What Off Campus can teach Gen Alpha The new young adult title is among the most watched series on Prime Video
The sport of the moment is hockey. No offense to Jannik Sinner, who has managed to bring tennis back into the spotlight over the past few years, but ice hockey is undoubtedly the sport gaining more and more traction in TV series, especially within young adult stories. Even though many might think Off Campus was created to follow in the footsteps of the Heated Rivalry phenomenon, the new series actually went into production back in 2024.
Off Campus and the boom of young adult hockey series
The project was developed to become part of Prime Video’s catalog and, much like Rachel Reid’s work with the characters of Rozanov and Hollander, it started on the page before bringing its protagonists to life through the novels of the saga written by Elle Kennedy, whose first chapter dates all the way back to 2015. Although hockey is part of both Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, in both cases it serves mainly as a backdrop for the story. This time, the spotlight falls on musician Hannah Wells, played by Ella Bright, and hockey player Garrett Graham, portrayed by the young Belmont Cameli.
The romantic storyline between Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham
The story could not be more classic: coming from completely different worlds and with personalities that seem incompatible, Hannah and Garrett strike a deal to help each other get what they want most. Hannah wants to catch the attention of Justin, the lead singer of a band she has a crush on, while Garrett wants to prove that he doesn’t take anything for granted by improving his grades in college. Garrett is essentially privileged, but fully aware of his good fortune, and determined to succeed on his own terms. That’s why he needs Hannah to tutor him and, in return, he’ll help her get closer to the guy she likes. As expected, the arrangement starts with the best intentions and turns out in the worst possible way. Or, at least, the most unexpected for the characters and the most anticipated for viewers.
What Off Campus teaches about relationships
What matters even more - and what Off Campus truly focuses on - is that the characters learn to trust each other, building a relationship grounded in emotional safety, which is certainly one of the most positive messages a young adult series with such a wide audience can deliver. It highlights a sensitive and essential side of love: knowing you can rely on someone else and, because of that, not being afraid to reveal the emotional weight you carry inside. This sense of trust also extends to the theme of sexuality, portrayed with openness but never recklessly. Especially considering the revelation audiences will eventually discover about an event Hannah has been dealing with for a long time, one that changed her forever.
The deeper themes explored in the Prime Video series
The assault Hannah experienced is something her character has already processed, allowing her to live a normal life despite the wound that will always remain with her. She chooses not to define herself solely as a victim, but instead to keep moving forward. Something Garrett, in his own way, will also learn. Raised by an ambitious and abusive parent, Garrett tries to distance himself from that influence while figuring out who he really is and what he truly wants. Amid the seriousness of the themes explored in Off Campus, the series also emphasizes the importance of being able to laugh together in a relationship. To talk, confide in each other, and become true friends by digging deep enough to plant lasting roots.
Why Off Campus resonates so much with Gen Z (and Gen Alpha)
Of course, Off Campus is another one of the many young adult productions streaming platforms continue to churn out. But finding a story in which the love between the two protagonists feels this bright, warm and genuine is genuinely refreshing despite Garrett’s inner turmoil and Hannah’s haunting past. Returning to Heated Rivalry, this seems to point toward a specific direction these stories are taking, one where viewers might finally recognize themselves in relationships built on tenderness and emotional care, and not only on pain and drama.
