The Off Campus television series has made a significant change to the breakup storyline of Hannah and Garrett compared to the original book. In the Prime Video adaptation, the reason behind their split is entirely different from Elle Kennedy's novel, The Deal.
Breakup in the Books
In the source material, Hannah ends her relationship with Garrett after meeting his father, Phil Graham. Phil threatens to stop paying Garrett's university tuition if Hannah remains with him. To secure Garrett's education, Hannah breaks up with him, unaware that Garrett will soon inherit a trust fund from his grandfather on his 21st birthday. Garrett later discovers the truth and reconciles with Hannah.
Breakup in the Show
The series takes a different approach. Phil does not force Hannah to end the relationship. Instead, Garrett himself breaks up with Hannah after a violent incident on the ice. He plays hockey against Aaron Delaney, Hannah's rapist, and beats him up during the game. Fearful of becoming abusive like his father, Garrett decides he can no longer be with Hannah.
Creator's Explanation
Show creator Louisa Levy explained the rationale behind the change to Variety: "When Elle wrote the books, college athletes couldn't make money off their image and likeness - now they can. A big part of Hannah breaking up with Garrett in the books is that he needs his dad to pay his tuition at Briar, which in today's landscape just doesn't hold up."
Hannah actress Ella Bright commented: "I love the change in their breakup - I find it so much more heartbreaking. They are both having their worst days at the exact same time and, if either one had been in a different place that day, the other could have talked them through it."
Garrett actor Belmont Cameli added to Elite Daily: "The way that we have the breakup happen feels really organic in that episode. We wanted it to come from the character."
The show remains largely faithful to the book in other aspects, also incorporating elements of Allie and Dean's romance from The Mistake. Fans can expect more developments in the upcoming season.
