In a delightful twist on classic holiday romance, Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad bring a unique ‘opposites attract’ dynamic to Hallmark’s latest festive offering, ‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’, promising fans a refreshing blend of laughter, love, and genuine character depth that challenges traditional rom-com tropes.
The highly anticipated Hallmark holiday movie, ‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’, is set to charm audiences with its unique blend of humor and heart. Starring fan-favorites Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad, the film promises to deliver the laughs, love, and a touch of refreshing cynicism that fans crave from their annual holiday programming. This exclusive look reveals how the movie aims to redefine the beloved ‘opposites attract’ trope, offering a deeper dive into its characters and their journey.
The ‘Mr. Bright Side’ Meets the ‘Jaded’ Doctor
At the heart of ‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’ is the intriguing dynamic between its two leads. Robert Buckley, 44, takes on the role of Ted Cooper, a chronically optimistic weatherman affectionately dubbed “Mr. Bright Side.” Ted is renowned for his hilarious holiday mishaps and an unwavering positive demeanor, even when misfortune, like getting poked in the eye by a Christmas tree, lands him in the hospital.
Buckley shared his inspiration for the character with Us Weekly, stating, “I think excessive positivity matched with chronic misfortune is a really funny equation. That was sort of the through line that I wanted to see. A guy who is just Mr. Bright Side, having things never go his way, and what that looks like.” This unique premise promises a comedic yet heartfelt exploration of resilience and optimism.
Balancing Ted’s sunny disposition is Kimberley Sustad’s, 38, character, Dr. Hope Newberry. A doctor who reunites with Ted after knowing him in high school, Hope is described as “a little jaded.” Sustad explained her character’s hesitation to embrace Ted’s bubbly personality, noting that people who wear their heart on their sleeves can sometimes be “hard to trust.” She elaborated on Hope’s perspective: “When somebody sort of meets all the things you [think you want you] go, ‘When’s the other shoe going to drop? How am I going to get hurt in this?’” This realistic skepticism adds a compelling layer of depth to the classic rom-com setup.
A Refreshing Take on Male Leads and Relationship Dynamics
Buckley’s portrayal of Ted Cooper is a deliberate departure from many traditional leading men in romance films. The actor expressed his mission to “skip the tropes of a guy not understanding his feelings or not feeling comfortable expressing a feeling.” Ted is the “total opposite,” openly sharing his emotions with “no filter” and his “heart is right on his sleeve.” Buckley finds this type of vulnerable male lead “infinitely more interesting” and believes it’s something not seen “enough of” in movies.
The film also highlights the value of Hope’s more cautious approach. Buckley noted that her “asking questions and kind of probing is a good sign.” He views her skepticism not as a flaw, but as an indicator that “she actually sees some potential in him, and she’s just being smart.” This perspective underscores a more mature and thoughtful approach to budding romance, where due diligence is just as important as initial attraction. Hope’s journey is about seeing beyond the surface-level optimism, shining a light on parts of Ted he hasn’t looked at in years.
Hallmark’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’: A Beloved Tradition Continues
‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’ joins the ranks of Hallmark Channel’s highly anticipated 16th annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming. Kicking off on Friday, October 17, this beloved event brings 24/7 holiday cheer and a slew of new rom-coms to fans. The enduring popularity of Hallmark’s holiday lineup, featuring stars like Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker, highlights the network’s commitment to feel-good stories and festive magic.
The “Countdown to Christmas” is a cornerstone of holiday entertainment, offering viewers a consistent source of warmth and light during the festive season. You can find more details on Hallmark’s holiday programming and schedules directly on the Hallmark Channel official website.
This particular movie stands out for its promise of a narrative that, while embracing the holiday spirit, also delves into more complex character development. The interplay between Ted’s unshakeable optimism and Hope’s grounded realism creates a compelling dynamic that is sure to resonate with viewers looking for both comfort and a fresh perspective.
Why Fans Are Excited for ‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’
For a fan community dedicated to classic films and enduring storytelling, ‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’ offers several exciting prospects:
- Challenging Tropes: The film’s intentional effort to “skip the tropes” of emotionally repressed male leads provides a refreshing narrative.
- Dynamic Duo: Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad are well-loved figures in the Hallmark universe, and their chemistry is anticipated to be a major highlight.
- Relatable Characters: The push-and-pull between overwhelming positivity and cautious skepticism is a dynamic many viewers can relate to in real-life relationships.
- Deeper Storytelling: By exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the different ways people approach life, the movie aims for a narrative that goes beyond surface-level romance.
‘Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!’ is set to premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, October 25, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans should mark their calendars for what promises to be a memorable addition to the annual holiday movie tradition, delivering both familiar comfort and innovative storytelling that will spark conversation and joy.
