Your Next Steamy Hockey Romance Is Coming — Off Campus Drops Soon

The literary world and streaming enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as Prime Video prepares to release its latest heavy hitter in the young adult romance genre. Based on the international bestselling book series by Elle Kennedy, the television adaptation of Off Campus is set to redefine the sports romance landscape. Combining the high-stakes world of elite college ice hockey with intense, emotional character arcs, the show promises to deliver the perfect blend of steam, angst, and heart. As fans of the original novels have long awaited the chance to see the Briar University Hawks come to life, the production has spared no effort in ensuring that the chemistry and narrative depth of the books translate seamlessly to the screen.

The Off Campus TV series premieres on Prime Video on May 13, 2026, featuring a binge-drop release of all eight episodes from the first season. This highly anticipated adaptation focuses on the relationship between Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham, exploring themes of trust, healing, and the complexities of young adulthood. With a talented ensemble cast and a commitment to honoring the source material's emotional core, the show is positioned as a major new addition to the romance-drama television landscape.

The Phenomenon of Elle Kennedys Off Campus Series

Before it was a hit streaming series, Off Campus was a publishing sensation that revitalized the hockey romance subgenre. Originally published in 2015, the series found a massive second wave of popularity through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where readers fell in love with the emotionally complex "hockey boys" of Briar University. Unlike many sports romances that focus solely on the surface-level glamour of being an athlete, Kennedy’s work delved into the personal traumas and pressures faced by her characters. The series consists of five primary books: The Deal, The Mistake, The Score, The Goal, and The Legacy, each focusing on a different couple within the same tight-knit friend group.

The success of the books lies in their ability to balance spicy romance with genuine character growth. Hannah Wells isn't just a love interest; she is a talented music major dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault. Garrett Graham isn't just a star captain; he is a young man struggling to escape the shadow of his abusive, legendary father. By centering these heavy themes within a compelling "fake dating" plot, Kennedy created a story that resonated with millions. The transition to television allows these nuances to be explored in even greater detail, giving the characters room to breathe over the course of a full season.

What to Expect from Season 1: The Deal

The first season of Off Campus explicitly adapts the first novel, The Deal. The story follows Hannah Wells, who has a major crush on a fellow student and musician named Justin Kohl. To get his attention, she strikes a deal with Garrett Graham, the cocky and popular captain of the hockey team. Garrett is on the verge of failing a philosophy class and needs Hannah’s tutoring expertise to stay eligible for the team. In exchange for her help, Garrett agrees to pretend to date her to make Justin jealous. However, as they spend more time together, the line between performance and reality begins to blur.

Showrunner Louisa Levy has emphasized that the show will maintain the "non-negotiable" emotional beats of the book. This includes the platonic sleepovers where the two leads actually get to know each other and the gradual building of trust that allows Hannah to feel safe again. Fans can expect a "slow-burn" progression that respects the sensitive nature of the characters' pasts while delivering the high-energy hockey action and steamy encounters that the genre is known for. The setting of Briar University serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a character in itself, embodying the intense culture of college sports and the freedom of early adulthood.

Meet the Cast Bringing Briar U to Life

Casting for such a beloved series was a high-stakes endeavor, but the producers have assembled a group of rising stars who embody the spirit of the Briar Hawks. Ella Bright takes on the role of Hannah Wells, bringing an innate wholesomeness and strength to the dorky yet resilient music major. Opposite her, Belmont Cameli stars as Garrett Graham. Cameli, known for his charismatic screen presence, captures the dual nature of Garrett—the confident athlete on the ice and the vulnerable, healing son off it. Their chemistry is the anchor of the first season, and early reviews have praised their believable connection.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, establishing the groundwork for future seasons. Stephen Kalyn plays the womanizing yet charming Dean Di Laurentis, while Mika Abdalla portrays Allie Hayes, Hannah's best friend. The dynamic between Dean and Allie is already a fan favorite, with their storyline beginning to unfold even within the first season. Other key team members include Antonio Cipriano as John Logan and Jalen Thomas Brooks as John Tucker. This ensemble cast underwent a rigorous two-week hockey boot camp to ensure that the on-ice sequences looked authentic, adding a layer of realism to the show's athletic components.

How Off Campus Compares to Heated Rivalry

The release of Off Campus comes shortly after the success of another hockey-centric drama, Heated Rivalry. While both shows tap into the surging popularity of hockey romance, they offer very different viewing experiences. Heated Rivalry is based on Rachel Reid’s books and focuses on the pro-hockey world and a queer romance between rival players. Off Campus, by contrast, is a heterosexual romance set in the collegiate world. Showrunner Louisa Levy has noted that while comparisons are inevitable, there is plenty of room in the market for multiple hockey stories, much like there are countless shows about American football.

Off Campus leans more into the "soapy" and "glossy" aesthetic of college life, similar to shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty. It focuses heavily on the interconnected lives of a group of friends navigating the transition into adulthood. While Heated Rivalry broke barriers with its queer storytelling in a professional sports setting, Off Campus thrives on its excavation of relationship dynamics and its dedication to the tropes of the romance novel genre. Both shows benefit from a production quality that elevates the "trash TV" label into high-class entertainment that knows exactly who its audience is.

Aspect	Details
Premiere Date	May 13, 2026
Platform	Amazon Prime Video
Main Couple	Hannah Wells & Garrett Graham
Season 1 Focus	The Deal (Book 1)
Episodes	8 (Binge-drop)
Renewal Status	Season 2 Confirmed

Production Secrets and Authentic Hockey Action

Creating a realistic sports drama requires more than just good acting; it requires physical technicality. The production team for Off Campus took this seriously, hiring former hockey pro Dave Tomlinson to lead a training camp for the actors. While stunt doubles were used for some of the most dangerous and high-speed sequences, the actors performed many of their own skating close-ups. Stephen Kalyn, who plays Dean, brought his own lifelong hockey experience to the set, allowing him to perform complex moves that enhanced the show's authenticity. This commitment to realism helps ground the show’s more dramatic elements.

Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, the production utilized local arenas and university settings to recreate the fictional Briar University. The costume design also plays a significant role in the show's aesthetic, with oversized hoodies and varsity jackets becoming the unofficial uniform of the series. This look, often referred to as "hockey core" on social media, has already started to influence fashion trends among fans. The blend of high-production value and attention to the specific subculture of hockey makes Off Campus a visually engaging experience that goes beyond the typical romance adaptation.

Significant Changes from the Original Books

No adaptation is a perfect copy of its source material, and Off Campus has made several strategic changes to modernize the story for a 2026 audience. One of the most discussed changes is the character of Justin Kohl, who was an athlete in the books but has been reimagined as a singer-songwriter for the series. Author Elle Kennedy has expressed her support for this change, noting that it adds a new layer to Hannah’s interest in him as a music major. The series also streamlines certain emotional beats to fit the eight-episode format, ensuring a pacing that keeps viewers hooked.

Another major change involves the "hands-off" rule that Garrett institutes in the books after a conflict with Hannah. In the television series, this plot point was altered or removed, which sparked some debate among "book purists." However, the showrunners defended these decisions as necessary for the transition to a visual medium and for developing a more sustainable long-term narrative for the ensemble. Despite these shifts, the core "stepping stones" of the relationship—friendship, trust, and mutual support—remain the focus of the adaptation.

Future Seasons and the Interconnected Universe

Prime Video demonstrated its confidence in the series by renewing it for a second season before the first had even premiered. This ensures that fans will see more of the Briar U universe beyond Hannah and Garrett’s story. In keeping with the structure of the books, each season is expected to focus on a different couple while continuing to follow the existing characters. Season 2 is set to adapt the second book, The Mistake, which focuses on John Logan and his pursuit of a headstrong woman named Grace Ivers. Casting for Grace has already been announced, with India Fowler joining the regulars.

The show is also planting seeds for the third book, The Score, by introducing the dynamic between Dean and Allie early on. By creating an interconnected world where every "emotionally unavailable" player is potentially two episodes away from their own romance, the show builds a sustainable franchise. Fans of Elle Kennedy’s wider universe can also look forward to potential references to the spin-off series Briar U and Campus Diaries. There is even talk of a "second generation" story in the distant future, based on Kennedy’s 2026 release Love Song, which follows the children of the original couples.

Why Off Campus is the Perfect Binge-Watch

In the current landscape of streaming, where audiences crave comfort and emotional payoff, Off Campus hits all the right marks. It doesn't try to be a gritty, groundbreaking crime drama; instead, it embraces its identity as a high-quality romance. The "binge-drop" format is particularly well-suited for this genre, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the developing relationships without the frustration of a weekly wait. The 96% approval rating from early critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes suggests that the show successfully balances its "spicy" reputation with genuine storytelling merit.

Whether you are a longtime fan of the books or a newcomer looking for a new obsession, Off Campus offers a compelling mix of drama and heart. It captures the essence of that specific time in life when everything feels momentous—the heartbreak, the friendships, and the thrill of first love. With its charismatic cast, authentic sports atmosphere, and deep respect for the romance genre, the show is poised to become a staple of Prime Video's young adult programming for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does Off Campus Season 1 release?
All eight episodes of the first season will be available on Prime Video on May 13, 2026.

Is the show based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the bestselling Off-Campus book series by Canadian author Elle Kennedy.

Who are the main actors?
The series stars Ella Bright as Hannah Wells and Belmont Cameli as Garrett Graham.

Will there be a Season 2?
Yes, Prime Video officially renewed the series for a second season in February 2026.

Where was the series filmed?
The first season was filmed on location in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Conclusion

Your Next Steamy Hockey Romance Is Coming — Off Campus Drops Soon

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