Shameless (UK)

Watch Shameless (UK)

  • TV-MA
  • 2004
  • 11 Seasons
  • 8.0  (17,490)

Shameless is a British television drama series that aired on Channel 4 from 2004 to 2013. The show is a darkly comedic portrayal of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, living in the deprived Chatsworth estate in Manchester, England. The show follows the daily struggles of the Gallagher family, as well as their friends and neighbors, as they navigate poverty, alcoholism, drug use, and a range of other issues. The show's main character is Frank Gallagher, played by David Threlfall, a volatile and alcohol-addicted single father who is often absent from the family home. Despite his neglectful parenting, Frank is beloved by his children and manages to maintain a close relationship with them, even as his flaws are often painfully apparent. Frank's children include Fiona (Anne-Marie Duff), his fiercely loyal and hardworking eldest daughter, Lip (Jody Latham), a brilliant but troubled teenager, Ian (Gerard Kearns), a quiet and introspective gay teen struggling with his identity, Debbie (Rebecca Ryan), Carl (Elliott Tittensor), and Liam (Joseph Furnace). The show is known for its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its impact on the lives of the working-class characters. The Gallaghers are often forced to resort to desperate measures to make ends meet, such as stealing, scamming, and engaging in sex work. However, the show also highlights the strength and resilience of its characters, who are united by their love for each other and their determination to survive against the odds. Throughout the series, Shameless also tackles a range of social issues, including drug addiction, mental illness, sexuality, and domestic abuse. These themes are treated with sensitivity and honesty, never shying away from the difficult realities of these issues. The show is also notable for its diverse cast of characters, who come from a range of ethnicities and backgrounds, adding to the show's portrayal of working-class life in modern-day Britain. One of the key strengths of Shameless is its superb writing and acting. The show's creators, Paul Abbott and John Wells, bring a gritty realism to the show's storylines, which are often based on their own experiences growing up in working-class communities. The writing is sharp, witty, and full of heart, and the show's ensemble cast delivers some of the best performances to ever grace British television. David Threlfall, in particular, is a standout, bringing both humor and pathos to the role of Frank, and providing the show with its emotional core. The production values of Shameless are also impressive, with its gritty urban setting and naturalistic lighting giving the show an authentic, documentary-like feel. The show's soundtrack is also noteworthy, incorporating a mix of indie, rock, and electronic music that perfectly captures the mood of the show. Shameless was a critical and commercial success during its nine-season run, earning widespread praise for its honest portrayal of working-class life and its commitment to tackling important social issues. The show won a range of awards over the years, including the BAFTA award for Best Drama Series in 2005, and was praised by critics and viewers alike for its raw power and emotional resonance. In conclusion, Shameless is a fiercely original and ground-breaking show that offers a truly authentic and unforgettable portrayal of life on the margins of society. With its superb writing, acting, and production values, the show remains a touchstone of British television, and a must-see for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Shameless (UK)
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Seasons
Episode 14
14. Episode 14
May 28, 2013
Frank returns from jail to Chatsworth hoping for a welcome home party. However, he finds a new addition to the Gallagher brood - a new son called Ben, who survived a abortion attempt on twins. Will Frank finally do right by his family or free himself?
Episode 13
13. Episode 13
May 21, 2013
Things are looking up for Frank: Derilee has left her husband and joined him at the Gallaghers, becoming a surrogate mum for Stella and his job is going well. However, things are set to change forever when a gunman runs riot on the estate...
Episode 12
12. Episode 12
May 14, 2013
It seems Chatsworth may never be the same again when Mimi announces her plans to retire and move to Wilmslow to dedicate her life to charity. Is this the end of the Maguire's? And will a reluctant Billy be joining her?
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
May 7, 2013
Patreesha thinks she is the latest British music export to the States when her new musician boyfriend Louis promises her a lucrative singing career across the pond. But when Louis dies, she & Avril go to war over a large amount of money in his posessions.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
April 30, 2013
Tired of being the "village idiot", Billy decides to get a job as a security salesman to earn Mimi and the locals respect. Meanwhile, Esther is shocked when she discovers Thalia is a bully. Lillian takes a lonely Stella under her wing as Frank neglets her
Episode 9
9. Episode 9
April 23, 2013
A robbery at Chesney's shop reunites Remona with her estranged father, Barry. But she is not willing to rekindle their relationship. Frank thinks he's hit the jackpot when he finds a stash of drugs at Esther's. But Esther is livid to discover it's Tam's..
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
April 16, 2013
Frank is shocked when he boards a bus only to be reunited with his eldest son, Lip, and grandaughter Katie. However, it is not a pleasant reunion between father and son as it soon becomes clear that Lip is living in the area...
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
April 9, 2013
Shane's music festival plans are coming along nicely but when Mimi and Jamie find out about his relationship with copper Randall, the event is thrown into jeopardy. Meanwhile, Letitia and Aidan come up with a plan to bring Chesney & Mary Mae together.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
April 2, 2013
Aiden is once again in trouble with the law. Sentenced to community service, Aiden is forced to care for an OAP called Stanton but something sad happens. Meanwhile Thalia, is becoming increasingly irriated by her mother's friendship with Frank.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
March 26, 2013
Despite being the final series, Series 11 will see the introduction of some new characters as Jamie Maguire discovers he is not a full Maguire and introduces the Chatsworth to his Muslim half brother Kassi and his Jewish culinary obsessed wife Esther.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
March 19, 2013
Jamie finds that he and Kassi are more alike than he realized when his new brother's house is raided by the police. Kassi refuses to explain but does request Jamie a place in Chatsworth for his family to live.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
March 12, 2013
Lillian asks Kelly to retrieve her savings (stashed in a railway station locker) to keep it from the police. Lillian thinks there is only £3000, as she never counts it, but when Kelly finds more than double that amount she must choose between the two...
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
March 5, 2013
Mimi enlists her friends & family to help stop the school from failing an inspection. Frank discovers a perk of his job as caretaker. Jamie has a change of heart & attempts to contact his half-brother Kassi. Dom and Gloria continue their incestuous affair
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
February 26, 2013
The Chatsworth residents celebrate being awarded an Olympic ring from London 2012. The Maguires celebrate the expansion of their business with Mimi taking control of the schools PTA and Frank's new job as janitor at "St. Mimi's School" is going well.
Description

Shameless is a British television drama series that aired on Channel 4 from 2004 to 2013. The show is a darkly comedic portrayal of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, living in the deprived Chatsworth estate in Manchester, England. The show follows the daily struggles of the Gallagher family, as well as their friends and neighbors, as they navigate poverty, alcoholism, drug use, and a range of other issues.

The show's main character is Frank Gallagher, played by David Threlfall, a volatile and alcohol-addicted single father who is often absent from the family home. Despite his neglectful parenting, Frank is beloved by his children and manages to maintain a close relationship with them, even as his flaws are often painfully apparent. Frank's children include Fiona (Anne-Marie Duff), his fiercely loyal and hardworking eldest daughter, Lip (Jody Latham), a brilliant but troubled teenager, Ian (Gerard Kearns), a quiet and introspective gay teen struggling with his identity, Debbie (Rebecca Ryan), Carl (Elliott Tittensor), and Liam (Joseph Furnace).

The show is known for its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its impact on the lives of the working-class characters. The Gallaghers are often forced to resort to desperate measures to make ends meet, such as stealing, scamming, and engaging in sex work. However, the show also highlights the strength and resilience of its characters, who are united by their love for each other and their determination to survive against the odds.

Throughout the series, Shameless also tackles a range of social issues, including drug addiction, mental illness, sexuality, and domestic abuse. These themes are treated with sensitivity and honesty, never shying away from the difficult realities of these issues. The show is also notable for its diverse cast of characters, who come from a range of ethnicities and backgrounds, adding to the show's portrayal of working-class life in modern-day Britain.

One of the key strengths of Shameless is its superb writing and acting. The show's creators, Paul Abbott and John Wells, bring a gritty realism to the show's storylines, which are often based on their own experiences growing up in working-class communities. The writing is sharp, witty, and full of heart, and the show's ensemble cast delivers some of the best performances to ever grace British television. David Threlfall, in particular, is a standout, bringing both humor and pathos to the role of Frank, and providing the show with its emotional core.

The production values of Shameless are also impressive, with its gritty urban setting and naturalistic lighting giving the show an authentic, documentary-like feel. The show's soundtrack is also noteworthy, incorporating a mix of indie, rock, and electronic music that perfectly captures the mood of the show.

Shameless was a critical and commercial success during its nine-season run, earning widespread praise for its honest portrayal of working-class life and its commitment to tackling important social issues. The show won a range of awards over the years, including the BAFTA award for Best Drama Series in 2005, and was praised by critics and viewers alike for its raw power and emotional resonance.

In conclusion, Shameless is a fiercely original and ground-breaking show that offers a truly authentic and unforgettable portrayal of life on the margins of society. With its superb writing, acting, and production values, the show remains a touchstone of British television, and a must-see for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Shameless (UK) is a series that is currently running and has 11 seasons (164 episodes). The series first aired on January 13, 2004.

Where to Watch Shameless (UK)

Shameless (UK) is available for streaming on the Channel 4 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Shameless (UK) on demand at Google Play and Tubi TV.

  • Premiere Date
    January 13, 2004
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (17,490)