“Off Campus” Season 1 Originally Gave Allie and Dean ‘Their Own Episode’: Here’s Why It Got Cut (Exclusive)

**”Off Campus” Season 1 Introduces Surprising Romance Through a Popular Book Adaptation**

The eagerly awaited series “Off Campus,” which recently premiered on Prime Video, has delighted fans with its portrayal of relationships inspired by Elle Kennedy’s popular novels. Among the many storylines, the unexpected romance between Dean, portrayed by Stephen Kalyn, and Allie, played by Mika Abdalla, has captured the attention of viewers, creating conversation and intrigue around the adaptation.

“Off Campus” is primarily based on Kennedy’s first book, “The Deal,” which features Hannah (Ella Bright) and Garrett (Belmont Cameli) as they navigate their burgeoning connection. The pair form a unique bond after entering a mutually beneficial agreement: Garrett will help Hannah attract her crush, Justin, while she assists him in passing his philosophy course. However, it is the addition of Dean and Allie’s relationship that has taken many fans by surprise.

In a departure from the source material, the series brings Dean and Allie’s romance to the forefront earlier than anticipated, coinciding with a crucial moment in Allie’s life following her tumultuous relationship with her on-again, off-again partner, Sean (Riley Davis). Their love story, adored by readers of “The Score,” the third book in Kennedy’s series, has been interwoven into the first season, generating excitement among fans.

Louisa Levy, the showrunner of “Off Campus,” revealed her intentions behind including Dean and Allie’s relationship in season one. In an interview with PEOPLE, she shared that her original concept involved dedicating an entire episode to their storyline, allowing for deeper exploration. However, due to the reduction of episodes from ten to eight, she had to condense some of that plot.

Levy noted that their love story felt organically integrated into the season, as Hannah and Allie are best friends, establishing a strong foundation for the unfolding narrative. “Allie and Hannah are already baked into the show together, and Dean is, of course, in the off-campus house, so he’s there,” she explained.

In a clever twist, Levy chose to conceal Dean and Allie’s relationship from viewers initially, creating a sense of surprise. “Their love story starts out as a secret in the book, so I thought it would be really fun to keep it a secret from the audience,” she said, aiming to provide a fresh experience for fans of the novels.

Despite the early glimpses into their romance seen in the current season, Levy reassured fans that there remains an abundance of material to explore when the storyline eventually comes to the fore. “We still have plenty to play with them, but being able to tee that up in this season was really fun,” she remarked.

Both Kalyn and Abdalla were aware of the inclusion of their characters’ romance prior to auditioning for the roles. Abdalla expressed her excitement at being able to engage further in the storyline, particularly in episode six, which shifted focus to the dynamics between Dean and Allie. “I think it’s a really fun, unexpected twist. As a lover of the books, you don’t expect that,” she said.

Kalyn echoed this enthusiasm, describing their designated episode as a unique experience akin to its own pilot. “It was really, really cool, and I just can’t wait to do more,” he stated, voicing his eagerness to further develop the characters’ connection in subsequent seasons.

As fans settle in to watch the first season of “Off Campus,” the unexpected romance between Dean and Allie promises to create a fresh layer of intrigue within the story of friendship and love. Now available for streaming, viewers can delve into the early stages of these relationships as they unfold in real-time, maintaining the thrill for both long-time fans of Kennedy’s works and newcomers alike.