Prime Video’s Off Campus may center on the swoon-worthy romance between Hannah and Garrett, but the world of Briar University is packed with plenty of other compelling personalities—and Mika Abdalla and Josh Heuston are helping bring two of them to life in memorable ways.

In a recent conversation with Entertainment Affair’s Raffael Alejandro, the pair opened up about stepping into the fan-favorite roles of Allie Hayes and Justin Kohl in the streamer’s adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s bestselling book series, teasing the emotional complexity, relationship drama, and ensemble chemistry that make Off Campus such an easy binge.

For Heuston, portraying Justin meant avoiding the obvious. Rather than leaning into the archetype of the polished campus heartthrob audiences are meant to root against, he approached the character with emotional sincerity, wanting Justin to feel like someone viewers could genuinely understand. That choice gives the character a more grounded presence, making the romantic complications surrounding him feel more layered rather than predictable.

Abdalla, meanwhile, fully embraced Allie’s vibrant, playful energy. She described connecting with the character’s confidence and spirit, while also enjoying the chance to step into a heightened version of college life that felt both fun and aspirational. Allie brings a refreshing sense of freedom to the series—someone who moves through the chaos of young adulthood on her own terms, even while navigating the messiness that comes with relationships and growing up.

That emotional push and pull is part of what makes Off Campus click. Beneath the romance and attractive college-athlete drama, the series taps into the uncertainty, excitement, and identity shifts that define that chapter of life.

The cast dynamic was another major highlight for both stars. While their characters may not directly interact much onscreen—a realization that sparked one of the interview’s funniest moments—the actors said the ensemble became incredibly close during production, with the big group scenes becoming some of the most enjoyable days on set.

That chemistry appears to be one of the show’s biggest strengths. Off Campus doesn’t just rely on central romance—it builds out an entire social ecosystem of friendships, rivalries, flirtation, heartbreak, and campus chaos that makes Briar University feel lived in.

And according to the cast, that variety is exactly the appeal. With sports, romance, music, emotional drama, and multiple character dynamics unfolding at once, Off Campus aims to offer something for every kind of viewer.

Based on Elle Kennedy’s internationally bestselling Off Campus novels, the Prime Video series arrives with strong momentum, already scoring a Season 2 renewal ahead of its debut. Also starring Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, and Stephen Kalyn, the series is positioning itself as Prime Video’s next addictive young adult obsession.

All eight episodes of Off Campus are now streaming on Prime Video.