《校外》系列作者埃尔·肯尼迪揭秘：电视剧版有哪些地方做得比原著更好
Off Campus series author Elle Kennedy detailed the differences between her books and the Prime Video series, which released season one May 13: "They really captured the vibe of Briar U."
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Elle Kennedy knows how to bring some heat onto the ice.
But even the most beloved books could use a few updates for their onscreen adaptations. When it came to the new Prime Video show based on her Off Campus novels—which debuted season one on May 13—the author revealed which aspects of the series elevated the love story between Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli).
"I'm actually happy with making Justin a musician in the show," Elle told E! News in an exclusive interview, of Hannah's crush (played by Josh Heuston) originally being a football player in the book. "It was just so unlike her to have a crush on a jock, so I thought it would be really funny."
But the decision was also simply a way to move Garrett and Hannah's story further.
"It was a way for Garrett to know who Justin is and why they would be at the same parties because, for the most part, they probably wouldn't," she continued. "But I really, really enjoyed making Justin the musician."
The Deal—the first of the five books in her Off Campus series—follows theater geek Hannah and hockey star Garrett at Briar University, whose fake relationship blossoms into something more.
Despite Hannah's crush no longer being on the football team in the series—which has already been greenlit for a second season—he is in the same fraternity as some of Briar U's hockey players, which still makes it just as plausible that Garrett and Justin have crossed paths.
"It was just fantastic," Elle, also a producer on the show, added. "That was a change that I was like, 'Maybe I should've made him a musician.' I really liked that change. I think it created a different dynamic, almost like Garrett competing with a version that isn't him."
After all, as most fake-dating deals go, the pair's arrangement—she tutors him in philosophy to save his place on the team and he agrees to be her fake boyfriend to get Justin's attention—goes awry as romantic feelings begin to blossom.
Although the Girl Aboard author especially loved the tweaks made to Justin, she wasn't too concerned about more adjustments to the storyline.
"When it comes to this kind of stuff, I don't lock myself into specific things," she explained. "I wanted to capture the vibe and the dynamics of the relationships, the friendships, the vulnerability between Garrett and Hannah."
"For me, it wasn't like this specific thing needs to be there," she added. "It was more like whatever we change should serve the overall vibe of the show. Garrett and Hannah's relationship—the trust, the intimacy, the banter—all of that needs to be on screen. We need to be able to see this."
So, it was essential that Hannah and Garrett's romance evolved slowly throughout their story.
"They're a slow burn," she emphasized, "It's not like they're making out in chapter one. I want to see this go from a friendship to an eventual relationship."
So, fans of her books won't be disappointed by what they see on screen, as Elle noted, "They really captured the vibe of Briar U."
Off Campus season one premieres all eight episodes May 13 on Prime Video.
Keep reading for more of the best book to TV show adaptations.
Lessons in Chemistry
Miniseries Lessons in Chemistry—based on Bonnie Gramus' 2022 debut —received a total of 10 Emmy noms in 2024, including ones for stars , Lewis Pullman, and Millicent Shelton. Both the Apple TV+ series—which earned a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series—and the book follow chemist Elizabeth Zott (Larson) as she navigates heartache, misogyny and ultimately stardom as a cooking show host in 1960s Southern California.
Shōgun
After Shōgun premiered in 2024, it became the first Japanese-language series to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series—garnering 25 nominations in total at the 2024 Emmys. The FX show is based on James Clavell's 1975 , which focused on events and important figures from Japan in the 1600s, just as the Edo period was beginning. In addition to the 2024 series, the book was previously adapted into a 1980 miniseries and also into a stage musical, board game and video games.
The Morning Show
Since its 2019 debut, has remained a powerhouse in the streaming world, thanks to stellar performances from its stars including , and , who have all earned Emmy nominations during the Apple TV+ show's run. Based on Brian Stelter's 2013 non-fiction book , The Morning Show has given viewers a behind-the-scenes look at morning television and nabbed 27 nominations in the process—plus a 2020 win for Crudup for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Ripley
An adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 psychological thriller , Ripley stars as the titular Tom Ripley, a grifter in 1960s New York who is hired by a wealthy shipping magnate to persuade his son Dickie (Johnny Flynn) to leave his European escapades and return to the U.S. The Netflix miniseries—which also costars —premiered in 2024 and received 13 Emmy nominations in 2024, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Scott and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Fanning.
Red, White & Royal Blue
A 2019 by Casey McQuiston, became a hit Amazon Prime movie in 2023, depicting the love story between the fictional son of the president of the United States () and the Prince of England (). The film earned a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
The second entry in 's anthology series, 2024's Feud: Capote vs. The Swans tells the story of how celebrated writer Truman Capote () ruined his friendships with his "Swans"—a group of New York City socialites—after writing about thinly veiled versions of them in a 1975 Esquire article. Based on Laurence Leamer's 2021 book , the FX show boasted a bevy of stars including , , , , , and the late . The second season earned 10 Emmy nominations in 2024, including acting nods for Hollander, Watts, Williams and Lane.
Fellow Travelers
Based on the 2008 by Thomas Mallon, 2023's Fellow Travelers tells the story of Hawkins Fuller () and Timothy Laughlin () as they navigate a volatile relationship that spans from the 1950s to the 1980s. Both Bomer and Bailey received 2024 Emmy acting nominations for the Showtime miniseries: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Bomer and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Bailey.
Bridgerton
Netflix's adaptation of Julia Quinn's romance book series was a cultural phenomenon at the end of 2020. Why? Well, thanks to a diverse cast, an incredible score and some steamy sex scenes, subscribers to the streaming service couldn't get enough of the series. Bridgerton also received critical acclaim, earning an Outstanding Drama Series nomination at the 2021 Emmys.
Game of Thrones
This drama full of epic battles and star-crossed romance is based on the popular book series by George R.R Martin. While the novels are best-sellers in their own right, the TV show has garnered fans from all over the world, including many who wouldn't even call themselves fans of the source material. Over the course of eight seasons, the HBO series received 58 Emmy Awards, more than any other drama in history. And while viewers remain divided on the controversial conclusion, which saw the series surpass Martin's plotting to reveal an ending all its own, the show will go down as one of the most celebrated of all time.
Big Little Lies
HBO's adaptation of Liane Moriarty's best-selling novel of the same name lured some A-list talent to the small screen, with Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz and Laura Dern occupying the very enviable real estate owned by the five women who find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. Every bit as enthralling as the book, the first season earned eight Primetime Emmy Awards and enticed none other than Meryl Streep herself to sign on for a pivotal role in the second season, which Moriarty helped shape despite there being no source material left to mine. Though not as universally beloved as the first, season two still earned Streep and Dern Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nominations.
3 Body Problem
3 Body Problem garnered six 2024 Emmy nominations after its debut, including a coveted Outstanding Drama Series nomination. The Netflix series—set in the U.K. and China—follows a group of scientists dealing with an extraterrestrial mystery and planetary threat. It's based on Liu Cixin's book series , which debuted in 2006 with The Three-Body Problem. Cixin followed that up with The Dark Forest in 2008 and Death's End in 2010.
Slow Horses
British spy thriller Slow Horses first premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022, but it was the show's third season that resonated with 2024 Emmy voters, nabbing nine nominations including Outstanding Drama Series, as well as Lead Actor and Supporting Actor nominations for stars and Jack Lowden, respectively. The series is based on Mick Herron's spy novel series, , with the first book debuting in 2010. There are currently eight books in the series, with the most recent entry dropping in 2023.
Palm Royale
Palm Royale earned three 2024 Emmy nominations after its debut: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for . Although based on the 2018 book by Juliet McDaniel, the Apple TV+ show wildly diverges from its source material. Set in the late ‘60s, the series follows Wiig's former beauty pageant queen Maxine Simmons as she attempts to break into Florida's Palm Beach high society. However, in the novel, Maxine finds herself exiled to Scottsdale, Ariz., from Palm Springs when she causes a drunken scene at Thanksgiving after her husband reveals he's leaving her to be with his secretary.
Under the Bridge
earned an Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 2024 Emmy nomination for Hulu's 2024 miniseries Under The Bridge, based on Rebecca Godfrey's 2005 . The show traces the events of the 1997 murder of 14 year old Reena Virk by eight of her peers in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada.
The Sympathizer
The 2024 miniseries The Sympathizer is a historical black comedy based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2015 . The HBO series takes place near the end of the Vietnam War, centering on a Vietnamese spy who makes his way to a refugee camp in the U.S., and finds his loyalties tested as he continues to report back to the Viet Cong. The show earned an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2024 Emmys for , who took on five different roles in the series.
The Handmaid's Tale
Premiering on Hulu in 2017, this adaptation of Margaret Atwood's dystopian 1985 novel centered in the totalitarian state of Gilead following a Second American Civil War. And while the series has long since left its source material behind as it continues the tale of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), the titular subjugated handmaid, and her quest for freedom. It's won several Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series in its first season.
Roots
This groundbreaking mini-series was originally adapted from Pulitzer Prize-winning author 's 1976 novelRoots: The Saga of an American Family. Just one year later, Roots, starring LeVar Burton, premiered on ABC and became a cultural phenomenon, winning nine Emmys as well as a coveted Peabody Award. The ratings were also sky high, and the finale still holds a record as the second-most-watched-overall series finale in U.S. TV history. In 2016, a remake of the same name premiered, starring Malachi Kirby and Anika Noni Rose.
True Blood
A waitress who can read minds and vampires with southern accents are only a few of the intriguing characters on this immortal drama. The series, starring now-real-life couple Anna Pacquin and Stephen Moyer, is based on books by and focuses on a small town in Louisiana. After seven seasons, the show came to an end in 2014, but we will forever be grateful for giving all of us the gift of naked Alexander Skarsgård and Joe Manganiello.
Sherlock
A modern take on the iconic detective series by British authorSir Arthur Conan Doyle, this U.K. series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman was not only a success in its homeland, but the drama won fans all over the world, including the U.S., where it won the trophy for Best Television Film at the 2016 Emmys.
Outlander
Time travel, rebellion, and a love triangle are just the beginning of this exciting series based on historical fiction books by author. Caitriona Balfe plays a nurse who travels to a different century and eventually falls in love with a rogue Scottish highlander (Sam Heughan) despite already being married in her time.
The Undoing
Based on the 2014 novel by, The Undoing once again put Nicole Kidman in a leading role at the heart of a murder mystery. Specifically, therapist Grace Fraser (Kidman)'s life is turned upside down when her husband Jonathan (Hugh Grant) becomes a suspect in the murder of Elena Alves (Matilda De Angelis).
While the finale left viewers feeling conflicted, everyone could agree that Kidman's wardrobe was A+ in the series.
Dexter
This crime drama following Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a blood spatter expert by day and serial killer by night, was originally based on books by author. Over the course of eight seasons on Showtime, the series garnered a cult following, as well as 23 Emmy nominations. That series finale, though? Let's just say it's never easy to stick a landing.
The creative team took a second shot at wrapping up Dexter's story as a limited event series, titled Dexter: New Blood in 2021.
Orange Is the New Black
The award-winning Netflix original series is based on author 's memoir Oand was an instant hit. Fans loved the show's mix of sarcastic humor and heart-wrenching storylines, as well as the strong female characters, including Crazy Eyes Suzanne (Uzo Aduba), Sophia (Laverne Cox), Pennsatucky (Taryn Manning) and the beloved Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley). After seven seasons, viewers left Litchfield behind for good in 2019.
Friday Night Lights
Before Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) entered the TV screens and hearts of viewers, this sports drama was initially adapted into a film starring Billy Bob Thornton in the same role. But in 2006, author 'snon-fiction bookFriday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream, hit the small screen and made non-football fans into believers. In addition to Chandler, the series also starred Connie Britton, Minka Kelly, Scott Porter, Michael B. Jordan, and everyone's favorite bad boy, Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins. Everyone say it with us now, "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts..."
Nine Perfect Strangers
Another Liane Moriarty adaptation! In 2021, Nicole Kidman and David E. Kelley collaborated once more to bring Moriarty's 2018 novel to life. Debuting on Hulu, the series followed Masha Dmitrichenko (Kidman), a wellness retreat guru ready to transform the lives of nine, wait for it, strangers, including Frances (Melissa McCarthy), Lars (Luke Evans), Tony (Bobby Cannavale), Carmel (Regina Hall), Napoleon (Michael Shannon), Jessica (Samara Weaving), Ben (Melvin Gregg), Heather (Asher Keddie) and Zoe (Grace Van Patten).
Gossip Girl
This series, based on books by Upper East Side native, became an iconic representation of the secret lives of young NYC elite. Whether you're a Blair (Leighton Meester) or a Serena (Blake Lively) you can't deny that the high-fashion cast made you just a little bit jealous during its six seasons on The CW.
Pretty Little Liars
The successful book series by author was a favorite guilty pleasure show for binge watchers everywhere. The stylish squad featured Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson and Troian Bellisario, who always kept fans on the edge of their seats. After seven seasons on Freeform, PLL tried to answer all the questions its legion of fans had as the end neared. Whether they were satisfied with those answers, well, that's another story.
The Magicians
SyFy drama The Magicians gives fans of 's popular book series a glimpse into the magical world of students at Brakebills University. The characters must navigate the typical challenges of college students (like fraught relationships and drug addictions) with the added twist of learning how to control their magical powers - as if life wasn't already complicated enough. Over the course of five seasons, the missions grew more dire, usually tasking the heroes with saving the multiverse or magic itself. (No big deal, right?) But one thing stayed the same: You could always count on an incredible musical episode.
The Vampire Diaries
The cast of hotties, including Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Kat Graham and Ian Somerhalder, in this supernatural series was definitely a major contributor to this CW hit's popularity. Fans of the book series by got to see their favorite heroes come to life in the drama, which ended in 2017 after eight seasons.
