You might not have already binged the Off Campus series, but you’ve definitely heard about it. Adapted from Elle Kennedy’s bestselling novels, this global hit on Amazon Prime Video has sparked plenty of conversation about how the books translate to screen. The story follows music student Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and hockey star Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) in a fake dating arrangement. Hannah aims to impress her crush, while Garrett needs to improve his philosophy grade. Their pretend romance soon becomes real, exploring the lives of the hockey team and their social circle.

But as with many book club favourites adapted for television, several details have been changed or removed entirely. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the source material or just curious about the changes, here is a breakdown of the key differences between the book series and the TV show that we’ve spotted so far. 

1. The Transformation of Justin Kohl

In the novel, Justin Kohl is a football player with no musical background who is friends with Garrett Graham through sports. Meanwhile, the TV series reimagines him as a music major with a band who assists Hannah during her showcase. In the book, Hannah actually performs with her peers Cassidy and MJ—Justin is nowhere to be seen.

2. The Campus-wide Hands Off Rule was diminished 

In the novel, Garrett personally enforces a university-wide “hands off” policy warning every male student that touching Hannah would result in physical confrontation—a major development for their relationship. The TV show gives less emphasis on this moment and shifts the credit, positing that Garrett’s teammates actually started the rule.

3. Breakup reversal

The breakup scene undergoes a significant reversal between the two narrative mediums. In the book, Hannah initiates the split because Phil Graham (Garrett’s father) blackmails her, threatening to withdraw Garrett’s financial support and leave him unable to pay for Briar U. She subsequently fabricates a desire to see other people to protect him. In contrast, the television adaptation depicts Garrett as the one ending the relationship, citing his deep-seated fear of becoming like his abusive father.

4. Financial subplot omitted

Garrett’s financial situation is a major narrative arc in the book; his dependence on his father’s wealth explains his initial submissiveness and the eventual gravity of their estrangement. In contrast, the television series omits this financial subplot entirely. The Off Campus creator explained that since modern hockey players earn revenue from endorsements, the book’s financial conflict felt unrealistic for the show.

5. Practice kiss altered

In the novel, Dean DiLaurentis interrupts Garrett and Hannah’s initial practice kiss—intended as part of their fake dating strategy—and kisses Hannah himself. However, the television adaptation modifies this scene by having John Logan, another of Garrett’s teammates, catch the pair in the hockey gymnasium and kiss Hannah instead.

6. Jules introduced

In the book, John Logan has an older brother and no sister, allowing for an exploration of fraternal bonds and their history with an alcoholic father. The TV show replaces the brother with a sister named Jules, a central character who manages a gossip account about the hockey team.

7. Dean and Allie’s arc