‘Off Campus’ Showrunner Louisa Levy Breaks Down Season 1 & Show’s Future
For years, Elle Kennedy’s beloved Off Campus series captivated readers with its blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth. Now, the hockey-centric Briar University love stories have come to life on Prime Video, with Louisa Levy at the helm as co-showrunner alongside Gina Fattore. Season 1 of Off Campus, based on the first book in the series, The Deal, has sparked widespread buzz for its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced character arcs.
- Season 1 of Off Campus focuses on Hannah and Garrett’s journey, blending romance with emotional healing.
- The show incorporates nods to classic rom-coms, especially 10 Things I Hate About You and John Hughes films.
- Key changes from the book include Garrett breaking up with Hannah instead of the reverse, adding depth to his character arc.
- Season 1 ends with hints of future storylines, including Hunter Davenport’s introduction, teasing the broader universe of the series.
- Careful use of intimacy coordinators ensured sensitive scenes were handled with respect and authenticity.
Hannah & Garrett: A Story of Healing and Trust
At the heart of Season 1 is the evolving relationship between Hannah (Ella Bright) and Garrett (Belmont Cameli). Their dynamic begins with a classic fake-dating trope: Hannah tutors Garrett in exchange for his help making her crush jealous. However, their arrangement quickly morphs into something deeper as both characters confront personal fears and vulnerabilities.
One pivotal aspect of their journey is Hannah’s history of sexual assault, which she bravely shares with Garrett. Levy explains that this element was handled with utmost care in the writers’ room. “This is a story about surviving and thriving,” she says. “We wanted to highlight Hannah’s journey of self-discovery and healing, showing that she is not broken despite her fears.”
Rom-Com Nostalgia: A Tribute to the Classics
Levy and her team infused the show with visual and thematic callbacks to beloved rom-coms. “We have several John Hughes nods,” she notes, “but energetically, the show leans heavily on early-2000s films like 10 Things I Hate About You.” This nostalgic approach adds a layer of charm, making Off Campus feel both fresh and familiar to fans of the genre.
Book-to-Screen Changes: The Garrett Breakup Switch
In a significant departure from the book, the show has Garrett ending the relationship with Hannah rather than the other way around. This decision, Levy explains, reflects changes in NCAA rules regarding athletes’ financial independence, which rendered the original plotline outdated. More importantly, it deepens Garrett’s character arc by exploring his fear of becoming like his father. “We wanted to see what would happen if both Hannah and Garrett had their worst days at the same time,” Levy says. “It’s a heartbreaking moment, but it’s rooted in authenticity.”
The Locker Room Scene: Balancing Humor and Heart
One of the show’s most talked-about moments is a scene affectionately dubbed “the locker room full of d*cks.” Levy acknowledges the challenge of adapting this iconic sequence from the book, especially after making changes to the breakup storyline. “It’s an externalization of what both Hannah and Garrett are feeling internally,” she explains. The scene uses humor to underscore the awkwardness and vulnerability of running into an ex while still honoring the original material.
What’s Next for Off Campus?
The season finale introduces Hunter Davenport, a character from Kennedy’s Briar U spin-off series, signaling the show’s intention to explore the broader universe of the books. While Levy remains tight-lipped about specifics, she teases that future seasons could play with the order of book adaptations, much like Bridgerton. “You’ll have to watch the show and find out,” she says, keeping fans eager for more.
What This Means for You
If you’re a fan of heartfelt romance and compelling character arcs, Off Campus is worth adding to your watchlist. The show’s thoughtful approach to sensitive topics, combined with its playful nods to rom-com classics, makes it a standout adaptation. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan of Kennedy’s books, there’s plenty to love—and to look forward to in future seasons.
FAQs
- Is Off Campus faithful to the books?
- While the show stays true to the essence of the books, some changes were made to modernize the story and deepen character arcs.
- Who stars in Off Campus?
- The cast includes Ella Bright as Hannah and Belmont Cameli as Garrett, among other talented actors.
- Will there be a Season 2?
- While a second season hasn’t been officially confirmed, the finale hints at future storylines and expanded character arcs.
- What themes does the show explore?
- The series delves into themes of trust, healing, friendship, and the complexities of young love.
- Where can I watch Off Campus?
- The show is available for streaming on Prime Video.
