Is Off Campus Actually Worth Watching? 5 Spoiler-Free Reasons to Check It Out
Ever since it first dropped on Prime Video, Off Campus has quickly become the internet’s latest obsession.
It’s the first adaptation of a series of romance books by Elle Kennedy based in the fictional world of Briar University. Specifically, each book follows a member of Briar’s ice hockey team and their eventual romantic partner.
Book one, ‘The Deal,’ is the source material that’s been adapted for Amazon Prime Video to start with. It follows music student Hannah Wells and ice hockey team captain Garrett Graham. The pair strike up a mutually beneficial deal where Hannah helps Garrett pass philosophy class and Garrett pretends to date her in order to make her crush jealous. Without giving any spoilers away, all I’ll say is that this ‘deal’ gets a little more complicated than either of them anticipated…
In short, if you’re secretly messy like me, you’ll love the drama that comes with Off Campus. But if you still aren’t convinced, I’ve compiled a list of spoiler-free reasons you should check it out.
It’s Like A Beach Read On-Screen
While the show does have some unexpected nuance, you can definitely tell that its source material is an ideal beach read. What I mean by this is that it ticks all the boxes you’d expect from an easy-read romance novel. Between the constant drama, sweet moments, and thrilling ice hockey setting, it really immerses you into every facet of Briar U life. It’s not one of those shows that require a lot of prior knowledge and brain power in order to understand it. In my opinion, this makes it the perfect fodder for an epic all-in-one-go binge over the weekend.
We Have Three-Dimensional Characters
Off Campus may not be the most intellectually demanding of TV shows, but it doesn’t skimp on character development, either. As well as giving us compelling romantic leads to root for, a lot of time is also dedicated to Hannah and Garrett’s respective backstories, as the series explores how their pasts shaped them into the people they are today. On top of this, most of the side characters are also given fleshed-out storylines and their time to shine: especially Hannah’s best friend, Allie, who will be one of the romantic leads for Off Campus Season 2.
It’s A Little Bit Cringeworthy
I’m going to hold your hand as I say this: Off Campus did make me cringe a couple of times. There are certain lines and scenes that will make you shake your head, but with the greatest of affection and a smile on your face, rather than annoyance. Although the show makes light of the manic pixie dream girl trope, it’s definitely not immune from falling into that trap itself. This mostly happens in the sense that some characters treat incredibly mainstream pop culture staples like they are edgy, underground musicians or obscure arthouse movies. It’s puzzling, but ultimately, endearing.
It’s Predictable, But Not In A Bad Way
Some might argue that a level of predictability harms a TV show rather than helping it, but I couldn’t disagree more. Within five minutes of watching Off Campus, I knew exactly what it was working towards and how it was going to end. Some TV shows try to keep audiences guessing until the very end, but Off Campus doesn’t necessitate this. The predictability is like a hot chocolate: warm and comforting. Life is unpredictable enough, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting a level of stability in your viewing habits. Repeat after me: shows don’t have to be complicated in order to be good.
There’s Sizzling Chemistry
What’s the first rule of romance stories? Make sure your leads actually like each other. Chemistry is difficult to put into words, but you know it when you see it. And the chemistry between Hannah and Garrett was apparent from their very first meeting. Off Campus has plenty of raunchy moments, and they’re made all the more compelling because their leads’ sexual tension is extremely palpable. Deep down, as much as we might like to deny it, we all love seeing compatible couples on-screen, and it’s Hannah and Garrett’s compatibility that really sells it here.
