Discover Why Katie Lee Biegel’s Catch of the Day Is the Ultimate Summer Must-Watch

The Hallmark Channel has pulled off another summer winner with its “Summer Nights” lineup, wrapping things up with the sweetly anticipated Catch of the Day. This movie is a cozy mix of coastal charm, easygoing beach food, and a romance that’s honestly hard not to root for.

Scripted by Katie Lee Biegel—yeah, that Katie Lee from Food Network—Catch of the Day is her very first screenplay. She’s mostly known for co-hosting The Kitchen and judging on Beat Bobby Flay, but here she brings her food-world know-how and a dash of her own life to the mix.

The story centers on Sophie Monahan (Emilie Ullerup), who heads back to her hometown of Montauk to help save her family’s restaurant. Of course, she crosses paths with her old high school flame, Cam (Michael Rady), and, well, you can guess where things go from there.

It’s a movie about second chances, family-run spots, and the lovely messiness of small-town life. There’s something a little timeless about that, isn’t there?

The Heart and Soul of Catch of the Day

At its core, Catch of the Day is all about keeping those small family businesses alive in a place that’s changing fast. Katie Lee Biegel actually lives near Montauk and has seen the town shift a lot over the years.

She’s passionate about these businesses—they’re what make a community feel like home. The film really leans into that vibe.

Sophie’s journey is pretty relatable. She grew up working at her dad’s restaurant, then left for Manhattan and a fancier gig. But when her sister calls, she comes back to help out, torn between her own career dreams and her family’s needs.

The Perfect Summer Chick Flick

This is the kind of movie you throw on when you want summer to last just a little longer. Catch of the Day is pure summer escapism, full of sandy beaches and easygoing food scenes that’ll make you wish you could teleport to Montauk.

The characters are easy to like, and the story is one of those you can settle into without much effort. Katie Lee Biegel’s food background adds a nice touch—those coastal meals look as good as they sound.

Katie Lee Biegel’s Screenwriting Debut

Katie Lee Biegel has made a name for herself in the food world, but this is her first time officially writing a movie. She’s already written four cookbooks, and her novel Groundswell became a Hallmark movie too.

She talked about what inspired her to write this film and how much fun it was to work with Michael Rady and Emilie Ullerup. Biegel seemed genuinely excited to be teaming up with Hallmark again—who wouldn’t be?

Behind the Scenes with Biegel

In the movie, Biegel plays Marissa, a food blogger who pops into the local restaurants. It wasn’t easy for her—she’s used to being upbeat online, but Marissa’s a little more complicated.

She admitted it was a stretch, but she liked the challenge. The cast, especially Michael Rady and Emilie Ullerup, made her feel right at home despite it being her first acting gig.

The atmosphere on set was relaxed and friendly, which you can totally feel when you watch the film.

Delicious Recipes to Pair with the Film

There’s no official Food Network tie-in, but Katie Lee Biegel plans to post some of the movie’s recipes on Instagram. Her spaghetti with clams and Cioppino both make for a pretty perfect movie-night dinner.

If you’re thinking of a girls’ night, she suggests loading up on appetizers. Here are a few of her go-tos:

• Deviled eggs
• Creamy dips
• Coconut shrimp

Pair that with the movie and you’ve got yourself a solid summer evening in.

A Celebration of Montauk

Catch of the Day feels like a love letter to Montauk. Biegel’s connection to the place really comes through, and you can tell she cares about what makes it special.

The movie shows off the beaches, the little restaurants, and the close-knit community. You get swept up in the salty air and summer magic—at least for a couple of hours.

Don’t Miss Catch of the Day

Catch of the Day premieres Saturday, August 30 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel. If you miss it, you can stream it on Hallmark + the next day.

If you’re into Hallmark movies, love food, or just want something feel-good, this one’s worth your time. It’s about second chances, family, and soaking up the little joys of summer by the coast.

Future Endeavors for Katie Lee Biegel

With the premiere of Catch of the Day on the horizon, it’s hard not to wonder what’s next for Katie Lee Biegel. She teased new projects and possible collaborations in a recent interview, which honestly just makes the wait a bit more fun.

Biegel brings a genuine love for storytelling and a real knack for food to everything she does. She’s proven to be a dynamic force in entertainment, and, well, I’m curious to see what she’ll dream up next.

Go ahead and mark your calendars for Catch of the Day. If you’re looking for a film to close out your summer, this one promises a heartwarming story, some mouthwatering recipes, and those gorgeous Montauk views.