‘The Nine Kittens Of Christmas’ Hallmark Movie Premiere: Cast, Trailer, Synopsis

Hallmark Channel’s very merry holiday season continues with the newest “Countdown to Christmas” holiday premiere, “The Nine Kittens of Christmas.” The film, starring Kimberley Sustad and Brandon Routh, premieres Thursday night.

The film is going to be a true treat for Hallmark fans, as it will be reuniting the stars of 2014’s “The Nine Lives of Christmas” for a sequel film that follows up with the characters seven years after the last film. Fans certainly remember Routh, who has since gone on to star as Ray Palmer/ The Atom on several shows, including “The Flash,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and “Arrow.”

Since the original film, Sustad has become a regular on Hallmark Channel, starring in several different titles for the network. Among the ones in the last few years have been “All Things Valentine,” “Cooking with Love,” “Sense, Sensibility and Snowmen,” “Wedding Every Weekend” and “Christmas by Starlight.” In addition, she has also starred in “Hearts of Christmas” and “A Godwink Christmas” on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

Gregory Harrison (“Chesapeake Shores,” “Love, Fall & Order”) also returns for the film.

So what will happen when this cast of characters reunites? Let’s find out.

“Seven years have passed since Zachary (Routh) and Marilee’s (Sustad) feline-inspired romance,” a synopsis for the film reads. “Single and now a firehouse Captain, Zachary is planning his usual Christmas ski trip away. However, when Chief Sam (Harrison) and his daughter, Gabi (Victoria Dunsmore) convince him to stay, he ends up running into Marilee. Now a successful veterinarian and co-owner of a busy clinic in Miami, Dr. Marilee White has returned home to Oregon for the first time in five years to spend the holidays with her sister Jaclyn (Stephanie Bennett) and family.”

The two are quickly thrust together again after a new litter of kittens winds up in their possession and they host a series of adopt-a-thons to give them all homes. Spending time together brings them both to reminisce about their past—but once again, they will be faced with challenges that threaten their future.

“As the two reminisce while getting into the holiday spirit, they find that their connection is undeniably still there,” the synopsis teases. “With career opportunities once again pulling them in different directions, will they embrace this second chance at love before the last kitten is adopted?”

“The Nine Kittens of Christmas” airs Thursday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. EST on Hallmark Channel.