A steamy hockey streaming series, “Heated Rivalry,” faces tough competition from another Canadian-themed show, “Off Campus,” based on Toronto author Elle Kennedy’s popular novels. The story revolves around music student Hannah Wells and star hockey player Garrett Graham, whose tutoring arrangement blossoms into a romance amidst university rivalries and locker room dynamics.
“Off Campus,” currently ranking as the top show on Amazon Prime Video in Canada, showcases Canadian talent both in front of and behind the camera, highlighting Canadian settings and native music. Here are some notable connections in the series:
**Canadian Author:**
Elle Kennedy, the mind behind the “Off Campus” book series, is a Canadian author and also serves as a producer for the TV adaptation. Raised in Toronto, Kennedy’s passion for writing emerged in her teenage years, leading her to become the author of nearly 50 contemporary novels after earning a BA in English from York University.
**Vancouver’s Boston Setting:**
Filmed predominantly in Vancouver, “Off Campus” portrays the fictional Briar University in Boston, brought to life by the University of British Columbia (UBC). The series features iconic UBC locations like the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, doubling as the hockey arena and locker rooms.
**Boost for The Beaches:**
Following the inclusion of their single “Edge of the Earth” in the second episode of “Off Campus,” Toronto band The Beaches experienced an 888% surge in streams across various platforms, as reported by Billboard Canada. The band’s music is integrated into key scenes, with references made to their Coachella performance, amplifying their exposure.
**Canadian Faces On Screen:**
The series boasts a cast with strong Canadian representation, including Markham-born Stephen Kalyn as Dean Di Laurentis, Vancouver-native Dylan Kingwell as Joe Rogers, and Calgary-raised Khobe Clarke as Beau Maxwell. Vancouver actor Julia Sarah Stone plays Jules Logan, a character crafted specifically for the show. Moreover, Canadian actors like Karis Cameron, Chelah Horsdal, Jennifer Spence, and Chad Willett play pivotal roles in the series.
**Canadian Contributors Behind the Scenes:**
Executive producer Leanna Billings, originally from Fredericton, played a key role in bringing the show to life, having spotted the novels on BookTok and assisting in pilot development. Montreal’s Ian Deitchman serves as a co-executive producer and writer, while director Dawn Wilkinson, known for her work on “Power Book II: Ghost” and “All-American,” was part of the female-led directing team for the show’s inaugural season.
“Off Campus” continues to captivate audiences with its Canadian essence and compelling storyline, solidifying its position as a top Canadian production in the streaming world.