Prime Video’s Off Campus Adaptation Is Betting On The Bridgerton Format

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Prime Video is hoping its new series, based on Elle Kennedy’s popular Off Campus books, will capture the same magic as Bridgerton. Bridgerton became a huge hit over six years by bringing a fresh, modern take to historical romance, especially for viewers who prefer streaming. However, the show likely wouldn’t have been so successful if it had focused on just one couple throughout all its seasons.

Instead of continuing the story of Simon and Daphne as they aged, Bridgerton is structured like many popular romance series—each season focuses on a new couple. This allows the show to introduce new storylines, explore different moods, and play with familiar romantic themes. It’s a successful approach that makes Bridgerton highly rewatchable, whether you enjoy a single season or watch the entire show all at once.

Lots of popular romance book series today follow a similar pattern – authors like Elsie Silver, Alisha Rai, and Sarah Adams are good examples. However, we haven’t seen many recent TV shows adapt romances in the same way.

Many popular streaming romance shows, like The Summer I Turned Pretty, My Life With the Walter Boys, Nobody Wants This, and Maxton Hall, focus on the complicated relationship of one couple – or a love triangle – over several seasons. Even Heated Rivalry, a hockey drama, will mainly center on the connection between Shane and Ilya, though it will also incorporate storylines from other books by Rachel Reid, just not as separate seasons of their own.

I’m so excited about Prime Video’s new series, Off Campus! It’s a really fun, steamy romance, and I have a feeling it’s going to be the next Bridgerton. The first season follows Hannah, a singer-songwriter, and Garrett, the hockey captain, as they fall for each other – it’s based on the first book, The Deal. But here’s the best part: Prime Video has already greenlit a second season! Instead of just focusing on Hannah and Garrett, season two will explore the love lives of Garrett’s teammates, and honestly, I’m hoping for many more seasons after that!

At Briar University, John Logan, Dean Heyward-Di Laurentis, and John Tucker are all on the path to finding love. The series Off Campus follows these roommates – Garrett and his friends – much like Bridgerton follows the Bridgerton siblings, with each semester bringing a new relationship focus. However, to be as successful as Bridgerton, Off Campus needs to move beyond simply pairing off couples each season and become a show that truly focuses on the entire group of friends, similar to how the show adapted its source material.

Prime Video’s Off Campus Needs To Treat Its Cast As An Ensemble

As a total cinema and TV devotee, one of the things I really love about Bridgerton is how it doesn’t really focus on just one character. Each romance is great on its own, but what really makes the show special is seeing how all the characters grow and change over the seasons. It makes those love stories feel so much deeper and more meaningful when you’ve followed everyone’s journey for a while.

Consider how Bridgerton developed Anthony’s character in season 1 and how his strong sense of responsibility impacted his relationship with Kate in season 2. Similarly, remember how the show built up Penelope’s feelings for Colin and their friendship over the first two seasons, which ultimately led to their romance in season 3. And now, look at season 4, where the death of Francesca’s husband created a foundation for her connection with his cousin, Michaela, setting the stage for season 5.

Had the show crammed all those story elements into one season – or skipped them altogether – the characters and their development would have felt rushed. In Bridgerton, the romances aren’t instant; the characters genuinely work at building lasting relationships. Off Campus should build its future storylines with the same care. Though Hannah and Garrett might not get that extended development (though they could return in a second season), their relationship can still establish the groundwork and direction for what happens with their friends.

Although the show The Deal introduces the new characters, the story is told from one person’s perspective, so we only learn about Logan, Dean, and Tucker through Garrett and Hannah’s eyes. However, the TV adaptation can explore storylines from the books in more detail, like Dean’s friendships and Logan’s crush on Hannah. Unlike the book, which sticks to Garrett and Hannah’s viewpoints, the show isn’t limited and can follow any character at any time.

The key to a successful Off Campus adaptation is keeping the focus on Hannah and Garrett’s relationship. Previous shows like Bridgerton sometimes let side stories overshadow the main romance, and it’s important to avoid that here. Luckily, the trailer suggests Louisa Levy has found the right balance, making Garrett and Hannah’s love story central while still effectively building the world of Briar University around them.

Off Campus season 1 premieres exclusively on Prime Video on Wednesday, May 13.

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2026-05-11 16:58