“Do you watch Off Campus?”
“Watch Off Campus! You’ll love it!”
At my friends’ urging, I subscribed to Prime Video to watch Off Campus—a month earlier than I planned. I was planning to subscribe by July in time to watch Elle. I had to give in. My IG feed was full of Prime Video’s Off Campus clips and reels. And my friends were raving about it. My curiosity was piqued.
Prime Video’s Off Campus Premise
This college series is an adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s best-selling Off Campus book series. The first season is called “The Deal,” and the story centers on music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and Briar University hockey team captain Garrett Graham (Belmon Carneli). Graham is failing Philosophy, and he asks Hannah to help him pass. In return, he’d help her get the attention of her musician/singer crush, Justin (Josh Heuston), by pretending they were dating.
Fake dating. Opposites attract. These story arcs have definitely been told time and again. But if you know romance fans, you know it’s not about the plot.
What I Loved About Off Campus
Off Campus hooked me within the first few minutes of watching the first episode! The music was catchy. The lead guy – hoooooot! And that scene (IYKYK)– spicy!
Chemistry You Can’t Fake
The leads, Carneli and Bright, have natural chemistry. You can feel the attraction building through their lingering glances, playful banter, and quiet moments together. It never feels forced.
One of my favorite details? Garrett calling Hannah “Wellsy,” a nickname based on her last name, Wells. It’s such a small thing, but it makes their relationship feel more personal. I’m a sucker for little romantic gestures like that.
A Soundtrack and Style That Set the Mood
Let’s be honest: Off Campus knows exactly what it’s doing with its cast. The hockey players are all ridiculously attractive, and the series definitely leans into that. It reminded me of the iconic beach volleyball scene in Top Gun. I guess this is the Gen Z version.
The series also throws in plenty of pop culture references that rom-com fans will appreciate, from Sixteen Candles to Crazy, Stupid, Love. It feels like a fun nod to the romantic comedies that shaped previous generations.
The soundtrack deserves its own spotlight, too. Music plays a huge role throughout Season 1, setting the tone for everything from the team’s wild parties to Hannah and Garrett’s romance. The playlist spans decades, featuring songs from Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back” (1974) and Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” (1981) to Ariana Grande and Jennie.
I especially loved Hannah’s performance of “The Bitch Is Back.” Bright completely owned the scene.
And of course, there’s the now-famous dance scene between Dean and Allie, which helped spark a renewed interest in Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull’s “On the Floor,” sending the song back onto the Billboard charts years after its original release. It’s still one of my favorite scenes to replay.
Healthy Masculinity Done Right
One thing that surprised me was how the male characters are written. These hockey players aren’t your typical meatheads. They genuinely respect one another, aren’t afraid to show emotion, and consistently emphasize consent.
A perfect example is Dean and Allie’s first dance together. When Dean makes a move and Allie isn’t ready, she turns him down. He’s clearly disappointed, but he immediately respects her decision and doesn’t pressure her any further.
That was also the moment I started paying closer attention to the hot blonde guy.
A Refreshingly Sex-Positive Story
Off Campus also deserves credit for how it approaches intimacy.
Garrett and Hannah’s first intimate moment is undeniably steamy, yet it doesn’t unfold the way most romance series would. After Hannah reveals that a past sexual assault has left her unable to orgasm with a partner, Garrett suggests they simply explore intimacy together without the pressure of having sex.
Some viewers may find the scene unconventional or even awkward, but I appreciated its fresh perspective on intimacy. It shows that closeness isn’t defined by one act alone.
The conversation between Garrett and Dean beforehand makes the moment even more meaningful. When Garrett asks for advice on pleasing Hannah, Dean’s answer isn’t about technique. It’s about trust.
“There’s one thing that helps make a girl come… Trust. She just has to feel completely safe… Consent is key.”
And yes… I swooned over Dean.
Can’t Get Enough of Off Campus?
Off Campus is one of Prime Video’s biggest debut series in its streaming history. And after watching it, I know why! It’s definitely a series worth watching and bingeing over. Off Campus is coming back for Season 2. That’s the good news. The second season will focus on a new couple – Dean and Allie and so for those of you who shipped this couple, that’s something to look forward to in 2027 that is! I know! That’s still a few months from now. While I’m waiting, you can find me replaying this series over and over again.