Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
The 2026 release of the television show “Off-Campus” sparked an internet phenomenon across digital media platforms.
When I first watched the trailer, my thoughts were, “Oh, another chick flick, rom-com, teenage sort of web series.”
Don’t get me wrong, I was still going to watch it. Although, I’d keep my expectations that it would be a mere distraction from real life, and maybe I would end up with a new celebrity crush that would eventually fade off in a week or so.
However, I was stunned. I was speechless, it was nothing as to what I expected, and this isn’t even an exaggeration.
As an old-school, slow burn rom-com kind of a girl, the series creates nostalgia of the 2000s era.
Moreover, the directors even include so many references to movies from that time.
Naturally, the next step after finishing the series was to go on social media and see what everyone else is saying. Instantly, my feed was filled with edits and opinions about the show. It’s been almost two weeks now, and I am not complaining.
Part of the reason why I am writing this now is because the only way to get this show out of my system is to write about it. However, another reason why I am writing this is because I noticed how instead of teenage girls, a lot of young adults are engaging with the content as well, especially young women.
At the ripe age of 23, I saw a lot of young women my age absolutely loving the show. The reason you may ask? Simply because this series is a breath of fresh air from the niche content we consume these days. The show is made by women, for women, based on a book written by a woman.
The series, as most of the readers know, is based on the bestselling “Off-Campus” book series by Elle Kennedy. This season was based on the first book, “The Deal.”
The show discusses consent, respecting personal space, men making a safe environment for women, positive female friendship and men being vulnerable. Concepts that are supposed to be bare minimum, are finally being talked about and portrayed in a positive way.
Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
The boys of Briar University are jocks that play hockey. They have their problems, but they deal with them. They listen to women and they make them feel safe.
These boys are emotionally intelligent and available, and understand the basic concept of communication. We don’t see the age-old glorification of toxic locker-room masculinity. Instead, we see human emotions, breakdowns and genuine conversations.
The reason why the show sticks with you is because relationships are portrayed as being aspirational and not unrealistic.
This is what women want, the bare minimum and the show captures that perfectly well.
I grew up watching male protagonists having traits like being mysterious, toxic possessiveness and emotional unavailability. That’s what made them “perfect.”
After the show ended, I did end up having crushes, but not on the actors. But on the fictional characters instead. This is because they portray what straight women crave these days in their partners: bare minimum understanding, respect and love.
To all the boys out there learning to be men, take notes from “Off-Campus.” Masculinity doesn’t have to be toxic. We don’t want big gestures, we only want the bare minimum.
Thanks for reading my two cents about the show. Be right back, gotta go read “The Deal,” and wait for season two!
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