Why Women Love “Off Campus”

The Debut of “Off Campus” Series

If you aren’t one of the women who love “Off Campus” yet, this is your cue to go and check it out. (So, don’t read this if you haven’t watched it yet to avoid potential spoilers).

“Off Campus” first aired on Amazon Prime Video on May 13, 2026 and had over 36 million viewers in the first week of its debut! That is a bigger debut than “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, which is saying something as that is a wildly popular show too.

“The Deal” – “Off Campus” Season One

The show is based on the series of books by Elle Kennedy. Season 1 of “Off Campus” covers the first book titled, “The Deal”, and introduces the characters, Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham. Over the eight episodes of the series, we get to watch Hannah and Garrett’s love story evolve.

We also meet the rest of the cast, Allie (Hannah’s best friend), Dean, Tucker and Logan (Gavin’s roommates and hockey teammates). All of the action takes place at Briar U, the university where this all takes place.

But, back to why women love the show. I’m going to guess a lot of it has to do with the male leads and their attractiveness. However, while that may be what gets your attention initially, what keeps your attention is the story and the interaction between the characters.

Hannah and Garrett’s Fireworks

The first episode immediately “sets the mood” (inside joke for those who have watched) by introducing the main characters. Hannah is dancing while working and Garrett is practicing hockey in the same arena.

“Dancing with Myself” by Billy Idol is playing which gives a feeling of nostalgia for romances of old (and desperately need now if you ask me). They have their first meeting when Hannah accidentally walks in on him in the locker room. Uh, yeah, so first minute of play – kudos.

So, why does this show particularly drive women crazy aside from the obvious eye candy of all the guys? One, like all good romances, they set up the sexual tension from that first scene together. Two, the tension just keeps building from there with their banter back and forth and the situations they are thrown into together. This is where the show truly feels like a throwback to older romantic movies like “Dirty Dancing”, which is referenced in the show.

Three, women are falling in love not just with Garrett, played by Belmont Cameli, but also with Hannah, played by Ella Bright. The chemistry between the two leads is off the charts and they play their characters with such honesty and vulnerability that it feels real.

Mature Topics Handled with Sensitivity

In addition, the show tackles some very serious topics. The characters growth as they work through big issues keeps the audience deeply invested in the outcome. You really understand why Hannah and Garrett bond as quickly as they do.

Hannah and Garrett’s genuine interactions throughout the subplot of a love triangle with Justin (Hannah’s crush), slowly reveal the feelings that Hannah and Garrett have for each other.

The way the show handles Hannah’s confession to Garrett is one of the first times I can remember seeing an emotionally intelligent male create a safe space for her to heal and move on from her past. And as you discover, she does the same for him.

The show’s handling of these themes is based on the book’s handling of these themes as well. The actor’s talent, emotional maturity and connection create a love story that is truly believable.

Friendships that are Believable

Another reason why women love this show is because of the real friendship between Hannah and Allie. It is refreshing to see a show where two women 100 percent support each other and help the other to achieve their goals. This kind of healthy love between women without gossip or putting each other down, is what real friendship is all about.

There is also the relationships between Garrett and his roommates. The way he seeks out Dean’s help regarding a situation with Hannah, or confides in Logan about his relationship with his Dad, is so healthy.

THIS is how healthy individuals communicate. All of the characters have close relationships with their friends, to the point that they have a second family in their friends, and a wonderful means of supporting each other through life. Like, how refreshing is that message today?

Falling for Each Other

Garrett gradually falls for Hannah as we all do. She is talented, funny, tough and brave. The way she discusses her ordeal and how she moves past it is inspiring to all women. However, it is especially inspirational to the estimated 1 in 5 women who have had to deal with something similar and the aftermath.

His sensitivity and understanding are the beginning of her falling for him. The fact that he doesn’t minimize her experience but instead validates her fears and trust issues is so important.

Garrett lets Hannah know she is supported and her thoughts are entirely justified. He doesn’t assume that anything is just a “given”. (HUGE respect for that line of thinking).

The show deals with sexuality in a very natural and healthy way too. They discuss important matters like consent and respect for each other’s bodies. The guys also respect boundaries and not assuming that alcohol and being drunk means an automatic yes.

Their Honest Communication and Vulnerability

In fact, the displays of being a true gentleman on Garrett’s side is both refreshing and so needed in today’s world. If Garrett had just been another guy taking advantage, there would not be the attraction factor – no matter how good looking he is. He becomes more attractive through the actions and manners he displays.

His honesty with one of his “puck bunnies” that he is not interested in a relationship with is also refreshing because he isn’t playing games. The only “game” that is being played in the one that Hannah and Garrett undertake in the deal.

Once they decide the deal is done, they both commit and are all in. They are good for each other and aren’t playing games. They get a chance to heal through each other and yes sex is part of that – but it is only one of the vehicles for their emotional intimacy.

Their Love is Aspirational

There are so many other reasons why this story resonates with women. Younger women want to be with someone like Garrett. Older women want their daughters to find someone who would treat their daughters like he treats Hannah.

Hopefully, all women are reminded of their first love (if it was a good one). The first love that really saw you for the first time. Because that is what Garrett does for Hannah, he fully sees her and accepts her.

Hannah is a heroine for many reasons. Her determination to not let something from her past define her, her ability to seek help and respect herself, she really is a role model for young women from that perspective.

Garrett is a hero too. He wants to be different from his father, even as they share the same path toward success playing hockey. That is about the only thing he has in common with his father, however. He was shaped by his mother and you can see the deep respect he has for her as well.

Mutual Respect is What We Deserve

Are we noting a pattern here? Men treating women well. Women and men treating each other with respect. This kind of communication hadn’t gone out of style until the advent of “smart” phones and certain political figures whose stance on respecting women is dubious at best.

This is where the real nostalgia and longing live. We want a collective return to sanity where men aren’t linked to treating women like garbage. And where people support and communicate with each other.

One of the big moments near the end will be reason 10,000 to love the character of Garrett. His impressive takedown of he who shall not be named earns him a spot in the romance hall of fame. Defending your love and her honor is always hero worthy.

With the male relationships in the locker room, fantasy or no, there is so much here that is good for young men to see. This is what women really want. You can be strong as a man and not use that strength against women. You can use your strength to protect women and not be an ass.

There is also much to be said for not assuming you get to just take what you want or degrade women. And when Garrett and Dean have their discussion over the weights, and Dean says “Respect”, there was a whole generation of women who fell in love with the fact that their needs matter.

Songs from the Past and New Voices

One of the other things to love about this show is the fantastic soundtrack. There are plenty of old favorites like the Billy Idol song above and “Cherry Pie” by Warrant. But there are so many new songs and artists to discover as well.

Ella Bright sings several songs as she plays Hannah as a music major. Ella is really talented and several of the songs she sang are some of my favorites in the show. “Baby Now that I’ve found You” is one you can’t get out of your head. When she figures out what she wants, she lets Garrett know her feelings by singing this. And, you 100 percent understand why he comes running.

Her version of “Cherry Pie” at a karaoke event and the “Bitch is Back” are memorable for many reasons. Her “Girl that I Am” song takes their relationship to a new level through her strength and honesty. The fact that his support of her is one of the things that made it possible, just makes it better.

More “Off Campus” to Love

It will be interesting to see how the show evolves as it has been picked up for Season 2. It will cover Allie and Dean’s story which is based on Book 3 “The Score” from Elle Kennedy’s series.

All of the above are just some of the reasons why women love this show. With luck, women may be able to get men to watch it as well. There is much for both of us to learn from these characters.

Hopefully, the conversation continues between men and women with the same honesty and true connection in Season 2. In the meantime, we have Hannah and Garrett to keep us entertained.

*Note – this show and the book series is definitely a 8 out of 10 on the spicy level – depending on your tolerance. If you like “Outlander“, this series is in line with that. Definitely for mature audiences only.

Shout out to my college-aged daughter, Sophie, for introducing this show to me. So, what are your thoughts on this show? Share below.