Shameless
Living crappily ever after.
Created by Paul Abbott, John Wells
On Showtime
A long-running ensemble comedy-drama about a chaotic, loving Chicago family held together by sibling bonds despite parental failure and poverty, balancing dark subject matter with irreverent humor and genuine affection.
Chicagoan Frank Gallagher is the proud single dad of six smart, industrious, independent kids, who without him would be... perhaps better off. When Frank's not at the bar spending what little money they have, he's passed out on the floor. But the kids have found ways to grow up in spite of him. They may not be like any family you know, but they make no apologies for being exactly who they are.
Where to watch
Questions people ask
Is Shameless sad? Somewhat. More sad than 72% of series.
Is Shameless easy watching? Somewhat. More comforting than 61% of series.
Is Shameless scary? Not especially. Less frightening than 59% of series.
Does Shameless leave you hopeful? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.
Is Shameless violent? 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.
Written about
- The Opposite of HBOFinding
Cinnamon Score
How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
Distinctly its own thing.
How unlike any other series this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
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.
