The competition for viewership between “Heated Rivalry” and a new hockey-themed series titled “Off Campus,” based on Elle Kennedy’s popular novels, is heating up. The show revolves around the blossoming romance between music student Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and star hockey player Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) at Briar University. Currently ranked as the top show on Amazon Prime Video in Canada, “Off Campus” showcases Canadian talent both on and off-screen, with a Canadian author leading the way.
Elle Kennedy, the author of the “Off Campus” book series, hails from Toronto and is deeply involved in the TV adaptation as a producer. With a passion for writing since her teenage years, Kennedy holds a BA in English from York University and has penned nearly 50 contemporary novels.
Filmed predominantly in Vancouver, “Off Campus” brings the fictional Briar University in Boston to life using the backdrop of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Various iconic locations at UBC, such as the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, play pivotal roles in the series.
One notable impact of the show is the boost received by The Beaches, a Toronto-based band, after their song “Edge of the Earth” was featured in an episode of “Off Campus.” Following this exposure, the band experienced an 888% surge in streams across different platforms.
The series also boasts a strong Canadian presence on screen, with actors like Stephen Kalyn, Dylan Kingwell, Khobe Clarke, Julia Sarah Stone, Karis Cameron, Chelah Horsdal, Jennifer Spence, and Chad Willett showcasing their talents in various roles.
Behind the scenes, Fredericton native Leanna Billings serves as an executive producer, having discovered the novels on BookTok and helping to develop the show. Montreal’s Ian Deitchman and Canadian director Dawn Wilkinson also contribute significantly to the series as co-executive producer/writer and part of the directing team, respectively.
“Off Campus” continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline and Canadian connections, solidifying its position as a must-watch series for fans of romance and hockey drama.