NEW YORK — The first season of the Prime Video series Off Campus, adapted from Elle Kennedy's bestselling book series, has premiered to buzz among fans of the romance genre, blending lighthearted college antics with deeper explorations of trauma and relationships. Based on Kennedy's 2015 novel The Deal, the show follows music student Hannah Wells, played by Ella Bright, and hockey captain Garrett Graham, portrayed by Belmont Cameli, as they navigate a fake dating arrangement that blossoms into genuine romance at the fictional Briar University. Co-showrunners Louisa Levy and Gina Fattore brought the story to life, with Kennedy serving as a producer to ensure the adaptation captured the essence of her original work.
The series, which debuted on Prime Video in early May 2026, delves into serious themes including Hannah's past experience with rape and Garrett's history of domestic violence from his abusive father. These elements, woven into the narrative, underscore the importance of trust and friendship in the characters' journey. "Because the issues were so heavy for Hannah and for Garrett, you can’t just have them suddenly jumping into bed in chapter one, right? It was really important for me to have them have this friendship that was rooted in trust and go from there," Kennedy told Deadline in an interview conducted at the beginning of May 2026. She emphasized the need for a "slow burn" romance to handle these topics sensitively.
Kennedy, a Toronto-based author known for her new adult romance novels, first saw her Off Campus series optioned before the COVID-19 pandemic, but production moved forward after a deal finalized just before the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. The books, starting with The Deal, were initially conceived as a standalone, but fan demand and Kennedy's affection for the side characters expanded it into a quintet. The adaptation preserves the banter, bromances, and supportive friendships that define the Briar U world, aiming to make viewers feel like part of the found family.
"My biggest requirement was, I really want to keep the vibe of the series so what people [felt] when they’re reading the books, I want them to feel it [from the show]," Kennedy said. "That is focusing on the dynamics with the characters, the relationships, the banter, the bromance, Hannah and Allie’s best friendship and how supportive they are." After viewing screeners and attending the premiere, she noted that the live audience energy mirrored the joy she experienced while writing the books over a decade ago.
One notable change in the show involves the character Justin, Hannah's initial love interest. In the book, he is a football player, but the series reimagines him as a musician, played by Josh Segarra. "I think that made a lot of sense to [cast him] as Garrett’s foil, someone that Hannah would be attracted to," Kennedy explained. "She’s got her musician and then her jock that she would never fall for." This adjustment heightens the opposites-attract tension central to the fake dating trope, a device Kennedy enjoys for its exploration of unlikely pairings.
Music plays a pivotal role in the series, reflecting Hannah's singer-songwriter background. The soundtrack features artists like Role Model and Lady Gaga, with Kennedy, a self-professed fan of One Direction, suggesting some tracks. A highlight is a live concert by Remi Wolf, which Kennedy praised as "really cool." An accompanying article lists all songs from Season 1, underscoring the show's integration of contemporary music into its college setting.
As for the evolution of the book series, Kennedy recalled entering The Deal with no plans for sequels. "I go into almost every series thinking it’s going to be a standalone," she said. However, characters like Logan, a favorite of her editor, demanded their own stories. What started as one book grew to five, including spin-offs in the Briar U universe. Kennedy's editor was particularly adamant about Logan's arc, pushing against her initial ideas for the series' structure.
Season 2 teases have fans speculating, especially with the casting of India Fowler as Grace Ivers, a key character from the books. "The Grace casting is super exciting. I saw Antonio and India’s screen test together, and it’s like they stepped out of the books. I got chills," Kennedy shared, referring to Antonio Cipriano's role. While she couldn't reveal specifics, having not seen scripts, she promised excitement as other characters take center stage. The series' potential for multiple seasons aligns with the expansive world Kennedy built, which includes teammates and future generations.
Kennedy's producer role involved consultations with the writers on arcs, though she wasn't in the room. She visited the set, marveling at recreated locations like Malone's bar and the off-campus house. "It was so surreal seeing all this stuff and seeing how much work goes into it," she said. Amazon's expertise guided the process, allowing her to learn the TV landscape firsthand.
The adaptation joins a wave of romance book-to-screen projects, drawing comparisons to Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Bridgerton, both featuring fake dating schemes. Prime Video's upcoming The Love Hypothesis, starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, further highlights the genre's rising mainstream appeal. Kennedy discussed the trope's allure: "Probably because, in most fake dating situations, it’s two people who would never be together. It’s probably mostly the opposites attract part of it [that] people resonate with."
"I’ve never thought about why I love it, I just do... In The Deal, she’s this music student and he’s a hockey player. How are they gonna find common ground? It’s the tension between these two personalities. That’s probably why I’m drawn to it," Kennedy told Deadline.
Beyond Off Campus, Kennedy has a busy slate. Her YA thriller Thornbird releases in June 2026, and Bad Idea, set in the Briar U universe and following Dean and Allie's daughter Ivy Di Laurentis alongside AJ Connelly, arrives in November. The reveal of Bad Idea's title came after the interview. She connects with fellow Canadian authors like Jenny Han of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Carley Fortune of Every Summer After, both adapting their works to screen. "Canadian girls unite," Kennedy joked, expressing hopes to meet Fortune for lunch in Toronto this summer.
Balancing heavy themes with romance's lighter elements is key to Kennedy's writing. The college setting allows for coming-of-age stories tackling trauma's impact on relationships. "I tend to focus on deeper themes. It is definitely a balance because you want it to be fun and you want the banter, and you want that journey of the relationship, and then you also want to see the characters’ growth," she said. She advocates for romance's seriousness, noting its status as a top-selling genre driven by emotional journeys, not just "spicy scenes."
Easter eggs for book fans abound, from subtle nods to future plots to a party costume choice foreshadowing a major book event. "I think it’s really important, especially because the fans are the reason that the series is popular," Kennedy noted. The writers compiled a list of references, ensuring connections to the books and upcoming stories. One such hint, spotted in a trailer Instagram reel, left even Kennedy gasping.
Originally planning a trilogy with a significant death for Dean, Kennedy shifted plans due to attachments to characters like Tucker, the group's caretaker. "There’s no way you can write a series without Tucker getting a book," her editor insisted. This led to four main books plus spin-offs, introducing more teammates and Dean's sister. The show's potential to explore this ensemble over seasons excites Kennedy, who sees endless possibilities without delving into next-generation stories yet.
As Off Campus gains traction, it highlights romance's evolution into prestige viewing, addressing real issues while entertaining. With resources like the RAINN Hotline (800-656-HOPE) and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) noted for support, the series responsibly portrays sensitive topics. Kennedy's involvement ensures fidelity to her vision, positioning the show as a gateway for new readers and a treat for longtime fans awaiting Season 2's developments.