While hockey has long been a staple of winter athletics, the hockey romance subgenre is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in mainstream popularity. Capitalizing on this momentum, Prime Video has announced a television adaptation of Canadian author Elle Kennedy’s hit series, Off Campus. This move comes as streaming services increasingly look toward the lucrative sports romance market, which Kennedy’s work helped define over a decade ago.
The series is set at the fictional Briar University in Massachusetts, centering on the lives and loves of the school’s elite ice hockey players. Taking a page from the successful structure of Bridgerton, every season of Off Campus will highlight a specific couple while maintaining the broader continuity of the supporting cast.
A Fresh Look at The Deal
The inaugural season, consisting of eight episodes, is scheduled to premiere in May. It will adapt the 2015 novel The Deal, focusing on the unexpected spark between Hannah Wells, played by Ella Bright, and star player Garrett Graham, portrayed by Belmont Cameli. The plot follows the classic “fake dating” trope: Hannah, a music student, agrees to help the popular captain with his grades to provoke jealousy in her crush. However, the pretense between the two opposites quickly shifts into a genuine connection.
Creator and co-showrunner Louisa Levy aims to capture the specific energy of the undergraduate experience. Drawing creative inspiration from the coming-of-age works of John Hughes and the wit found in 10 Things I Hate About You, Levy views the college years as a unique, transformative bubble. She notes that the series is designed to feel both nostalgic for adults and aspirational for younger viewers.
From Casting Chemistry to Screen Success
The production is led by Temple Hill, the powerhouse behind successful adaptations like Twilight, The Fault in Our Stars, and People We Meet on Vacation. Levy joined the project in early 2023, collaborating closely with Gina Fattore and author Elle Kennedy, who serves as a producer. While Kennedy did not write for the show, she provided essential feedback on scripts and cuts to ensure the characters remained true to her vision.
Casting the leads was a rigorous process involving global searches and intensive chemistry reads. While Ella Bright stood out early due to her captivating screen presence and singing ability, finding the perfect Garrett Graham took more time. Belmont Cameli ultimately secured the role after a chemistry read with Antonio Cipriano, who plays John Logan. Their performance captured the necessary blend of friendship and competitive tension.
Balancing Steam and Storytelling
A significant challenge for the creators was translating the internal monologues and high “spice” levels of the books into a visual medium. To honor the source material’s mature themes, the show includes creative visual cues, such as a split-screen introduction for the leads. Levy emphasizes that while the show respects the heat of the novels, it remains focused on the emotional development of a college-age romance rather than a traditional teen drama. For fans and newcomers alike, the series promises a faithful yet distinct exploration of the Briar University world.
Watch this space for more updates.
