Off Campus Season 1 Review | The Adaptation We Deserved

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Off Campus Season 1 Review
The Adaptation We Deserved


Published: July 16, 2026

⚠️ Spoiler Warning:
This review contains spoilers for Off Campus Season 1 & The Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy.

 Romance in the Coffee Rings Quick Stats

🏒 Favorite Character: John Logan

❤️ Favorite Couple: Dean & Allie

🎬 Favorite Episode: Hannah's Showcase (with the Cherry Pie karaoke scene coming in a very close second!)

💔 Most Emotional Moment: Garrett's flashbacks with his father

☕ Coffee Pairing: Cherry Pie Iced Vanilla Latte

⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

 Romance in the Coffee Rings Rating

★★★★★ 5/5 Stars

Honestly... I don't even know where to begin.

As someone who absolutely loves Elle Kennedy and the Off Campus series, I had pretty high expectations going into Season 1. Thankfully, I can honestly say they delivered.

This adaptation had everything I was hoping for: the romance, the friendships, the hockey, the humor, and most importantly... Garrett and Hannah.

 What I Loved

Garrett and Hannah completely lived up to everything I imagined while reading the books.

Their chemistry felt so natural that after the first episode, I completely forgot I was watching actors. They made me believe every conversation, every awkward moment, and every sweet scene between them.

One thing I really appreciated was how much heart they brought to Garrett's character. He wasn't just the cocky hockey captain—we got to see the vulnerable side that made so many of us fall in love with him in the books.

Book vs. Show

I thought the show stayed surprisingly faithful to the books while still making changes that worked for television.

One of the biggest differences was Justin.

In the book, Justin was a football player, but the show changed him into a music student. At first, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it, but honestly... it worked.

There were also a few changes involving Dean and Allie's storyline.

Normally I'm the first person to say, "Why did they change that?"

This time?

I'm totally here for it.

Favorite Character

No surprise here...

I'll always be a John Logan girl. ❤️

No matter what adaptation comes along, Logan is forever my favorite.

Favorite Moments

If I had to choose just one favorite episode, it would have to be Hannah's showcase.

That performance gave me chills.

Although...

The Cherry Pie karaoke scene is a very close second.

I was smiling through that entire scene.

Most Emotional Scene

Garrett's flashbacks involving his father were heartbreaking.

Those moments really showed another side of his character and reminded me why his story has always been one of my favorites.

The show handled those scenes with a lot of emotion, and I thought they were incredibly well done.

 The One Thing I'd Change

If I could change one thing...

I wish we had met Grace this season.

I was definitely hoping she'd make an appearance, but honestly, if it means they're saving her story for the right moment, I'm willing to wait.

Biggest Surprise

The chemistry.

Seriously.

Sometimes book adaptations get the casting right, but the chemistry just isn't there.

This cast completely proved me wrong.

Every friendship, every romance, every conversation felt believable, and that's one of the biggest reasons this adaptation worked so well for me.

 Season 2...

Can it be here already?!

Dean and Allie's chemistry is already amazing...

And that ending...

THE BAR FIGHT?!

Chef's kiss. Absolute perfection.

Needless to say, I'll be counting down until we get Season 2 news. Are you too? 👀

Romance in the Coffee Rings Coffee Pairing

🍒 Cherry Pie Iced Vanilla Latte (Cherry-Free Option!)

Since I'm allergic to cherries, here's my version inspired by the unforgettable Cherry Pie karaoke scene.

Ingredients:

☕ Iced vanilla latte

🍓 A splash of strawberry syrup for that sweet, pie-inspired flavor

🤎 Brown sugar cold foam

🍪 Graham cracker crumbs on top for a buttery pie crust finish

Not allergic to cherries? 🍒 Feel free to swap the strawberry syrup for cherry syrup or top it with fresh cherries for the full Cherry Pie experience!

Whether you go with my allergy-friendly version or the classic cherry version, it's the perfect drink to enjoy while binge-watching Garrett and Hannah's story and getting excited for Dean and Allie taking center ice next season. ☕🏒

 Let's Talk!

Did Off Campus Season 1 live up to your expectations?

Who's your favorite Off Campus character?

And...

Are you Team Garrett... or are you secretly a John Logan fan like me? 👀

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Until next time,

Happy reading, happy watching, and don't forget the coffee. ☕💕

— Erica | Romance in the Coffee Rings

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