Hallmark’s New Christmas Hit: Kimberley Sustad and Robert Buckley Steal the Holiday Spotlight

The Hallmark Channel has unveiled a new festive favorite with Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!, which premiered on October 25, 2025. Starring beloved Hallmark talents Kimberley Sustad and Robert Buckley, the film marks their first on-screen collaboration — and it’s already gaining strong audience acclaim. The romantic holiday feature quickly trended among Hallmark fans online, praised for its chemistry, warmth, and witty script. Early reactions suggest the pairing could become one of Hallmark’s next iconic duos, following the network’s successful formula of heartwarming seasonal storytelling.

The Hallmark Channel premiered Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! on Saturday, October 25, 2025, across its global television network and streaming platform, Hallmark Movies Now. The movie centers on Ted Cooper, a big-city architect who returns to his hometown for the holidays, only to rekindle an unexpected romance with his high school friend, played by Kimberley Sustad. The heartfelt plot, infused with humor and nostalgia, has already struck a chord with viewers.

Hallmark’s casting of Sustad and Buckley was deliberate — both actors have long-standing fanbases and proven track records within the network’s holiday programming lineup. This debut collaboration marks an anticipated milestone in Hallmark’s ongoing holiday season strategy, which emphasizes strong chemistry between leads and wholesome storytelling.

Reactions and Quotes from Stars and Network

Ahead of the premiere, Kimberley Sustad shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram, featuring behind-the-scenes clips with Robert Buckley. She praised her co-star’s energy and humor, joking that she would “stand in a trash heap” just to work with him again — a line that quickly resonated with fans.

The Hallmark Channel’s official Instagram account joined in, commenting, “Actually obsessed with you two,” signaling the network’s approval of the new pairing.

Viewers also flooded social platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) with glowing reviews. Many posts highlighted the “natural connection” and “genuine warmth” between the two stars.

Fellow Hallmark actors joined in, expressing enthusiasm for the potential of more Sustad–Buckley collaborations.

Why This Duo Matters for Hallmark

The overwhelmingly positive audience response to Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! has key implications for Hallmark’s holiday programming.

Historically, the network leverages strong audience demand for recurring on-screen partnerships — such as Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott — to drive consistent seasonal ratings. With Sustad and Buckley’s instant success, industry analysts expect Hallmark to greenlight future films featuring the duo.

Social engagement metrics from premiere weekend indicate high organic traction, with thousands of mentions and trending tags across major platforms. This momentum bolsters Hallmark’s brand identity as the leading destination for family-friendly holiday content.

What’s Next for Hallmark and the Stars

Given the film’s strong debut, Hallmark insiders suggest more collaborations between Sustad and Buckley may be on the horizon for 2026’s seasonal slate.

While no official sequel announcement has been made, fans are already calling for a follow-up film. Both actors have upcoming Hallmark projects in development, ensuring their continued presence within the network’s expanding holiday universe.

For now, Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! continues to air throughout the season, reaffirming Hallmark’s dominance in holiday entertainment and delivering a fresh, feel-good favorite for viewers worldwide.