Kelli Williams & More Set for UP's First Original Drama Series TIES THAT BIND, Premiering Tonight

UP presents its first original scripted drama series "Ties That Bind," a hybrid police procedural and family drama, starring Kelli Williams ("The Practice," "Army Wives") Jonathan Scarfe ("Hell On Wheels," "Perception") and Dion Johnstone (The Tempest, "Defiance"), with special guest stars Jason Priestley ("Haven," "Beverly Hills 90210"), C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, "Grimm"), Kirsten Prout (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, "Kyle XY") and Luke Perry (UP's Welcome Home, "Beverly Hills 90210"). Created by Executive Producer/Writer Sheryl J. Anderson ("Charmed," UP's The Town that Came A-Courtin'), this 10-episode, hour-long series is set to premiere exclusively on UP tonight, August 12 at 9:00 p.m. EDT.

The ensemble cast includes teen actors Rhys Matthew Bond (The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story, "The Good Witch"), Natasha Calis (The Possession, "The Firm"), Mitchell Kummen (Horns, "The Tomorrow People") and Matreya Scarrwener ("Strange Empire," "Once Upon a Time"). "Ties That Bind" is a Reel One Entertainment production in association with UP Entertainment.

"Ties that Bind" revolves around Allison McLean (Kelli Williams), a tough and experienced police detective in suburban Seattle. Like most working women, her hands are already full, balancing a demanding and dangerous job and a family -- husband Matt (Jonathan Scarfe), and teenagers Jeff (Mitchell Kummen) and Rachel (Natasha Calis). But when she and her partner, Devin (Dion Johnstone), must arrest her brother, Tim (Luke Perry), for aggravated assault, her world drastically changes as Tim is convicted and sent to prison leaving his two teenagers, Cameron (Rhys Matthew Bond) and Mariah (Matreya Scarrwener), teetering on THE BRINK of foster care. Having done the right thing as an officer of the law, Allison now feels compelled to do the right thing as a sister and aunt; she brings Tim's two very unhappy teens into her home. Squeezing four teenagers under one roof proves to be an additional test of Allison's strength and patience. It won't be easy for her husband, her children or Tim's kids either. In addition to investigating local crimes, the series will also focus on the joys and struggles of the teens as they adjust to their new home, their new high school, make new friends and experience love, romance, anger and jealousy.

"Created by Sheryl J. Anderson, this unique series combines highly engaging police drama with a compelling family story," said Amy Winter, general manager and EVP, UP. "The characters are just like all of us and the people we know - imperfect human beings trying to do the right thing, making real mistakes and facing real consequences. From the police station and crime scenes to the McLean home and the teens' high school, there's a richness and layers to this story that will interest viewers of all ages. We are incredibly proud to premiere 'Ties That Bind' as our first-ever original scripted series. It lives up to our pledge to provide viewers with compelling stories that feature characters with character."

Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 9 p.m. EDT

"Pilot" -- In this pilot episode, Detective Allison McLean puts her law-breaking brother Tim behind bars, and quickly decides to move his two resentful teenaged kids in with her own two children and devoted husband. Meanwhile, Allison and her partner race the clock to find a wounded pregnant girl and her boyfriend who have committed a robbery. Special Guest Star: Luke Perry. Director: Sean McNamara.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 9 p.m. EDT

"Fresh Start" -- Allison and Devin are called in to investigate the mysterious murder of the owner of a restaurant that hires ex-cons, one of whom Allison has helped in the past. Meanwhile, Mariah and Cameron try to find ways to fit in at their new school with some unwanted help from Jeff and Rachel. Director: Monika Mitchell

Wednesday, August 26, 2015, 9 p.m. EDT

"Ghosts" -- Allison comes face-to face with the man who shot her and time is running out to charge him and get him off the streets. Matt suspect Cameron of theft. Special Guest Star: Jason Priestley. Director: Michael M. Scott.

"Ties That Bind" is a Reel One Entertainment production in association with UP Entertainment. Starring Kelli Williams, Jonathan Scarfe, Dion Johnstone, Rhys Matthew Bond, Natasha Calis, Mitchell Kummen and Matreya Scarrwener. Special guest stars Jason Priestley, C. Thomas Howell, Kirsten Prout and Luke Perry. Directed by Sean McNamara, Steven R. Monroe, Michael M. Scott and Monika Mitchell. Produced by Gilles Laplante. Executive produced by Sheryl J. Anderson, Tom Berry and Stan Spry. Created by Sheryl J. Anderson. Written by Sheryl J. Anderson, Dean Batali, Peter Hume, Katherine Collins, Jon Cooksey and Jennica Harper. Reel One is the worldwide distributor for "Ties That Bind."

Follow the cast and creator at:
· www.UPtv.com/shows/ties-that-bind
· Kelli Williams on Twitter @_KelliWilliams
· Jonathan Scarfe online at thewetedgeadventure.blogspot.com
· Dion Johnstone on Twitter @DionJohnstone
· Mitchell Kummen on Twitter @MKummen
· Natasha Calis on Twitter @natashacalis
· Rhys Matthew Bond on Twitter @RhysMatthewBond
· Matreya Scarrwener on Twitter @MatreyaScarrwen
· Jason Priestley on Twitter @jason_priestley
· C. Thomas Howell on Twitter @cthomashowell
· Kirsten Prout on Twitter @kcprout
· Sheryl J. Anderson on Twitter @sheryljanderson

About UP

UP is television's trusted entertainment brand dedicated to providing viewers with "feel good TV for you and your family." UP uplifts viewers every day with premiere movies, original reality, dramatic and comedy series filled with compelling stories and characters with character. In keeping with its brand promise, UP's pro-social initiative, "Uplift Someone," inspires people to do simple, everyday acts of kindness. UP can be seen in 70 million homes on cable systems and satellite providers across the United States. Based in Atlanta, UP is a division of UP Entertainment, LLC which also operates gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service and provides sales and operations services to the ASPiRE network. Follow UP on the Web at www.UPtv.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UPtv, Twitter on @UPtv and Instagram at UP_TV.

About Reel One

Reel One is a leading independent producer and distributor of highly commercial television content with offices in Canada (Montreal and Vancouver) and in Los Angeles (USA) and London (UK). The principal business of Reel One is the development, financing, production and distribution of television films and series catered to international audiences. Reel One has grown to become a leader in the marketplace serving as a primary content provider of television movies to broadcasters all over the world. Reel One prides itself on being at the forefront of creative and technological changes in the industry while building strong relationships that allow it to be one of the most prolific and solid companies in the television independent sector. Veteran entertainment executive Tom Berry is the CEO of Reel One. Follow Reel One at www.reeloneent.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ReelOneEntertainment, Twitter on @ReelOneEnt and Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/reelonepost.

Need more TV Theatre News in your life? Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...