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, and the new Prime Video romance series has quickly climbed to the number one spot worldwide. In our Off Campus review, we explore how the adaptation tackles reclaiming pleasure after sexual assault while bringing female desire to the forefront.
Based on Elle Kennedy’s bestselling Off Campus book series, the Prime Video series follows Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) as they enter a fake-dating arrangement. The pair pretend to be a couple to attract the attention of Hannah’s real crush, indie musician Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston).
Although the books that inspired Prime Video’s latest BookTok obsession were already beloved by romance readers, the series’ instant popularity proves that hockey romance dramas can resonate with audiences on a deeper emotional level. The adaptation has already become a major talking point among BookTok fans online. The steamy appeal may initially draw viewers in, but beneath the surface, Off Campus explores themes often overlooked in mainstream YA television. Hannah and Garrett’s evolving romance becomes a thoughtful portrayal of how women can rediscover intimacy, trust, and pleasure after trauma.
What Is Off Campus About?
At the beginning of the series, Hannah Wells is struggling to make ends meet while studying music at Briar U. Juggling multiple gigs, from waitressing at Malone’s to cleaning the hockey team’s locker room, she doesn’t have much time to crash campus parties. Nor does she have a desire to do so after a traumatic incident she experienced in high school. When she receives a high mark on a philosophy assignment, Hannah is approached by the captain of the hockey team to be his tutor. Although Garrett could easily request that his father intervene to ensure that his academic performance won’t prevent him from being on the team, he is determined to play by the rules.
Initially reluctant, Hannah accepts his request on one condition. They must pretend to be a couple so that Justin Kohl, the musician she’s been pining over, will finally notice her. Hannah’s and Garrett’s deal takes a turn when feelings get in the way. Hannah notices that she is more into Garrett than she’d hoped, and Garrett can no longer disregard his desire to be with her. As their pretend partnership makes way for something more, the couple engages in a high-stakes, steamy romance.
While the two fall madly in love, their friends Dean (Stephen Kalyn) and Allie (Mika Abdalla) are also at a crossroads about their growing connection. Allie still holds onto the possibility of reconciling with her long-term boyfriend, but there is no denying that her chemistry with Dean is fiery in every way. Garrett’s teammates Tucker (Jalen Thomas Brooks) and Logan (Antonio Cipriano) are also dealing with their own personal dilemmas, with the latter working hard to prove his worth on the ice and secretly harbouring a crush on Hannah.
Who Stars in Off Campus?
Ella Bright plays Hannah, and this is her breakout role. After getting BAFTA and Emmy nominations for her work in CBBC’s Malory Towers, Bright is getting international recognition in the latest Prime Video original. Her co-star, Belmont Cameli, has been in the industry for a while now. He played Jamie Spano in the reboot of Saved By the Bell and starred in a Netflix rom-com entitled Along for the Ride in 2022. Before Off Campus premiered, he was one of the leads in the game-to-screen adaptation of Until Dawn.
Mika Abdalla, who plays Allie, gained prominence as McKeyla McAllister in Netflix’s Project Mc². She also played opposite Off Campus co-star Jalen Thomas Brooks in a few episodes of The Pitt. Antonio Cipriano had a musical theatre background before pivoting to TV. He was discovered in a Broadway production of Jagged Little Pill and later went on to star in series such as Pretty Little Liars and Harlan Coben’s Shelter. As for Stephen Kalyn, he has previously been a part of other Prime Video originals, including Gen Z and Cruel Intentions.
Off Campus Review: Why Off Campus Is the Hockey Romance Everyone Is Watching
With romance and drama to spare, Off Campus is the YA hit we’ve been longing to see since One Tree Hill and The Vampire Diaries. Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Maxton Hall – The World Between Us will likely find themselves equally invested in Off Campus. It brings back a concept that has long been forgotten in YA dramas – the art of the ensemble cast. While many recent romance adaptations focus heavily on the central couple, Off Campus makes us care about an entire group of college students rather than just the main pair.
Hannah and Garrett might have been in each other’s orbits (the series’ opener certainly hints at that), but they weren’t close. It took Garrett’s philosophy grade to plummet for him to notice her and ask for her help. From the moment Hannah agrees to be his tutor, she is introduced to his tight-knit friend group, allowing Logan, Tucker, and Dean to get further screen time. The same goes for Hannah’s best friend and college roommate, Allie, whose secretive relationship with Dean furthers her presence in the series.
Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli are perfect in their respective roles, literally bringing Elle Kennedy’s characters from book to screen. Their instant chemistry makes you root for them, but their layered backstories make their romance stand out. Hannah’s prior experience with sexual assault leaves her vulnerable, and Garrett is also reeling from his violent upbringing. Together they can mend each other’s hearts and find the courage to follow their true aspirations.
The music is a series highlight with a blend of classic rock and Gen Z college playlist needle drops that pull you into the Briar U universe. Series creator Louisa Levy makes purposeful book-to-screen changes and offers fans an early treat with the introduction of Allie and Dean earlier than anticipated.
How Off Campus Explores Reclaiming Pleasure After Sexual Assault
Off Campus also makes sex part of the story. One of the scenes that immediately comes to mind is Hannah and Garrett’s first intimate moment together. It would be natural to assume that they would touch each other. Yet, given Hannah’s sexual assault experience, she has a hard time forgetting her trauma when things start heating up. When Hannah reaches out to Garrett, requesting that he help her have an orgasm, he takes this matter lightly.
As he reaches out to Dean for advice, the latter tells him that trust is essential when it comes to female pleasure. This scene already reframes the importance of intimacy in the series’ context. It affirms the need for consent and prioritises female desire. When Hannah arrives at Garrett’s house later that evening, she expects that they will get physical right away. To her surprise, Garrett lightens up the mood by playing upbeat music and giving her a comfortable shirt to wear as opposed to her tight dress with a deep V.
During their make-out session, Hannah suddenly panics and verbalises how hard that moment is for her, regardless of the trust she has in Garrett. He then suggests that she touch herself in front of him while he does the same. This scene is significant because Hannah’s first orgasm with Garrett is one she is in complete control of. If she can touch herself in front of him and feel safe, then she can later fully let go of her traumatic past.
Off Campus brings one of the book’s most meaningful moments to the screen with a level of care and attention to detail that is rare in media. After all, it focuses on female desire and explores pleasure after sexual assault in a powerful manner.
Will Off Campus Get a Season 2?
Off Campus has already been renewed for Season 2, which will begin filming this summer. Different from what book fans might’ve anticipated, the next main couple will likely be Allie and Dean. After all, their storyline already began in Season 1, with the finale ending on a cliffhanger. Allie admits to hooking up with Hunter Davenport (Charlie Evans), whom Dean despises. Hunter is also joining the hockey team, which will likely put things on edge.
Season 2 will also welcome Logan’s meant-to-be love interest, Grace Ivers. India Fowler will join the cast, playing opposite Antonio Cipriano in the upcoming episodes. As she enters the picture, Josh Heuston won’t return as Justin after Season 1.
Off Campus FAQs
Is Off Campus based on a book?
Off Campus is based on a best-selling book series by Elle Kennedy. The first season focuses on the main couple from the first novel of the series, entitled The Deal. Yet, the adaptation also includes references from The Mistake and The Score.
Who Stars in Off Campus?
The cast includes Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Stephen Kalyn, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Antonio Cipriano, Josh Heuston, Julia Sarah Stone, Khobe Clarke, and Steve Howey.
Who Plays Hannah and Garrett in Off Campus?
Ella Bright stars as Hannah Wells, while Belmont Cameli plays Garrett Graham in the Prime Video adaptation.
How Many Episodes Are in Off Campus Season 1?
Season 1 consists of eight episodes.
Is Off Campus Similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty?
While both series focus on romance and coming-of-age relationships, Off Campus has a more mature tone and explores heavier themes including trauma, consent, and female pleasure. The Prime Video series also leans further into college life and hockey romance tropes.
Is Off Campus Spicy?
Yes. Off Campus includes several intimate scenes and explores sexuality openly, although the series also places strong emphasis on consent, emotional intimacy, and trust.
Where Can You Watch Off Campus?
Off Campus is available to stream exclusively on Prime Video.
Will There Be an Off Campus Season 2?
Yes. Prime Video has already renewed Off Campus for Season 2, which is expected to begin filming this summer in Vancouver, Canada.
When Will Off Campus Season 2 Come Out?
Off Campus Season 2 does not have a release date yet. It will begin filming this summer in Vancouver, Canada.
Who Will Season 2 Focus On?
Season 2 will likely centre on Dean and Allie’s evolving relationship following the dramatic events of the Season 1 finale.
Is Josh Heuston Returning for Off Campus Season 2?
Josh Heuston, who plays Justin Kohl, is not currently expected to return for Season 2.
Where Was Off Campus Filmed?
Off Campus was filmed in Vancouver, Canada, which doubles as the fictional Briar University campus in the series.
