SPECIAL SERIES PREMIERE

OSCAR(R)-NOMINEE JOAN ALLEN LEADS A STELLAR ENSEMBLE CAST, STARRING IN ABC'S NEW ADDICTIVE DRAMA, "THE FAMILY," WHICH WILL HAVE A SPECIAL PREMIERE THURSDAY, MARCH 3

A family is shaken to the core when a politician's presumed dead son suddenly returns. After disappearing a decade earlier, Adam Warren's homecoming to Red Pines, ME, is initially met with astonishment and joy, but suspicions soon begin to emerge. Is he really who he says he is? The boy's shocking reappearance forces the entire family to re-examine who they are and unearths long-buried secrets, betrayals and heartache, in the riveting new thriller "The Family," which will debut with a special premiere, on THURSDAY, MARCH 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

A second, all-new episode of "The Family," "All You See is Dark," will air on SUNDAY, MARCH 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), for its regular time period premiere.

In the premiere episode, "Pilot," ten years after the disappearance of her son, Adam, Claire Warren (Joan Allen) still can't sleep at night. She not only has survived the heart-breaking loss of her son, but has used her resiliency and surrounding adversity in the aftermath of this tragedy to fuel her own political aspirations. Now the Mayor of Red Pines, ME, she is considering running for governor when suddenly Adam (Liam James) reappears, forcing the entire case to be brought into question and freeing the Warren's neighbor, Hank Asher (Andrew McCarthy), who was convicted of his murder. Deceptions and indiscretions have taken the place of what used to be a happy, loving family.

The unfolding mystery impacts the entire family: Willa (Alison Pill), Claire's daughter and savvy political advisor; Danny (Zach Gilford), the Warren's cynical eldest son; and husband John (Rupert Graves), whose relationship with Claire is about to come apart at the seams.

The dark mystery surrounding the Warrens has major repercussions for others as well. Cracking Adam's kidnapping made Detective Nina Meyer's (Margot Bingham) career, but now the same case threatens to be her downfall. Bridey Cruz (Floriana Lima), an up-and-coming young reporter, is willing to do almost anything to rise from obscurity and make this story her first front-page byline. As the election for governor heats up, is Claire able to keep her family together despite the roller coaster of emotions surrounding Adam's return? It's just the tip of the iceberg in this stunning family drama.

"The Family" stars Joan Allen as Claire ("Room," "The Killing"), Alison Pill as Willa ("The Newsroom," "Midnight in Paris"), Margot Bingham as Detective Nina Meyer ("Boardwalk Empire," "Barbershop 3"), Zach Gilford as Danny ("Friday Night Lights"), Liam James as Adam ("The Killing," "The Way, Way Back"), Floriana Lima as Bridey ("Allegiance," "The Mob Doctor"), Madeleine Arthur as Young Willa ("Big Eyes," "The Tomorrow People"), Rarmian Newton as Young Danny ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes"), with Rupert Graves as John Warren ("A Room With a View," "Maurice") and Andrew McCarthy as Hank ("Pretty in Pink," "St. Elmo's Fire"; director, "Orange is the New Black," "The Black List").

Guest starring are Michael Esper as Pock-Marked Man, Hampton Fluker as Josh Langham, Felix Solis as Gus, Alex Steele as young Bridey and Ian Quinlan as Paul, the aide.

"Pilot" was written by Jenna Bans and directed by Paul McGuigan, who also was an executive producer on the pilot. Executive producers for the series are Bans ("Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," and "Scandal") and Mandeville Television's Todd Lieberman ("The Fighter," "The Proposal"), David Hoberman ("The Fighter," "Monk") and Laurie Zaks ("Castle"). "The Family" is produced by ABC Studios.

"The Family" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG, L, S parental guideline.