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Josh Heuston will not return for Off Campus season 2, showrunner Louisa Levy confirmed on May 18, 2026. The Australian actor’s departure stems from scheduling conflicts with other commitments. Filming for season 2 begins June 1, 2026, and Heuston’s character, Justin Kohl, will be absent from the upcoming episodes. However, Levy hinted at a possible future comeback for the rising star.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Josh Heuston exiting Off Campus season 2 due to scheduling conflicts announced May 18, 2026
- Season 2 filming runs June 1 through September 18, 2026 on Prime Video
- Heuston’s character Justin Kohl, the charming musician, will not appear in the next season
- Showrunner Louisa Levy expressed love for the actor and left door open for return
The End of an Era for Justin Kohl
Josh Heuston’s departure marks a significant shift for Off Campus, which debuted on Prime Video on May 13, 2026. The show, based on Elle Kennedy’s novel series, centers on an elite ice hockey team and the romantic entanglements of the athletes and their partners. Heuston’s character, Justin Kohl, served as a core love interest throughout season 1, playing a talented musician navigating campus romance alongside the hockey team’s drama. His exit reflects the realities of production scheduling in the competitive entertainment industry, where actors sometimes juggle multiple projects.
The timing of the announcement—just days after season 1’s premiere—caught fans by surprise. Levy’s confirmation came during interviews with TV Guide, where she stated plainly, “We don’t have him next season,” but added reassurance that she holds genuine affection for Heuston and remains open to future collaborations with the rising actor.
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Competing Commitments and Career Growth
Josh Heuston has emerged as one of Australia’s most sought-after young actors. His filmography extends beyond Off Campus to include major roles in Heartbreak High (where he starred as Dusty), the sci-fi prequel series Dune: Prophecy, and Dive Club. The 29-year-old actor born November 18, 1996, brings a blend of charisma and dramatic depth that has attracted international attention. These competing projects create unavoidable scheduling conflicts when season 2 production overlaps with other filming commitments. The entertainment industry rarely accommodates actor absences from main casts, forcing difficult choices about which projects take priority.
According to Capital FM and other sources, Heuston’s filming obligations during the June-September 2026 production window made his return impossible. Levy acknowledged this reality while expressing confidence in the show’s ability to move forward with its ensemble cast and newly introduced characters.
Season 2 Direction: New Focal Points
| Character Status | Season 1 Role | Season 2 Status |
| Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston) | Musician, romantic lead | Not returning |
| Dean Di Laurentis (Stephen Kalyn) | Supporting character | New lead |
| Allie Hayes (role TBA) | Supporting character | New lead |
| Ensemble cast | Starring roles | Returning (confirmed) |
Louisa Levy announced a narrative pivot for season 2, shifting spotlight to secondary characters from season 1. Dean Di Laurentis and Allie Hayes will take center stage, continuing the franchise’s tradition of exploring different relationship dynamics. This approach aligns with Elle Kennedy’s source material, which follows multiple couples across interconnected stories. The show’s premise allows for ensemble rotation, reducing the impact of any single character’s absence.
Fan Reaction and Industry Implications
Social media erupted with reaction to the cast change following the announcement. Many viewers expressed disappointment, citing Heuston’s chemistry with co-stars and his breakout performance as reasons for investment in Justin’s storyline. Industry observers noted that such departures reflect modern production realities—streaming platforms operate on tight schedules, and actors face pressure to maximize career opportunities across multiple projects. Heuston’s presence on bigger-budget films like Dune: Prophecy underscores his rising trajectory.
Fan communities have already launched speculation campaigns about potential season 3 appearances or spin-off possibilities. Levy’s comment that she “loves Josh” provides hope for future collaboration, though no official timeline has been announced.
What This Means for Off Campus Going Forward
The true test arrives in late 2026 or early 2027 when season 2 premieres. Will viewers embrace new romantic leads with the same enthusiasm they showed Justin Kohl? The show’s ensemble structure—featuring an ice hockey team with multiple potential romantic storylines—provides creative flexibility. Kalyn, Ella Bright, Mika Abdalla, and Antonio Cipriano all confirmed their returns, ensuring continuity despite Heuston’s absence. Levy has publicly stated confidence in the narrative direction, suggesting the departure was planned rather than last-minute.
Industry veterans recognize that actor conflicts happen routinely in television. Some shows have successfully pivoted after losing principal cast members; others faltered. Off Campus benefits from source material that naturally supports ensemble storytelling, positioning season 2 to explore fresh romantic tension without relying on Heuston‘s return. The question remains: can the new configuration capture the magic that made season 1 a quick success on Prime Video?
Will He Ever Return to Briar University?
Levy‘s hints about Heuston’s future involvement opened a conversation within fan communities about potential guest appearances or limited-episode returns. Television history shows examples of beloved characters popping back for special episodes or final arcs. Josh Heuston’s commitment to other projects may not be permanent; timing could eventually align for a surprise appearance. For now, fans must say goodbye to Justin Kohl as Briar University embraces a new generation of on-campus romance. The success of season 2 will ultimately determine whether viewers still care about Justin’s potential return by the time scheduling conflicts resolve.
Sources
- TV Guide — Louisa Levy’s official confirmation of Josh Heuston’s departure and scheduling conflicts
- Capital FM Entertainment — Details on filming commitments and production schedules
- Prime Video — Official season 2 renewal announcement and production timeline
- Wikipedia / IMDb — Josh Heuston filmography and career background
