The perfect romance-drama series came to Amazon Prime Video this spring and luckily for fans, another season is currently in production. Off Campus is based on Elle Kennedy’s 2015 novel The Deal, the first of five books in her series. While I haven’t read the book myself, I absolutely loved the show. With its thoughtful themes of intimacy, healing, and personal growth, Off Campus is more than just another college romance.
Romance’s Most Beloved Trope: FakE Dating
At the center of this series is one of romance’s most beloved tropes: fake dating. Garrett Graham is the stereotypical hockey player at Briar University, serving as captain of the team. He’s popular on campus and known for being a player. In contrast, Hannah Wells is a music composition major who tends to keep more to herself. The two make a deal to begin a fabricated relationship, but as they spend more time together, their feelings become more and more real, leading to a genuine connection that cannot be ignored. Despite being opposites, they find themselves drawn to each other.
What resonated with me most was the buildup of their relationship. Instead of immediately relying on physical attraction or lust, the show allows Garrett and Hannah’s relationship to develop through true friendship, comfort and understanding. Their relationship doesn’t feel like it happens overnight. They gradually become people each other can trust, creating a meaningful connection that makes their romance feel genuine. Their friendship becomes just as important as their romantic relationship, which makes the audience want to see them succeed as a couple.
College Setting
The college setting also makes this series especially relatable to viewers. Between friendships, classes, and parties, Off Campus truly captures the college experience. The characters are balancing academics, their social lives, and their personal struggles while trying to figure out who they truly are and their future. Rather than sugarcoating life’s challenges, the series emphasizes the more serious parts of growing up and explores how deeply rooted trauma can affect people. Hannah and Garrett both have personal struggles that impact how they navigate romantic and platonic relationships. Their experiences show that healing is not linear and that having someone who listens and supports you can make a drastic difference. Their journey becomes more than about simply falling in love; it becomes about figuring themselves out and learning how to understand each other.
Relationship Build-up
We can’t talk about Off Campus without talking about why it truly went viral: Garrett Graham. As TikTok says, Garrett Graham is the epitome of a “man written by a woman.” His charming personality, lighthearted humor, and calm confidence set him apart. While he initially fits the stereotypes of a confident college hockey guy, viewers get to see the more caring side of him as the season progresses. Watching him support Hannah through her struggles with anxiety is a major part of what makes their story so compelling and emotional to watch. His willingness to listen and support Hannah adds another layer to his character beyond his stereotype.Â
Beyond Hannah and Garrett’s love story, viewers also get to witness other romantic sparks throughout this first season. These relationships give audiences more characters to be invested in and set the stage for later seasons.Â
Whether you are a longtime Elle Kennedy fan or clicked on the show because you saw it recommended on TikTok, Off Campus is definitely worth the binge. It has the fake-dating trope, college drama, humor, and emotional depth. worth the binge and belongs at the top of your watch list. Sit down, relax, and stream Off Campus on Amazon Prime Video.
