If you enjoyed the competitive ice hockey setting—and let’s be real, the sizzling chemistry—of Heated Rivalry, you’ll want to check out the Off Campus series. This global sensation, which began as a book series of the same name by Elle Kennedy, is now being adapted for a television series by Amazon Prime, familiar to anyone in the BookTok community.
The first season is based on the first novel, The Deal, and centers on the evolving relationship between Garrett Graham, the captain of Briar U’s hockey team, and Hannah Wells, a music major. Boasting over 1.3 million YouTube trailer views in under 24 hours, this series is set to be the perfect kick-off to the summer. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to the show, here is all the essential information before you dive in.
What is the Off Campus series about?
The show is set at the fictional Briar University, exploring the “opposites-attract” relationship between Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham. Their initial fake dating arrangement, designed to help Graham improve his grades and Wells capture the attention of a particular football player, quickly evolved into an unexpected connection for both. As those familiar with the book series will attest, the novel delves into more intricate themes like family trauma, sexual assault, academic pressure among others. However, it remains unknown how or if the showrunners plan to translate these complex themes onto the screen.
Beyond the central couple, the series also explores the lives of other hockey players and the women in their lives as they navigate the challenges of love, heartbreak, and friendship in early adulthood.
Who’s starring in the Off Campus series?
The Off Campus universe features two seasons and includes several series regulars. The main protagonists are Hannah Wells, played by Ella Bright (The Crown, Malory Towers), and Garrett Graham, played by Belmont Cameli (Until Dawn, Saved by the Bell, Along for the Ride).
It also boasts a talented cast for its elite ice hockey team. The team includes John Tucker, played by Jalen Thomas Brooks (The Pitt, Walker), Dean DiLaurentis, played by Stephen Kalyn (Gen V, Motorheads), and John Logan, played by Antonio Cipriano (A Week Away, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin). The team is coached by Coach Jensen, portrayed by Chad Willett (Big Sky, Beyond).
The cast also features Mika Abdalla (The Pitt, The Flash, Project MC2) as Allie Hayes. Other notable actors include Steve Howey (High Potential, Shameless) as Phil Graham and Josh Heuston (Heartbreak High, Dune: Prophecy) as Justin Kohl. It is widely speculated that the Off Campus series will adopt a structure similar to Bridgerton, featuring a new main couple each season. The second season’s central couple has yet to be confirmed, though speculation points to either Allie and Dean or John and Grace Ivers, with India Fowler (White Lines, Man vs. Bee) set to portray Grace Ivers.
Where will the Off Campus series premiere?
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The book’s screen adaptation is set to debut on Amazon Prime on May 13th. This premiere date follows almost 11 years after the original book’s release on February 24, 2015. All eight episodes of the first season will premiere at once. Ahead of the series premiere, Amazon Prime Video has renewed the series for a second series.
Editor
Tanya ParmanandCredit
Lead Image: @offcampusonprime via Instagram
