Full Breakdown
Off Campus: Prime Video’s Hockey Romance Hits the Ice
5/15/2026, 4:27:49 AM
Series Launch and Source Material
Prime Video released *Off Campus* in May 2026, streaming in over 240 territories. The eight-episode adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s novel *The Deal* follows music student Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and hockey captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) as a fake relationship turns romantic. Most reports list the premiere as May 13, 2026; one source cites May 12.
Cast and Creative Leadership
The lead pair features London-born Ella Bright, 19, known for *Malory Towers* and a cameo in *The Crown*, and Chicago-born Belmont Cameli, 28. Supporting actors include Mika Abdalla (Allie Hayes), Antonio Cipriano (John Logan), Stephen Kalyn (Dean Di Laurentis), Jalen Brooks (John Tucker) and Josh Heuston (Justin Kohl). Showrunner Louisa Levy is credited in most outlets; a separate report names Erica Dunton.
Production Timeline
Bright auditioned at 18, secured the role within a month, and filmed season 1 in Vancouver. The cast reconvened in Vancouver for season 2, announced before the series debut and slated for production in late 2026.
Cultural Impact
The series extends the hockey-romance subgenre and capitalizes on BookTok momentum. It tackles heavier issues—including a character’s abusive father, a past sexual assault, and NCAA NIL rights—while early episodes retain a “fluffy” tone that darkens later.
Official Statements & Responses
Bright called the audition “a whirlwind month process” and called the role a “dream come true.” Cameli said he is “very proud” of a key bedroom scene and praised the choreography. Levy confirmed Justin Kohl will not appear in season 2, though a return remains possible.
Criticism & Opposition
Some reviewers label the show “fluffier” than the earlier series *Heated Rivalry* and warn it may rely on genre tropes. Others argue the ensemble focus and realistic hockey depiction set it apart.
Fan Interactions
Bright recalled a fan approaching her on the London Tube shortly after the casting news, exclaiming, “Oh my God, Ella, you’re going to be Hannah in *Off Campus*.” Cast members later noted learning about BookTok and fan expectations during production.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the premiere date (May 12 vs. May 13), on the credited showrunner (Louisa Levy vs. Erica Dunton), and on the actor identified as Garrett (Belmont Cameli vs. Wolfgang Novogratz). Viewership figures have not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I did the audition, I got the part in this whirlwind month process,” — Ella Bright, Actress
- “I wasn’t expecting or aware of how popular this book series was,” — Ella Bright, Actress
- “I'm very proud of that one,” — Belmont Cameli, Actor (about a bedroom scene)
- “What always stood out to me was just how character-driven and meaningful these sex scenes [are]," Bright says.” — Ella Bright, Actress
- “We took a lot of care to get that one right, and I'm very proud of that one,” — Belmont Cameli, Actor
What’s Next
Season 2 will adapt *The Mistake*, focusing on John Logan and Grace Ivers (India Fowler). Levy confirmed Justin Kohl will not return; Phillipa Soo joins as Scarlett. Production slated for late 2026, with a global Prime Video release.
