Shameless

Shameless

Created by Paul Abbott

On Channel 4

2004–201311 seasons138 episodes7.5 / 10

A darkly comic, character-driven family saga that finds warmth and humor in the chaos of working-class survival, balancing anarchic dysfunction with genuine sibling bonds.

The story of a young group of siblings pretty much abandoned by their parents, surviving by their wits - and humor - on a rough Manchester council estate. Whilst they won't admit it, they need help and find it in Steve, a young middle class lad who falls for Fiona, the oldest sibling, and increasingly finds himself drawn to this unconventional and unique family. Anarchic family life seen through the eyes of an exceptionally bright fifteen year old, who struggles to come of age in the context of his belligerent father, closeted brother, psychotic sister and internet porn star neighbors.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is Shameless one of a kind? Yes. More singular than 86% of series.

  • Is Shameless sad? Yes. More sad than 79% of series.

  • Is Shameless scary? Not especially. Less frightening than 59% of series.

  • Is Shameless violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Does Shameless leave you hopeful? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is Shameless easy watching? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

52/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity82

How unlike any other series this one feels

Surprise33

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love47

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like Shameless, and what each one shares →

Like Shameless

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Shameless

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Shameless, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Shameless, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Shameless, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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