“Off Campus” has quickly become one of Amazon Prime Video’s biggest breakout hits, climbing to the No. 1 spot on the streaming platform and capturing the attention of romance fans across the country.
Based on the bestselling “Off-Campus” book series by author Elle Kennedy, the series follows the love story of Hannah Wells, a dedicated music student, and Garrett Graham, Briar University’s star hockey player. What begins as a fake relationship gradually develops into something much deeper as the pair navigate the challenges of college life, friendships, personal growth and young adulthood.
While the series includes plenty of romance and steamy moments, its popularity extends beyond those elements. At its core, “Off Campus” explores themes of vulnerability, trust and finding your place during some of life’s most formative years. The show’s blend of humor, heart and chemistry has helped it resonate with longtime readers and newcomers alike.
Romance novels with mature themes have enjoyed mainstream popularity for years, from “Fifty Shades of Grey” to the works of author Zane. However, many fans describe “Off Campus” as offering a lighter, more emotional take on the genre, balancing romance with character development and heartfelt storytelling.
For Kennedy, seeing characters she created more than a decade ago come to life on screen has been a rewarding experience.
“Seeing the response to the show and how people are resonating with Hannah and Garrett, and it’s this relationship that I came up with a decade ago, seeing it on screen and seeing it play out has just been so cool,” Kennedy told TODAY.com.
Hannah and Garrett’s story is based on Kennedy’s first Briar University novel, “The Deal,” which was published in 2015. The book launched what would become a successful franchise centered around the lives and relationships of Briar’s students and athletes.
The second novel, “The Mistake,” follows Logan and Grace. However, television audiences can expect a different direction in Season 2, which will focus on the relationship between Allie and Dean. Logan is portrayed by Antonio Cipriano, while India Fowler has already been cast as Grace Ivers in a series regular role.
Beyond the original “Off-Campus” series, Kennedy has expanded the Briar University universe through multiple book collections, including the “Briar U” series, the “Campus Diaries” series and the standalone novel “Love Song.”
The world of Briar is also set to continue growing. Kennedy’s upcoming novel, “Bad Idea,” is scheduled for release in November 2026. The book will follow AJ Connelly, the son of Brenna Jensen and Jake Connelly, alongside Ivy Di Laurentis, the daughter of fan-favorite characters Allie and Dean.
As “Off Campus” continues to dominate streaming charts, its success highlights the growing appetite for book-to-screen adaptations, particularly within the romance genre. For fans of Kennedy’s novels, the series offers a chance to see beloved characters come to life. For new viewers, it serves as an introduction to a fictional world that has captivated readers for more than a decade.
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