From Food Network Star to Screenwriter: The Surprising Southern Twist in Hallmark’s Latest Romance
As the sun dips behind the trees on another summer, Hallmark’s squeezing in one last reason to tune in: their final Summer Nights movie, Catch of the Day. Premiering August 30, it’s promising romance, family, and a good dose of culinary magic.
This one’s got a cast you’ll recognize, plus a Southern twist you might not expect. But let’s be honest—the real headline is the journey of Katie Lee Biegel, Food Network favorite, now making her screenwriting debut. There’s something special about how her love for small-town America and food comes together here.
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You know Katie Lee Biegel from The Kitchen on Food Network. Now, she’s jumped into screenwriting with Catch of the Day, her very first script.
This story is close to her heart, inspired by Montauk—the little town she calls home. It’s a leap from writing cookbooks to writing movies, but honestly, it makes sense if you know her.
A Passion for Small-Town America
Biegel grew up in West Virginia and later moved to Montauk with her husband and daughter. She was drawn in by the town’s laid-back vibe and how everyone seems to know each other.
She remembers, “When I first moved out here, Montauk was a commercial fishing town. In the summertime, people would go on vacation there, but it was very chill. Very calm.”
But things started to shift—small businesses were getting squeezed out. That change sparked the idea for this movie.
The Inspiration Behind the Story
Her lightbulb moment came after reading a New York Times article about millennials moving back to their hometowns to run family businesses. “It got me thinking about those small businesses and about small towns all over America. Especially small vacation towns where that typically happens.”
Her goal? To capture the feeling of Montauk and weave in her love for food. That’s how Catch of the Day started to take shape.
The Plot: A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Family
Catch of the Day centers on Sophie, a rising chef in New York City. She heads back to Montauk after her dad passes, planning to help her sister with the family restaurant.
Back in town, she runs into Cam, her old high school crush. Sparks fly, and you can probably guess where it goes from there.
The movie leans into that small-town magic and the messiness of family ties.
Meet the Characters
Emilie Ullerup plays Sophie, a chef who’s made her mark in NYC. Michael Rady steps in as Cam, running his family’s business in Montauk.
There’s real chemistry between them—makes their story easy to root for.
The Southern Connection
Even though it’s set in Long Island, the movie’s got a Southern thread running through it, thanks to Biegel. She’s managed to sneak in her roots, making it feel familiar to folks from all over.
She says, “I love the east end of Long Island. I love the small-town feel, and it’s really important to me that that survives.”
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Perfect Script
Screenwriting was a whole new world for Biegel. She didn’t just wing it—she took a screenwriting course at NYU, then kept digging and learning on her own.
Once the idea started rolling, Hallmark teamed her up with Andrea Canning, a seasoned writer. Together, they shaped a script that really feels like Montauk.
Collaborating with Andrea Canning
Andrea Canning, who you might know from Dateline, brought her experience to the mix. “I think we came up with a great script,” Biegel says.
That partnership helped make the story feel real and engaging.
Authenticity in the Culinary World
Since Sophie’s a chef, Biegel didn’t want to fake it. She got hands-on with the food scenes, talking to friends who’ve worked in high-end New York kitchens to nail the details.
She even slipped in recipes from her own cookbooks. “The Cioppino, the spaghetti with clams, those are my recipes.”
What to Expect: A Feast for the Senses
Catch of the Day isn’t just a romance—it’s a love letter to food, family, and small-town life. Expect plenty of gorgeous shots of Montauk and dishes that’ll get your stomach rumbling.
A Visual Treat
The film’s cinematography really shows off Montauk, from quiet beaches to the bustle of the town. That setting gives the whole thing an extra layer of charm.
Culinary Delights
Food isn’t just background here. It’s woven into the story, thanks to Biegel’s touch.
The dishes Sophie makes aren’t just for show—they’re a real part of what makes the movie feel genuine.
Don’t Miss the Premiere
*Catch of the Day* premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, August 30, at 8pm/7 central. Go ahead and scribble that date somewhere—this one’s supposed to be a cozy way to wrap up summer.
And hey, congrats to Katie Lee Biegel on her first shot at screenwriting! Honestly, I’m pretty curious to see what she’ll dream up next.
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