A New Chapter for Off Campus on Prime Video
The success of previous adaptations such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, My Fault, and Heated Rivalry has shown that fans are eager to see their favorite book series brought to life on screen. With this in mind, streamers are increasingly turning to beloved novels to create fresh and exciting TV shows. One of the latest additions to this trend is Off Campus, a new and steamy series available on Prime Video, based on Elle Kennedy’s New York Times bestselling series.
The show follows Hannah (played by Ella Bright), a college student who enters into a fake relationship with the school’s star hockey player, Garrett (Belmont Cameli), in an attempt to make her crush, Justin (Josh Heuston), jealous. As expected, the plan works, but as Hannah and Garrett grow closer, she must navigate the complicated emotions that come with choosing between two very different suitors.
While the first season of Off Campus appears to follow the storyline of the first book in the series, The Deal, there are some notable changes that have caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
Changes to the Character of Justin
One of the most significant differences from the books is the portrayal of Justin. In The Deal, he is described as a popular soccer player with deep brown eyes and thick dark hair, instantly captivating Hannah with his good looks and charisma. While Josh Heuston fits the physical description, the television adaptation reimagines him as the brooding frontman of a band.
According to Josh, this change adds depth to the dynamic between the characters. “I would’ve played him as a football player, but I think it added another layer to the difference between Garrett and Justin,” he explains. “Hannah is initially drawn to Justin because of his musical talent, and she’s had a bad experience with athletes before. So there are a few things going on that highlight the fact, in Garrett’s mind, that he can never be similar to her initial crush.”
Josh also emphasized the importance of making sure Justin didn’t fall into the typical ‘bad boy’ archetype. “I was protective of Justin not falling into that category on campus,” he says. “He’s a bit of a dick in a lot of ways, but I wanted him to feel like a real person with reasons why someone would want to date him.”
In the first episode, viewers see Justin performing a rock cover of Ariana Grande’s “Into You” with his band. While the performance is impressive, Josh admits that taking on the role of a musician was a new challenge for him. “I can’t take credit for picking the song,” he laughs. “But it’s me singing everything and playing guitar. I learned how to do all of that for this show.”
The Role of Allie and Her Journey
Another point of interest for fans is the character of Allie (Mika Abdalla), Hannah’s best friend. During the trailer, a brief moment shows Dean (Stephen Kalyn), another hockey player, making eye contact with Allie. For readers of the books, this small scene hints at a potential development in the story.
In the original series, the romance between Allie and Dean isn’t explored until the third book. Fans are now speculating whether their story might be fast-tracked to earlier seasons. Mika Abdalla, who plays Allie, notes that her character has a lot to explore in the first season.
“I think Allie is kind of going through her own internal journey,” Mika explains. “Hannah is dealing with her situation with Garrett, and Allie is the supportive friend while also dealing with her own demons. She’s on a journey of self-discovery and questioning what she wants from life.”
Fan Reactions to the Adaptation
For fans of the Off Campus series, the TV adaptation has been met with a mix of excitement and nerves. Laura McGuane, an avid romance reader, shares her thoughts on the project. “Off Campus has such a cult following. There’s a large community of people who are on the edge of their seats to see these characters on screen, and I couldn’t be more excited,” she says.
However, she also admits that seeing her favorite characters on screen can be a bit daunting. “I have strong opinions about my favorite characters, and seeing them depicted on screen can sometimes be disappointing compared to the pedestal you’ve built them up to be in your head. But I’ll always watch the book-to-screen adaptation because I like to compare it to my own imaginings.”
Despite the challenges that come with adapting a beloved book series, Laura believes that any adaptation is a positive step. “I’m the type of reader who is never satisfied with the epilogue. I always want more, more, more of these characters because I genuinely fall in love with them and don’t want to let them go. Having a book-to-screen adaptation means I get to experience their journey again, just in a different way.”
Final Thoughts
With its blend of romance, drama, and a fresh take on familiar characters, Off Campus is set to captivate both fans of the books and newcomers alike. The series offers a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of relationships and personal growth, all while staying true to the heart of the original story.
You can watch Off Campus on Prime Video starting from May 13.
