Get ready for a delightful summer romance that serves up the perfect blend of coastal charm, family drama, and culinary dreams. Catch of the Day follows Sophie (Emilie Ullerup), a fiercely ambitious chef on the cusp of landing her dream job as executive chef at a prestigious Manhattan restaurant. Her meticulously planned life is turned upside down by a desperate call from her sister, Abigail (Alison Wandzura): their family’s beloved seafood restaurant in the picturesque town of Montauk is sinking fast. Thinking she’ll just lend a quick hand, Sophie returns to her hometown, only to find herself rediscovering the simple joys she left behind—the salt-kissed air, the close-knit community, and the authentic, heartwarming flavors of her childhood.

What begins as a temporary rescue mission quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery. As Sophie rolls up her sleeves to save the family legacy, she finds herself constantly crossing paths with Cam (Michael Rady), her old teenage crush who never left town and is now the town’s most dedicated—and handsome—fisherman. With his quiet strength, deep connection to the sea, and a smile that could calm a storm, Cam makes Sophie question every single choice that led her to the concrete jungle. She’s forced to choose between the high-pressure, glamorous career she’s always wanted and the rustic, love-filled life she never knew she might need.

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Meet the Cast of Catch of the Day

1- Michael Rady as Cam

Michael Rady brings his signature charm and grounded authenticity to the role of Cam, a steadfast local fisherman who is the heart and soul of the Montauk community. Rady portrays Cam as a man deeply content with his life on the water, whose quiet confidence and strong values stem from a genuine love for his hometown and its people. He is the reliable rock everyone depends on, from hauling in the day’s freshest catch to helping a neighbor in need, all without ever asking for anything in return.

Rady’s chemistry with Emilie Ullerup is the driving force of the film, creating a palpable tension built on a foundation of shared history and unspoken admiration. His performance beautifully captures the conflict of a man who is tempted to dream bigger when his first love returns to town, but remains fiercely loyal to the life he’s built. Rady makes Cam more than just a romantic lead; he is a symbol of home, stability, and the simple, profound beauty of a life lived with purpose.

2- Emilie Ullerup as Sophie

Emilie Ullerup shines as Sophie, the talented chef whose drive for success has left her disconnected from what truly matters. Ullerup expertly portrays Sophie’s initial fish-out-of-water frustration as she trades her stainless-steel Manhattan kitchen for the rustic, weathered charm of her family’s seaside eatery. Her journey is one of reconnecting with her roots, and Ullerup masterfully shows the character’s walls slowly coming down as she is embraced by the community and reminded of why she fell in love with cooking in the first place.

Ullerup brings a relatable vulnerability to Sophie’s professional and personal dilemmas. She makes the character’s internal struggle feel genuine and weighty, as the allure of a Michelin star competes with the warmth of family dinners and the rekindled spark with Cam. Ullerup’s performance is both spirited and heartfelt, making Sophie’s ultimate choice a satisfying conclusion to her journey of finding where she truly belongs.

3- Katie Lee

Television personality and acclaimed cookbook author Katie Lee makes a special appearance in the film, bringing her real-world culinary expertise to the screen. While her specific role is under wraps, her involvement ensures an added layer of authenticity to the film’s food-focused narrative. Fans can expect her to be seamlessly woven into the fabric of the Montauk setting, perhaps as a food critic or a fellow chef whose presence significantly impacts Sophie’s journey.

Lee’s natural on-camera presence and genuine passion for food will elevate every scene she is in. Her participation bridges the gap between fiction and reality, making the movie’s culinary world feel tangible and aspirational. It’s a casting choice that Hallmark foodie fans will absolutely adore.

4- Alison Wandzura as Abigail Monahan

Alison Wandzura delivers a heartfelt performance as Abigail Monahan, Sophie’s older sister who has shouldered the burden of keeping their family’s restaurant and legacy afloat. Wandzura portrays Abigail with a weary but determined resilience, embodying the stress of a small business owner facing impossible odds. Her character is the emotional anchor of the family, struggling with feelings of inadequacy compared to her sister’s big-city success while fiercely protecting their parents’ dream.

Wandzura’s chemistry with Ullerup is crucial, beautifully capturing the complex dynamic of sisterhood—filled with love, history, unspoken resentments, and unwavering support. Her arc is one of learning to ask for help and recognizing her own immense strength, and Wandzura makes Abigail’s relief and gratitude as Sophie steps in feel deeply moving and authentic.

5- Sharon Crandall as Evelyn James

Sharon Crandall brings warmth and wisdom to the role of Evelyn James, a longtime Montauk local and regular at the family restaurant who serves as the town’s gentle observer and occasional matchmaker. Crandall’s performance is filled with a twinkling-eyed charm and a knowing demeanor, suggesting she’s seen generations of love stories unfold in the small town. She often offers Sophie and Abigail advice, not as an intrusion, but as a beloved honorary grandmother.

Crandall provides much of the film’s cozy, small-town heart. Her character represents the enduring spirit of the community and its investment in the happiness of its residents. Every scene with Evelyn feels like a warm hug, reminding both Sophie and the audience of the intangible magic of belonging to a place and its people.

6- Layla Verreault as Mia & Amanda Huxtable as Julie

Layla Verreault and Amanda Huxtable round out the cast as Mia and Julie, Sophie and Abigail’s core group of childhood friends who never left Montauk. Verreault and Huxtable bring energy and levity to the film, portraying characters who are thrilled to have their friend back and are eager to catch her up on all the town gossip. They are Sophie’s connection to her past and her guides back into the social heart of the community.

Their performances add a crucial layer of fun and camaraderie to the story. Whether they’re sharing laughs over coffee or offering their own pointed but well-meaning opinions on Sophie’s love life, Mia and Julie represent the joyful, supportive side of small-town living. They are the cheerleaders who help Sophie remember the person she was before ambition took over.

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Why You’ll Love This Film

• Scenic Beauty: Gorgeous shots of the Montauk coastline, bustling docks, and mouth-watering culinary creations.

• A Relatable Dilemma: The timeless struggle between ambitious dreams and the call of home.

• Authentic Chemistry: Michael Rady and Emilie Ullerup are a perfect, spark-filled match.

• A Feast for the Senses: A strong foodie element that will inspire you to get in the kitchen.

Don’t Miss the Premiere!

Catch of the Day premieres Saturday, August 30, 2025, on the Hallmark Channel. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy, feel-good night in.