The hockey romance genre is expanding on television screens with Prime Video preparing to launch its adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s bestselling Off Campus book series. Set for release in May 2026, the show arrives at a moment when audiences are showing strong interest in stories that blend sports intensity with romantic storytelling. The streaming platform has already confirmed a second season before the first episode premieres, signaling confidence in the project’s appeal to global viewers .
The series centers on the romantic dynamics within Briar University’s elite hockey team, drawing from source material that has built a dedicated readership over the years. For fans who connected with the emotional depth of stories like Heated Rivalry, this adaptation offers another opportunity to see hockey-focused romance narratives come to life with professional production values and serialized storytelling .
The Story: Hannah and Garrett’s Fake Dating Arrangement Turns Real
Off Campus season one adapts The Deal, the first book in Kennedy’s five-novel series. The plot follows Hannah Wells, a reserved music major and songwriter who finds herself tutoring Garrett Graham, the confident star center of Briar University’s hockey team . Garrett needs academic help to maintain his eligibility as a student-athlete, while Hannah sees an opportunity to make her crush from the football team notice her.
What begins as a transactional arrangement quickly develops into something more meaningful. Garrett agrees to act as Hannah’s fake date, hoping to spark jealousy in the football player she admires. In return, Hannah provides the tutoring sessions Garrett desperately needs . The setup creates opportunities for the two characters to spend time together, and the boundaries they initially establish begin to blur as genuine connection forms between them.
The showrunner Louisa Levy, who adapted the books for television alongside co-showrunner Gina Fattore, has indicated the series will maintain the mature themes present in the source material . The story explores personal transformation alongside romantic development, with both characters confronting their own vulnerabilities as their relationship deepens .
Complete Cast and Character Guide
Prime Video has assembled a cast of rising talent to bring the Briar University students to life. The ensemble approach suggests the series will follow multiple romantic storylines across its seasons, similar to the structure of shows like Bridgerton .
| Actor | Character | Previous Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Ella Bright | Hannah Wells | The Crown, Malory Towers |
| Belmont Cameli | Garrett Graham | Until Dawn, Saved by the Bell |
| Mika Abdalla | TBA | Snack Shack, Sex Appeal |
| Antonio Cipriano | TBA | Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin |
| Jalen Thomas Brooks | TBA | The Pitt, Thanksgiving |
| Josh Heuston | TBA | Dune: Prophecy, Heartbreak High |
| Stephen Kalyn | TBA | Gen V, Motorheads |
The casting choices reflect attention to chemistry and authenticity, with Peter Friedlander, head of global television at Amazon MGM Studios, praising the cast’s ability to make every moment feel genuine . The series filmed in and around Vancouver, primarily using the University of British Columbia campus to represent the fictional Briar University setting .
What Makes This Adaptation Different From Other Hockey Romances
The Off Campus books established themselves as foundational texts in the hockey romance genre years before the recent surge of interest in similar stories. Author Elle Kennedy has sold over 10 million copies of her books worldwide, with translations available in more than 25 languages . This built-in audience provides a foundation of readers who already understand the characters and their world.
The series distinguishes itself by focusing on college-level athletes rather than professional players. This setting allows the show to explore themes of transitioning into adulthood, balancing academic pressures with athletic demands, and forming lasting relationships during formative years . The campus environment creates natural opportunities for ensemble storytelling as characters navigate classes, parties, team dynamics, and romantic entanglements.
Unlike some adaptations that compress or simplify source material, Levy’s approach aims to honor the depth of Kennedy’s writing. The creative team includes Temple Hill Productions, the company behind The Twilight Saga and The Fault in Our Stars, bringing experience with adapting beloved books for screen audiences .
Release Schedule and Season 2 Confirmation
Prime Video has scheduled the series premiere for May 2026, though an exact date has not yet been announced . The first season will consist of eight episodes, providing sufficient runtime to develop the central romance while introducing supporting characters who will feature in potential future seasons .
The early renewal for a second season came through industry publications including Variety and Deadline in February 2026, months before the public will see the first episode . Peter Friedlander explained that the decision reflected confidence in the material and the creative team’s execution. The series has passionate fan base, rich source material, and an incredible creative team bringing Briar U to life. The show has depth and momentum to continue beyond its first season .
With four additional books in the Off Campus series—The Mistake, The Score, The Goal, and The Legacy—and the spin-off Briar U series, the production has ample material for multiple seasons . The renewal suggests Prime Video envisions this as a long-term property that can grow its audience over time.
Streaming Details and Global Availability
Viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and more than 240 other countries and territories will be able to stream Off Campus on Prime Video upon its May release . The platform’s global reach means international audiences can watch simultaneously with domestic viewers.
The series arrives during a period of increased interest in hockey-themed romantic content. Heated Rivalry, which premiered on Crave in November 2025 and later became available on HBO Max, demonstrated significant audience demand for this specific genre blend . That show’s success as a top acquired scripted series for HBO Max suggests viewers are eager for more stories set against hockey backdrops .
Off Campus targets a similar audience while offering distinct elements—college setting rather than professional leagues, male-female romantic pairings rather than male-male, and ensemble structure rather than focused two-hander. The differences mean the two shows can coexist while appealing to overlapping viewer interests.
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What Viewers Should Know Before Watching
For those unfamiliar with the books, the Off Campus series contains mature content and handles serious subject matter. The source material addresses themes including trauma recovery, with Hannah’s character dealing with past experiences that shape her approach to relationships . The adaptation is expected to handle these elements thoughtfully while maintaining the romantic core that defines the series.
Viewers coming from the Heated Rivalry adaptation should note tonal differences between the two properties. Off Campus operates in a younger setting with characters at earlier stages of personal development. The college environment creates different stakes and pressures compared to professional sports narratives.
Fans of the books should prepare for some adjustments inherent in any adaptation. The translation from page to screen requires condensing internal monologues into visual storytelling and expanding secondary moments to fill episodic structure. The creative team includes Leanna Billings and Neal Flaherty among executive producers, adding experienced voices to the production process .
The series arrives with expectations from devoted readers who have waited years to see these characters visualized. Early descriptions suggest the show maintains the emotional authenticity that attracted readers to Kennedy’s writing while adapting the material for television’s visual medium.
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Stay connected with VvipTimes for continuing coverage of Off Campus and other romance adaptations coming to streaming platforms in 2026.
