Amazon Prime Video has released a new romance drama series, Off Campus, based on Elle Kennedy's popular Booktok novel The Deal. The show follows music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and hockey star Garrett (Belmont Cameli) as they enter a fake dating arrangement that evolves into a deeper connection, navigating past traumas and steamy encounters along the way.
Rapid Rise to Popularity
Since its debut earlier this week, Off Campus has quickly climbed to number two on Amazon Prime's top 10 chart, with expectations of reaching number one shortly. The streaming giant was so confident in its success that it renewed the series for a second season before the first episode even aired. Critics have given it a 93% score, while audiences rate it at 83%.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
Despite its popularity, many viewers have taken to social media to criticize the show's acting. User baeksophiex wrote on X, 'I read the deal yearsss ago and loved it, so idk if I've just outgrown that s**t, but it was so cringe and the acting was appalling, [especially] Garrett, Hannah and his dad.' Another user, dianaaloves, commented, 'The acting in Off Campus is atrocious, like please invest in an acting coach next time.' Others echoed similar sentiments, noting a lack of chemistry between the leads.
However, some defended the performances. Lightlysdarling stated, 'If I see one more tweet about saying the acting in Off Campus was bad, we get it, they are not getting nominated for the Oscar, let me enjoy my teen show.' Syoongsk added, 'I'm actually shocked a minority of people have a problem with Ella Bright's acting… I thought it was fairly obvious she was the best actor in the show.'
Critical Acclaim
Critics have offered more favorable reviews. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian described the series as 'deeply soothing and incredibly moreish,' advising viewers to 'sit back with your beverage of choice, turn off your brain and relax.' Variety noted that while Off Campus isn't reinventing the wheel, it's 'still an interesting ride.' The Wrap called it 'a wonderful addition to the wildly popular YA romance genre.'
Off Campus is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
