UP Greenlights First Scripted Series 'Ties That Bind'

UP has greenlit its first original scripted series, "Ties That Bind," (working title) a hybrid police procedural and family drama created and executive produced by Sheryl J. Anderson ("Charmed," UP’s The Town that Came A-Courtin') and Stan Spry (UP’s The Town that Came A-Courtin,' “A Place in the Sun”). Production on the10-episode series, produced by Cartel Entertainment, will commence in February with the series set to premiere exclusively on UP in summer 2015.

"Ties that Bind" revolves around Allison Manchester, a tough and experienced police detective in Atlanta. Like most working women her hands are already full, balancing a demanding and dangerous job and a family -- husband Hank, and teenagers Jeff and Hannah. But when she and her partner, Devin, must arrest her younger brother, Tim, for aggravated assault, her world drastically changes as Tim is convicted and sent to prison. Having done the right thing as an officer of the law, Allison now feels compelled to do the right thing as a sister and brings Tim's two teenagers, Cameron and Mariah, into her home. Having four teenagers under one roof proves to be an additional test of Allison's strength and patience. It won’t be easy for her children or Tim’s children as well. 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.

"'Ties That Bind' is series about a family, loyalty and the limits of love," said Barbara Fisher, senior vice president, original programming, UP. "It is just what we were looking for in our first scripted series-- an entertaining show with a complicated lead tackling life's most difficult challenges, while still enjoying romance and wonderful family moments. The lead character, Allison, is relatable to any working woman trying to balance her professional role with that of being a wife and mother."

Executive producer Stan Spry, Cartel Entertainment, said, "We are thrilled to be working with UP on their groundbreaking first scripted dramatic series. Sheryl Anderson is a wonderful, talented writer with a great ear for dialogue and an innate ability to create 'real,' multi-layered characters that resonate with viewers."