Hockey is currently the topic of conversation for many, especially following the massive success of the intense HBO series Heated Rivalry. It appears that the sport will continue to be featured on television with another exciting show set to premiere soon, featuring not just one, but two recognizable stars from the acclaimed medical drama, The Pitt, which recently won the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series award at the SAG Actor Awards.
In January 2024, author Elle Kennedy revealed to HELLO! that her New York Times best-selling hockey romance series Off Campus was being adapted for the screen. Now, two years later, the project has officially concluded filming and is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video this May. Jalen Thomas Brooks, a 24-year-old actor known for his role as ER nurse Mateo on The Pitt, will portray John Tucker in Off Campus and shared with HELLO! what viewers can look forward to in the upcoming hockey series.
Hockey’s Rising Popularity
While speaking with HELLO! on the red carpet during the Actor Awards, Jalen remarked: "I believe people will be taken aback by the depth and sincerity infused into the content. While some may seek out the scandalous elements – and they will find them – there are numerous other reasons to stay engaged. The energy is fantastic, the vibe is wonderful, it's truly delightful." Stay tuned for the complete interview coming later this week.
© Variety through Getty Images Jalen Thomas Brooks, who hails from The Pitt, is also featured in Off Campus.
Off Campus features two performers from The Pitt
Upcoming Prime Video Series
Off Campus centers around a quartet of hockey players at Briar University, with each of the four novels highlighting a unique character’s romantic journey. The inaugural season draws inspiration from Elle’s 2015 novel The Deal and features American-born British actress Ella Bright, 19, alongside Belmont Cameli, 28, in the lead roles of Hannah and Garrett.
Currently, the primary four male characters of the series have been cast, featuring Belmont as Garrett Graham and Jalen as John Tucker, who will both play significant roles in the upcoming first season. Stephen Kalyn, known for his role in Cruel Intentions, will portray Dean Di Laurentis, while Antonio Cipriano takes on the character of John Logan.
© Liane Hentscher/Prime Off Campus is set to release in May 2026
Elle Kennedy’s Adaptation
Jalen is noticeably missing from the start of the second season of The Pitt, which is currently airing, due to scheduling conflicts with Off Campus, which was filmed in Canada in 2025. Nevertheless, behind-the-scenes footage from The Pitt has indicated that he will make a return at some point during the season. “He’s committed to Off Campus!” Jalen’s co-star Shabana Azeez shared with HELLO! when questioned about a possible romance between her character Victoria Javadi and Jalen’s Mateo in the second season.
One of Jalen’s co-stars from The Pitt, Mika Abdalla, has secured a part in the hockey-themed romance series as Allie Hayes, the romantic lead in the third book of the Off Campus series, The Score. Mika shared the screen with Jalen in the first season of The Pitt, portraying a recurring character named Jenna, a college student receiving treatment at a hospital in Pittsburgh.
© Getty Images for Vanity Fair Mika Abdalla (far left) alongside her Off Campus castmates Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Ella Bright, Stephen Kalyn, and Belmont Cameli
Stars of The Pitt Unite
What does Off Campus entail?
Off Campus, a series on Prime Video, draws inspiration from Elle Kennedy’s well-loved romance novels of the same title, which consist of four installments: The Deal, The Mistake, The Score, and The Goal. The inaugural season centers around music major Hannah Wells, who consents to assist the university’s hockey captain, Garrett Graham, with his studies in return for his support in securing a date with her crush.
© Liane Hentscher/Prime Off Campus season one explores the love story between Hannah and Garrett.
In an exclusive interview with HELLO! in January 2024, prior to the series announcement, Elle, the author of Off Campus, remarked: "There are always numerous behind-the-scenes activities occurring, which is true for most writers; you often have to keep things under wraps and remain silent. Then everyone inquires, "Are you planning to adapt it into a film? Are you considering a TV adaptation?" Naturally, I would love to. However, it ultimately depends on finding someone interested in bringing it to life as well." The series was officially acquired by Amazon MGM Studios in October 2024.
When is its release date?
In February, Amazon Prime announced that Off Campus is set to premiere in May 2026, although a specific release date has not yet been revealed. Prior to the debut of the first season, the streaming service has indicated that the series will return for a second season, which fans believe will likely adapt the second book in the series, The Mistake.