UP Sets First Scripted Series

UP has commissioned its first original scripted series, The Ties That Bind, the network said Wednesday.

The hybrid police procedural/family drama will revolve around the professional and personal life of police detective Allison Manchester, said network officials. Sheryl J. Anderson (Charmed, The Town that Came A-Courtin) will serve as executive producer of the 10-episode series along with Stan Spry (The Town that Came A-Courtin, A Place in the Sun).

Ties That Bind will be produced by Cartel Entertainment and will begin production in February with a series premiere set for summer 2015.

"Ties That Bind is series about a family, loyalty and the limits of love," said Barbara Fisher, senior vice president, original programming, UP in a statement.  "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."  

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.