'Off Campus' Review: Who Knew Hockey Could Be This Hot
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Romey Norton - June 11, 2026
Book-to-screen adaptations can be a dangerous game. For every fan-favourite success story, another adaptation leaves readers wondering if the filmmakers actually opened the book. Fortunately, Prime Video's Off Campus, based on the hugely popular novels by Elle Kennedy, knows exactly what audiences loved about the source material. Judging by social media reactions, readers have largely embraced the adaptation, while newcomers are discovering why the books became such a phenomenon in the first place. It's funny, romantic, surprisingly heartfelt, and completely aware of what its audience wants. And yes, before anyone asks, the hockey players are ridiculously attractive.
In fact, if Off Campus has one major flaw, it's that it may create unrealistic expectations about university hockey teams everywhere. As someone who has watched actual hockey, I can confidently say that most players don't look like they stepped out of a luxury fragrance campaign. Nor do they appear to spend every waking hour moisturising, working out, and perfecting their jawlines. Yet somehow the hockey team in Off Campus manages to look like they've wandered in from a perfume advert. Not that anyone watching will complain - while the story is entertaining, very similar to Bridgerton, you’ll find yourself watching for the shirtless, steamy romance.
At its heart, Off Campus is a classic romantic comedy wrapped inside a university drama. It delivers all the familiar ingredients: awkward encounters, undeniable attraction, emotional baggage, misunderstandings, witty banter, and enough romantic tension to power an entire campus. We follow Hannah, a music student, who engages in a deal with fit hockey player Garrett. He'll help her get the man of her dreams, and she’ll tutor him to pass a class. The catch: they have to pretend to be boyfriend/girlfriend, and of course, feelings develop quite comfortably and naturally with the two falling in love.
One of the show's biggest strengths is its portrayal of Gen Z. Too often, younger characters are written as either hopelessly cynical, impossibly online, or walking collections of stereotypes. Here, they're messy, emotional, supportive, and fundamentally decent people trying to navigate complicated lives. The characters are allowed to care about one another without irony. The show tackles issues surrounding relationships, mental health, trauma, friendship, and personal growth without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. It trusts its audience to engage with these themes while still delivering the swoon-worthy romance they came for. That balance isn't easy to achieve, but Off Campus handles it with surprising confidence.
It's impossible not to notice that these male characters feel distinctly different from the usual romantic leads. They're confident without being arrogant, emotionally available without losing their charm, and capable of actual communication. They are, quite clearly, characters written by women, and the result is a collection of male leads who are every bit as attractive for their personalities as they are for their looks. In a television landscape crowded with toxic bad boys, it's refreshing to watch men who can support their friends and express feelings without treating emotional vulnerability like a fatal disease.
And the women? They’re strong, confident, talented and vulnerable. They’re written as if they’re known and lived in. We have to give credit to all the actors and actresses who bring these characters to life so effortlessly. That’s not to say there aren’t some cheesy, cringe moments, because there are, but they’re fitting for this type of rom-com series.
One thing I will mention is the soundtrack; it is on fire. The music choices are upbeat, fun and relevant. There's also some original pieces for Hannah to perform which is a nice touch. The costumes are also brilliant, from J-Lo's iconic green dress to Elle Woods inspired Bunny outfit, the girls look fantastic.
Now, the series isn't perfect. Some story beats are predictable, and a few supporting characters could benefit from more development. But honestly, predictability isn't necessarily a weakness in a genre where audiences actively want certain outcomes. Sometimes the joy comes from the journey rather than the destination.
As the first season wraps up, attention inevitably turns to what's next. Fans of the books already know where the story is headed, with the second novel providing the foundation for a potential second season. Expectations will be high, particularly given how beloved the next relationship is among readers. If Prime Video can maintain the chemistry, humour, and emotional warmth that made this season such a success, audiences are likely to be counting down the days until they return to campus.
Off Campus is charming, funny, surprisingly thoughtful, and packed with enough chemistry to melt the ice rink. With eight episodes, lasting roughly one hour each, this series is a perfect binge watch. It’s a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies, adaptations and people wanting to watch some hot people make out, play hockey and sing.
All eight episodes of 'Off Campus' are available to watch on Prime Video.
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