Forget superheroes and historical dramas. The hottest trend in Hollywood romance right now happens to be very cold. Two television series centered on ice hockey players have become massive hits, proving that audiences cannot get enough of love stories set on the rink.
Prime Video released Off Campus on May 13, 2026. In just 12 days, the show pulled in 36 million viewers worldwide. At the same time, fans are still obsessed with Heated Rivalry, the Canadian series that came out last year. The two shows share a similar setting—the world of competitive ice hockey—but tell very different kinds of love stories.
Together, they have started a new wave of ice hockey romance entertainment that fills a gap for viewers looking for intense chemistry, character-driven plots, and a fresh backdrop for romance.
Why Ice Hockey Is the Perfect Setting for Romance
Producers did not pick ice hockey by accident. The sport comes with natural drama. It is fast, physical, and full of tension. Putting romance inside that world creates an automatic push-and-pull for the characters.
Off Campus takes a college route. The show follows students at Briar University. Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) is the star hockey player who needs a tutor. Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) is a music student who needs a fake boyfriend to make her crush jealous. They make a deal, and feelings get real.
Heated Rivalry offers a more adult version. Two professional hockey stars, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), start as enemies on the ice. Their rivalry turns into a secret years-long relationship filled with hidden hookups and deep emotional struggles.
Fans love both approaches. The college setting offers a “will they or won’t they” sweetness. The pro-hockey setting offers higher stakes, including media pressure and the fear of being outed in a tough sports world.
‘Off Campus’ Scores Big With Viewers and Critics
Off Campus did not just do well; it became a major event for Prime Video. The streaming service gave the show an early Season 2 renewal back in February 2026, months before the first season even premiered. That level of confidence from a studio is very rare.
The cast has become a major talking point. Ella Bright previously played a young Kate Middleton on The Crown. Belmont Cameli appeared in the Saved by the Bell reboot. But their pairing in Off Campus has made them breakout stars.
“I just never imagined that I would be able to get a role like this,” Bright told Variety. “It felt like a dream.”
Fans on social media are especially happy about the casting of Stephen Kalyn as Dean Di Laurentis. Kalyn actually plays hockey in real life, so his moves on the ice are authentic. Viewers also recognized Jalen Thomas Brooks, who plays Tucker, from the medical drama The Pitt.
‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 Prepares for Filming
While Off Campus is new, Heated Rivalry has been building a dedicated fanbase since its debut last year. The show became famous for the chemistry between its two leads, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. The pair even attended the Golden Globes and the MET Gala together because of the show’s success.
Season 2 is officially moving forward. Reports confirm that filming will begin soon in Toronto and Montreal, Canada. The new season will likely adapt The Long Game, the sequel novel where Shane and Ilya try to have a public relationship while dealing with mental health struggles and a hockey world that is not always accepting.
Casting rumors are also spreading online. Canadian actor Jack Innanen recently said he has had “conversations” about joining the show.
“I think I’m perfect for the show because I am down for anything and I played hockey,” Innanen told Entertainment Tonight.
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The Rivalry Between the Two Shows Is Friendly
Fans love to compare Off Campus and Heated Rivalry, but the shows are very different in tone. Off Campus focuses on a lighter, “pure love” storyline. The drama comes from grades, friendships, and family expectations.
Heated Rivalry deals with heavier themes. The secrecy, the fear of being discovered, and the pressure of professional sports create a more intense viewing experience. One is a sweet romance. The other is a steamy, emotional drama.
Steve Howey, who plays Garrett’s father in Off Campus and is famous for Shameless, has ties to both projects. He is currently filming a horror movie called Fiona in Toronto, the same city where Heated Rivalry will shoot.
Both shows have already been renewed for second seasons. Off Campus Season 2 will reportedly focus on the relationship between John Logan and Grace Ivers, moving away from the main couple of the first season. New cast members include India Fowler and Phillipa Soo. Heated Rivalry Season 2 is expected to hit screens in 2027.
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