As someone whose watch history is filled with whatever prestige TV is taking up the coveted Sunday night HBO Max slot and a slew of psychological thrillers, you may assume I don’t like a feel-good, steamy rom-com. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. What I don’t like are bad steamy rom-coms, and in my opinion, it’s one of the hardest genres to nail. You can make me hide under a blanket during pretty much any unsolved mystery, but a believable male love interest who doesn’t make me cringe? That’s a much more difficult feat.
So when I saw that the Off Campus series—aka the hockey romance novels that took the world by storm—were being adapted, honestly, I was skeptical. But after sitting in front of my TV, glued to the screen for hours while watching episode after episode back-to-back, I’m confident this is the internet’s next romance obsession. Whether you’ve been craving a return to the boy aquarium (I mean… hockey rink) since falling in love with Iliya and Shane in Heated Rivalry or you’ve been trying to fill the void left by The Sex Lives of College Girls cancellation for years, here’s why Off Campus should be your next watch.
What is Off Campus about?
Season one of Off Campus follows the first book in the series, The Deal, by Elle Kennedy. It stars Hannah, a more reserved music major, and Garret, the hockey team’s star player—and perhaps the cockiest person on Briar University’s campus. When Garret realizes Hannah is the only person in their philosophy class who got an A on a test while he’s about to fail the class, risking his position on the hockey team, he comes up with a plan: help Hannah get the attention of the crush she’s pining after by fake-dating her while she tutors him in class. Though time will tell just how fake the chemistry between them really is.
Why Hockey Romance Fans Will Love It
It’s an adaptation that doesn’t disappoint
All readers know the torturous anticipation that comes with seeing a favorite book adapted for the screen. And while I’m always inclined to think the book did it better, it’s definitely a close race with Off Campus. Hannah and Garret’s chemistry translates seamlessly from page to screen, and despite knowing exactly where the plot was going, I couldn’t look away (my sleep score will tell you just how far past my bedtime I stayed up watching).
When you have thousands of words to slowly build tension, adapting that same magic into tight 45-minute episodes is no easy task, especially when audiences will abandon a show for TikTok in under 30 seconds. But Off Campus not only rises to the challenge, it completely exceeded my expectations. It stays true to the original storylines in a way that feels satisfying for fans of the books, while still making smart changes here and there in the name of creating the best show possible. The result is an addictive series for fans and TV lovers alike.
It’s filled with tropes that make you swoon
I know people get tired of tropes, casting them aside as buzzwords used to sell a book or show with no real merit, but Off Campus is a masterclass in tropes done right. Fake dating isn’t anything new, and the presence of it alone pretty much tells you exactly where the story is headed. I mean, at some point, they’re obviously going to start actually dating, right? But despite knowing where we’re headed, I enjoyed the journey every step of the way. The “is this just for show, or does he actually like me?” moments. The “I still like my crush… right? I’m definitely only doing this to make him jealous…” scenes. I was staring at the screen, completely unable to look away. And it’s not just fake dating: friends-to-lovers, sports romance, forced proximity, opposites attract—Off Campus is chock-full of tropes that hit the mark.
The casting is fantastic
There’s so much hinging on the casting of an adaptation. We’ve pictured these characters in our heads for years, so actually seeing physical versions of the little cartoon drawings on the cover is high stakes. Thankfully, Off Campus absolutely nails it. Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli are Hannah and Garret brought to life. Even if you haven’t read the books, you’ll get completely sucked into the world, forgetting these are actors playing roles and not some chaotic reality TV show unfolding in real time.
Knowing Off Campus has already been renewed for a second season, and that many of the side characters from season one will star in their own storylines, only makes the casting feel even more important. It’s a true ensemble cast, and every person carries their weight. Just watching the few scenes we got with John Logan had me desperate to watch his season ASAP.
It isn’t afraid to get steamy
I love a slow burn as much as the next girl, but I’m tired of cheesy Netflix guilty pleasure shows fading to black. Show the people what they want! But in all seriousness, The Deal is a steamy novel, so it makes sense that fans want a show with the same level of chili pepper emojis they’ve come to expect from hockey romances. And while I don’t think it rivals the steaminess of Heated Rivalry, it definitely earns a close second-place spot. So if you want a show that’s equal parts lust and love, this is the watch for you.
So, should you watch Off Campus?
Romance girls, book girls, and girls who just like to be entertained: it’s time to open the Prime Video app and get streaming. Off Campus is the kind of romance that inspires you to head to the library for more romance books and re-download Hinge because, you know what, maybe there are some good ones out there after all. While I can’t promise watching will manifest your very own Garret Graham into your life, I can promise it’ll deliver on entertainment value. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it while sitting at work, counting down the hours until you can settle onto the couch with a fun beverage and resume watching.
Lauren Blue, Associate Editor & Book Club Co-Host
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives, from must-read books and behind-the-scenes interviews to beauty products she can’t live without. When she isn’t sitting in an AMC watching the latest buzzy release, she can be found scouring Goodreads for the perfect pick for The Everygirl Book Club. There, she co-hosts discussions with members, debating plotlines, fancasting characters, and, of course, tossing in her own recommendations.
