Full Breakdown
Robert Buckley’s Unique Thanksgiving Tradition and New Hallmark Movie
10/26/2025, 1:43:13 PM
Early Thanksgiving Celebration
Robert Buckley, the 44-year-old actor known for his role in Hallmark Channel's latest film, *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!*, has shared a distinctive family tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving a week early. In an interview, Buckley explained that this practice originated after the birth of his son when the family mistakenly observed the holiday a week ahead of schedule. "We genuinely mistook which week Thanksgiving was and we did our whole Thanksgiving dinner and then realized the day of that we were a whole week early," he recounted. Since then, the family has continued this tradition, celebrating the Thursday before the official Thanksgiving date.
Overview of *Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!*
*Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* premiered on October 25, 2025, as part of Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas lineup. The film features Buckley as Ted Cooper, a weatherman whose holiday spirit is tested by a series of unfortunate events. After falling off a ladder while decorating, Ted finds himself in urgent care, where he unexpectedly reunites with his high school crush, Dr. Hope Newberry, played by Kimberley Sustad. The film explores themes of relentless optimism amidst adversity, as Ted navigates various challenges while trying to make this Christmas memorable.
Insights from the Cast
In discussing the film, Buckley noted that the inspiration for Ted Cooper's character came from his desire to portray a weatherman, a role he had long aspired to play. He described Ted as a "likable, sunshiny guy" facing a "brutal run of bad holiday luck." Sustad added that the dynamic between Ted and Hope is grounded in realism, with characters engaging in honest conversations rather than allowing misunderstandings to escalate into drama. This approach aims to create a relatable narrative that resonates with viewers.
Official Statements & Responses
Buckley expressed his enthusiasm for the film, stating, "I wanted to see bad things happen to people who are excessively positive. I think it’s very funny to meet adversity with forced enthusiasm." Sustad echoed this sentiment, highlighting the charm and relatability of the characters, which she believes will resonate with audiences. The film's light-hearted tone is complemented by comedic moments, including Buckley donning a large snowman costume, which he described as a way to create humorous situations during romantic scenes.
Criticism & Opposition
While the film has received positive feedback for its humor and heartwarming narrative, some critics may argue that the premise of relentless optimism in the face of adversity can feel unrealistic. However, both Buckley and Sustad maintain that the film's charm lies in its ability to blend humor with genuine emotional connections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have a funny Thanksgiving one, which is that we celebrate a week early,” — Robert Buckley
- “The beginning of the idea,” Buckley explained, “was that I love to see bad things happen to people who are excessively positive.” — Robert Buckley
- “It’s got the same secret sauce as The Three Wise Men and a Baby — Kimberley Sustad.” — Robert Buckley
*Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!* is poised to become a holiday favorite, combining humor, romance, and the spirit of Christmas, making it a film viewers may look forward to revisiting each year.
