'Ties That Bind' Premieres August 12 on UP, Stars Kelli Williams, Jonathan Scarfe, Dion Johnstone

Time at the dinner table has taken on a whole new dynamic for
Allison and her family. Photo Credit: UP

On August 12, UP will premiere 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 (Beverly Hills, 90210, Loving).

The ensemble cast of this 10-episode, hour-long series includes teen actors Rhys Matthew Bond, Natasha Calis, Mitchell Kummen and Matreya Scarrwener.

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."

August Spoilers

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.