Off Campus is the new ice hockey romance causing a stir on social media, setting a new Rotten Tomatoes record for the highest-rated romance series of the past year. Released on Prime Video last week, the show is adapted from the book series by Elle Kennedy and follows Hannah Wells (Ella Bright), a college student at the fictional Briar University in Boston, who enlists the help of hockey captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) to catch the attention of another student. Predictably, their fake romance quickly evolves into something real. However, it is the spicy storylines and talented young cast that have fans buzzing. Much like the fellow ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry, the show's impact is already rippling across the entertainment world.
Musical Impact
Canadian rock band The Beaches, featured during a pivotal scene between Garrett and Hannah, have seen an 888% increase in week-on-week streams of their song "Edge of the Earth" since the show's premiere. The rest of the band's discography has also surged, according to Billboard Canada, marking another milestone after their song "Blame Brett" went viral on TikTok in 2024. "We are incredibly grateful to be included in the world of Off Campus," The Beaches told the publication. "This song has such a special place in our hearts, and it's humbling to see how it's resonated with the rest of the world."
Celebrity Fans
The show is drawing famous fans, including Jennifer Lopez, whose iconic 2000 Grammys look is recreated by Off Campus character Allie Hayes (Mika Abdalla) during a house party scene. "Love this shooooww," Lopez wrote on X, quoting a fan who remarked: "Chemistry so crazy I held my breath the entire scene."
Defying Gen Z Trends
Shows such as Heated Rivalry, Off Campus, and Rivals appear to defy the widespread industry belief that Gen Z audiences demand less sex and romance on-screen. Heated Rivalry, adapted by director Jacob Tierney from Rachel Reid's hit series, became a TV phenomenon at the end of 2025 and made stars out of its previously unknown cast, including leads Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. "That's how they know each other. They learn about each other through sex," Tierney said of characters Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Williams) on The Independent’s Good Vibrations podcast earlier this year. "Particularly in the first few years of their relationship. That was the idea, to make sure the sex was the storytelling, that was the character development, because that’s when they’re being honest. When they talk, they’re kind of blustering – there’s a lot of obfuscation and a lot of showmanship and nonsense… when they’re having sex they can be vulnerable, they can be kind of sweet… all the stuff you want to be when you’re being real with another person."
Fan Reactions
Fans are also drawn to the slow-burn romances depicted in these shows, with plenty of yearning looks and sweet moments woven into the stories. However, the romance storylines are not dragged out as much as in other series. "One of my favourite things about Off Campus is how Garrett and Hannah didn’t waste time to lock in the moment they both realised they liked each other [for real]," one fan wrote. "No long talk, no dragging, no unnecessary yearning and games, no unrequited love, they just immediately went for it."
Critical Acclaim
Critics have been full of praise, making Off Campus one of the highest-rated shows of the year so far. The Wrap said the show "goes further to do two things that feel increasingly important at a time when it can feel like bullies are winning all around us: it calls out toxic masculinity and shows us the importance of consent in refreshing new ways." In a four-star review, The Guardian called it "deeply soothing and incredibly moreish," praising the romance for being elevated by "genuine wit and warmth, and given a little extra heft by the traumatic backstories that are handled with more grace than you would expect." The first series of Off Campus is now available on Prime Video.
