Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad Shine in Merry Christmas Ted Cooper
Hallmark Channel is unwrapping a brand-new holiday romance that’s already catching the attention of Christmas movie fans. *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* brings together two favorites—Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad—in a story that mixes slapstick humor, heartfelt connection, and a dose of holiday mishap.
Set to premiere October 25 as part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas lineup, this film promises a blend of laughter, love, and yuletide spirit. Buckley not only stars but also dreamed up the concept, delivering a story that’s both charming and a little bit chaotic.
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His character’s optimism shines through even the stormiest weather—literally. It’s a setup that feels tailor-made for fans who want something a little different this season.
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The Story Behind Ted Cooper’s Holiday Forecast
At the heart of *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* is Ted, a small-town weatherman whose love for Christmas is as big as his streak of bad luck. For three years running, Ted’s holiday season has been a mess—broken decorations, botched forecasts, and a few too many accidents.
This year, though, fate has a new plan. After a tumble off a ladder while hanging lights, Ted ends up in urgent care and runs into his high school crush, Dr. Hope Newberry, played by Kimberley Sustad.
What follows is classic Hallmark: two people from the same past reconnecting under the glow of Christmas lights. Old feelings resurface, and maybe there’s a chance at new love, too.
Buckley calls Ted *a relentless optimist in the face of horrendous bad luck*, and that’s part of his charm. He can laugh off a snowstorm ruining his plans or a shattered ornament disaster.
That upbeat spirit—along with Buckley’s comedic timing—gives the movie a vibe that’s more than your average cozy holiday romance. It’s about resilience, joy, and believing that better Decembers are always possible.
Robert Buckley’s Dream Role Becomes Reality
For Buckley, *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* is more than just another acting job. The actor, known for *One Tree Hill* and *Chesapeake Shores*, has always wanted to play a weatherman. The idea of working with green screens and forecasting pretend snowstorms? He’s into it.
That wish, mixed with his curiosity about *what relentless optimism looks like in the face of horrendous bad luck*, sparked Ted Cooper’s story. He’s not just acting—he’s living out a quirky dream.
It’s a cool angle for a Hallmark movie, honestly. Buckley gets to show off both his comedic and creative sides, and Ted’s endless cheer, even when the world seems against him, brings a hopeful energy that fits right in with Hallmark’s holiday vibe.
Kimberley Sustad Brings the Cool Factor
Opposite Buckley is Kimberley Sustad, stepping into the role of Dr. Hope Newberry. She’s known for her witty, relatable performances in Hallmark favorites like *The Nine Lives of Christmas* and *Three Wise Men and a Baby*.
Sustad brings a grounded charm to Hope, the calm, collected doctor who once seemed out of Ted’s league back in high school. Now, she’s exactly the person who can help him get back on his feet—literally and otherwise.
This time, Sustad flips the script. She describes her role as *the cool cat* to Buckley’s clumsy, lovable goofball, and the dynamic just works.
Their chemistry is electric but a little awkward in the best way—especially when Ted, ever the overachiever, ends up in a giant snowman costume during one of the film’s funniest scenes.
The Snowman Scene Everyone Will Be Talking About
Every great Hallmark movie has a standout moment, and for *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!*, it’s the snowman scene. Buckley insisted on the biggest costume possible for comedic effect, and it pays off.
Picture an adult-sized Olaf-style snowman bumping into decorations, doorways, maybe even Hope herself, all while trying to keep things romantic. It’s silly, sweet, and honestly, kind of unforgettable.
Buckley’s willingness to poke fun at himself makes his performance even more endearing. He’s not afraid to look foolish if it gets a laugh.
That self-deprecating humor, paired with Sustad’s poise, creates a dynamic that’s both fresh and familiar—a hallmark (bad pun, sorry) of the network’s best pairings.
A Fresh Pairing in the Hallmark Universe
Both Buckley and Sustad are Hallmark veterans, but *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* is their first time sharing the screen. Early buzz says their chemistry is undeniable.
Fans have wanted new pairings that shake up the channel’s formula, and this duo delivers. Their interplay is a fun mix of flirtation, nostalgia, and genuine connection—like two people stumbling into something they didn’t know they needed.
Hallmark’s *Countdown to Christmas* lineup is a seasonal staple, and this film fits right in with its heartwarming stories and relatable characters. Buckley’s creative input gives it a twist, though—there’s physical comedy, emotional honesty, and even a wink at the audience with the weatherman predicting his own romantic forecast.
Why Ted Cooper Might Be Hallmark’s Next Iconic Character
Ted Cooper isn’t your usual Hallmark hero. He’s not the brooding businessman or the big-city guy learning to love small-town life. He’s a guy who loves Christmas, even when it doesn’t love him back.
That makes him easy to root for. We’ve all had holidays that went off the rails, but Ted’s optimism reminds us that joy isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, laughter, and maybe a little bit of snow.
Sustad compared Ted to a *Ted Lasso kind of character*, someone whose positivity is infectious and whose charm feels real, not forced. That comparison feels pretty spot on.
Like Lasso, Ted Cooper is the kind of protagonist who inspires as much as he entertains. He’s proof that kindness and humor can weather just about any storm.
What to Expect When It Premieres
When *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* premieres on October 25 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel, you’re in for a film that’s equal parts cozy comfort and comedic chaos. It’s a story that celebrates second chances, holiday spirit, and the beautiful messiness of love.
The movie brings all the good stuff—romance, laughter, snow, and a happy ending wrapped in twinkling lights. It’s basically everything you’d hope for from a Hallmark holiday flick, but with its own little twist.
- Premiere Date: October 25, 8/7c
- Network: Hallmark Channel
- Stars: Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad
- Genre: Romantic Comedy / Holiday
With charming leads and a witty premise, *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* could easily become a new seasonal favorite. Maybe you’ll tune in for the laughs, the love story, or just to watch Buckley try not to wipe out in a snowstorm while wearing a giant costume.
Honestly, this holiday season, the forecast is looking pretty cheerful—and maybe a little unpredictable, too. Who doesn’t need that?
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