Good News for Shameless Fans (me): Steve Howey Is Back!

Steve Howey is back, and this time, he’s stepping into the role of Phil Graham, a former hockey legend and father of Garrett Graham in the upcoming Amazon Prime series—an adaptation of Off Campus by Elle Kennedy.

As a fan of Shameless for quite some time, I can say I’m excited to see this man back on my screen. I loved when he played Kevin, and my younger self was on the edge of my seat drooling whenever he showed up. I loved seeing him play a complex character, and even more, I’ll enjoy seeing him play another.

If you haven’t read the Off Campus series, The Deal will be the focus of Season 1—and Phil Graham plays a key figure in Garrett Graham’s journey.

I’ve read three out of the four books in the series, and I can wholeheartedly say… I disliked Phil Graham to my core.

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What We Know So Far:

• Set at Briar University, Off Campus chronicles a group of college hockey players and their college lives—with much-needed romance.
• Each season will adapt one of Kennedy’s novels in the series.
• Season 1 will focus on Garrett (played by Belmont Cameli) and Hannah (played by Ella Bright), following the story arc of The Deal.

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I’ve seen Steve in a few roles—Shameless being the obvious one, and Bride Wars. I loved him in each one, and I truly believe Howey will bring such depth and maturity to the role of Phil Graham. If you’ve read the series, then you know just how vital and key a role he plays in Garrett’s story.

I’ve seen him more in comedy or emotional-heavy roles, which makes this a compelling next chapter in his career.

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Why You Should Tune In:

• The obvious—but maybe not so obvious—Elle Kennedy is an amazing writer.
• The romance and emotional depth this show will bring will hook you in. I cried, not gonna lie.
• Familiar faces! I know there’s been some debate over a few casting choices and whether the actors “look” like their book counterparts… but I say, wait and see. (And yes, I’m talking to those who dislike Jalen playing Tucker.)
• If you’re worried that Phil’s presence only lasts in one book—don’t be. There’s a much bigger universe that expands on the characters’ journeys, and his presence could easily span multiple seasons.

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Now, as we wait (a long time) for this highly anticipated series, filming is officially underway in British Columbia. And I, for one, am so ready for my college hockey romance series.