The hit series “Heated Rivalry” is facing tough competition from another popular hockey show called “Off Campus,” which also has strong Canadian roots. The show, based on Elle Kennedy’s successful novels and set in a university campus, revolves around the blossoming romance between a music student named Hannah Wells and a star hockey player named Garrett Graham.
“Off Campus” has quickly climbed to the top spot on Amazon Prime Video in Canada, showcasing Canadian talent both on and off the screen, along with utilizing Canadian locations and music. Elle Kennedy, the Canadian author of the “Off Campus” book series, is deeply involved in the TV adaptation as a producer. Raised in Toronto, Kennedy pursued her passion for writing from a young age and is now a prolific author with nearly 50 contemporary novels to her name.
The show was predominantly filmed in Vancouver, standing in for the fictional Briar University in Boston. The University of British Columbia served as the backdrop for various campus scenes, with notable locations like the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre doubling as key spots within the show.
Furthermore, the Toronto band The Beaches received a significant boost in their music streams after their track “Edge of the Earth” was featured in an episode of “Off Campus.” The band’s popularity surged, with their song experiencing an 888% increase in streams across platforms following its appearance on the show.
The Canadian connections don’t stop there, as the series boasts a cast and crew with strong ties to Canada. Notable Canadian actors include Stephen Kalyn, Dylan Kingwell, Khobe Clarke, Julia Sarah Stone, Karis Cameron, Chelah Horsdal, Jennifer Spence, and Chad Willett, all playing pivotal roles in the series.
Behind the scenes, Canadian talent shines as well, with individuals like Leanna Billings, Ian Deitchman, and Dawn Wilkinson contributing as executive producers and writers to bring the show to life. Leanna Billings, originally from Fredericton, has been instrumental in the show’s production, having optioned the rights to the novels and helped develop the pilot.
“Off Campus” has not only captured the hearts of viewers but has also highlighted the wealth of talent and creativity that Canada has to offer in the realm of television and entertainment.