‘Men written by women’: How ice hockey romances like Off Campus became TV’s hottest new genre

Think you’ve had enough of ice hockey romance for now? Think again. The genre has exploded in popularity, beginning with Heated Rivalry, a Canadian series that debuted on UK streaming platforms in January and catapulted stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie to international stardom. Now, Amazon Prime Video has released Off Campus, another adaptation of a bestselling book series, which the platform reports has instantly risen to become its most-watched show globally.

Based on the novels by Canadian author Elle Kennedy, whose works have sold 25 million copies, Off Campus has garnered acclaim from viewers for its depiction of female desire, its emotionally nuanced male leads, and its intense athletic sequences. The narrative centers on the romantic entanglements and sexual lives of college ice hockey athletes at a fictional university in Boston.

According to Meagan Carioti, a 27-year-old book content creator, the sport’s inherent intensity makes it an ideal vehicle for romance. "Hockey is a hot, passionate sport," she explains, noting that this energy "translates really well into romance."

Sophie Bonser, a 30-year-old social media manager and hockey fan, suggests that the sport’s appeal outside North America is partly driven by novelty, as many international viewers did not grow up playing it. She points out that hockey is typically a low-scoring game, characterized by tense, narrow-margin victories. "Every game is high stakes, which translates well in TV," Bonser tells the BBC.

The series distinguishes itself by avoiding the clichéd "jock" stereotypes often found in sports dramas. The male protagonists—Garrett Graham (played by 28-year-old Belmont Cameli), Dean Di Laurentis (28-year-old Stephen Kalyn), and John Logan (26-year-old Antonio Cipriano)—are portrayed with a depth that challenges traditional expectations. While the show acknowledges the derogatory term "puck bunny," used to describe female fans perceived as more interested in players than the sport, it simultaneously emphasizes a narrative where athletes seek to respect women rather than exploit them.

The first season adapts two of Kennedy’s novels, The Deal and The Score, originally published in 2015 and 2016. Female audiences have particularly praised scenes that depict male characters prioritizing their partners' sexual satisfaction. Carioti describes this portrayal as "so powerful," highlighting the significance of seeing "women's pleasure and comfort talked about, prioritised and valued." She notes that such representation is rare, adding, "I love men written by women, the yearning is just unmatched and it's the female gaze - what women want - I think [it] is different to what men think women want."

Even viewers outside the primary demographic are engaging with the series. Oliver Zane, a 25-year-old content creator whose reaction videos on TikTok have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, admits he is a "sucker for girly TV shows" despite not being the target audience. He praises female writers for their superior character development, which he feels makes the characters more realistic. Zane notes that the way women are prioritized in the show is a major draw, allowing him to better understand female emotional experiences.

Carioti also appreciates the contrast between the "bravado" of hockey and the characters' underlying "vulnerability," as well as the show’s depiction of "found family" through teammate bonds.

The series also tackles serious issues with sensitivity. Ella Bright, known to British audiences for her role in the CBBC adaptation of Malory Towers, plays Hannah Wells, the girlfriend of Garrett. Hannah’s arc deals with the aftermath of a high school rape, with her partner portrayed as handling her trauma with care. "The show is very female-centred," says Carioti. "Women are talked about and cared for in a respectful way, and the emphasis is on choice and consent."

Zane echoes this sentiment, calling the characterization of Garrett "refreshing" and identifying it as a key strength of the program. As the trend continues, viewers are increasingly finding value in these nuanced storytelling approaches.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-30 02:59:16 UTC