Off Campus review: Puck your Heated Rivalry comparisons – this is frat bro Bridgerton

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

It’s interesting that Prime Video ordered the romcom Off Campus before Heated Rivalry, but releasing it now, as an adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s books, might make it seem too similar to the popular Heated Rivalry. Still, being compared to a hit TV show isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Despite playing with familiar tropes, the show pleasantly surprises by portraying seemingly typical frat boys as emotionally intelligent and respectful. However, like Netflix’s Heartstopper, the polished dialogue and overall sweetness sometimes prevent the drama from fully developing. Both shows intentionally create a comforting atmosphere, which allows them to tackle important issues with sensitivity.

Heartstopper tackles difficult topics like anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders, while Off Campus sensitively addresses issues such as rape and domestic violence. The show’s ability to move between these serious themes and lighter moments, like a funny Thanksgiving scene, demonstrates skillful writing.

The actors fully commit to the show’s mix of playful content, humor, and heartfelt moments, especially Bright and Cameli, who have wonderful chemistry together. The supporting cast is also strong, suggesting the show has a bright future – which fans of the original books will likely appreciate.

Off Campus doesn’t just showcase attractive men for entertainment (though there are definitely some fun workout scenes!). Each of these genuinely good guys has a potential love story that could become a book – think of it like a college version of Bridgerton.

Garrett’s friend, John Logan, played by Antonio Cipriano, will be looking for love in the show’s second season, which has already been confirmed. Cipriano is likely getting in shape, as his character is expected to appear in more revealing scenes next season, based on what we’ve seen so far.

While Off Campus definitely includes mature content, it’s not simply a show focused on sex. The intimate scenes are engaging, but what really stands out is how the show keeps you invested in the story between those moments.

These appealing characters are enjoyable to watch, even in everyday situations. Their lives offer a compelling mix of drama, humor, love, and playful moments, making the show highly addictive.

While ‘Off Campus’ doesn’t push any boundaries, it’s a feel-good show that can leave you feeling relaxed, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

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You can start watching Off Campus on Prime Video beginning May 13th, 2026. New customers can try Amazon Prime for 30 days free.

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Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about television and streaming dramas and comedies for TopMob. Before joining TopMob, he worked at Starburst Magazine, hosted the podcast ‘The Winter King’ for ITVX, and earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield.

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2026-05-11 19:51