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Season 1 – Shameless

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Shameless Jan 2011 Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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72% Tomatometer 39 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy stars as Frank Gallagher, a single father of six who spends much of his free time drinking at bars. The Gallagher children -- led by oldest daughter Fiona (Emmy Rossum), who takes on much of the child-rearing responsibility due to her mother's absence -- manage to raise themselves in spite of Frank's lack of parenting and unusual parenting style when he does choose to act like a father. The drama is an adaptation of the BAFTA Award-winning British show of the same name.
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Shameless — Season 1

Shameless — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Shameless is a dark, urban dramedy that overcomes its leaps of logic thanks to fantastic casting, intriguing ambiance, and shock value.

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Critics Reviews

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Chuck Barney San Jose Mercury News 03/29/2019
C+
Hamming it up big time, William H. Macy plays a booze-addled father of six kids in this uneven drama that seems more intent on taking its pay-cable liberties (nudity, profanity, etc.) to the extreme than weaving an engaging story. Go to Full Review
John Griffiths Us Weekly 09/15/2017
2.5/5
William H. Macy is miscast as alcoholic dad Frank, though Emmy Rossum almost rings true as tough-minded daughter Fiona. Go to Full Review
Sam Wollaston Guardian 01/09/2011
This one's not bad - nothing that follows the original so closely could be bad. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Feb 9
3/4
That’s where the show derives its strength: When it comes to the bad behavior, the bad breaks, and the bad luck that often plague regular people, it never flinches. Go to Full Review
Alex Diedrick Uproxx 11/11/2021
In Shameless, impoverishment is the boogeyman that always comes back, hilariously and heartbreakingly. Go to Full Review
David Bianculli NPR's Fresh Air 03/29/2019
Macy, the star of the show, barely appears in the premiere episode, which focuses instead on his eldest daughter, played by Emmy Rossum, and the other kids. But they're strong enough to carry on without him -- which, in this show, is the entire point. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Hc N @RT04263181 3d Humorous and tragic at the same time as you follow the dysfunctional family in Chicago. There are a lot of taboos and dark sides that are vented through the characters who are all distinct and very well played by the actors. If you think you have a shitty life, watch this. Feels real life as it is a blender of all genres with a good doze of dark humour. See more Sam R @RT56571698 Nov 19 Shameless, como toda série sobre uma família americana pobre que quebra o clichê da família perfeita do sonho americano, usa a pobreza como plano de fundo para o desenvolvimento da narrativa e de seus personagens. Vendo a série hoje em dia, percebemos como ela ajudou a lançar artistas para o grande público, como Jeremy Allen White e Cameron Monaghan. See more Calvin O @Caltus Aug 20 I've loved Shameless ever since the beginning of Season I and now that it's over I really miss even though it was probably time for it to end! While it was still worth watching, it just wasn't the same once Emmy Rossum left. Shameless was such a great show for such a long time that it was hard to say goodbye... I miss it!😮‍💨 See more Lou H @RT58534440 May 22 The US version of the English Shameless really does not compare. There are some shows the Americans cannot pull off and this is one of them. Please watch the English original! See more Sofia H @RT27742867 May 6 I started liking the show at like the 6 ep, but i personaly think this is the most accuarate show about teenager or life See more Jerrod G @Jag1337 11/23/2024 Started to like the show and then it literally became, Phillip's storyline of Biff Loman, his father's alcoholism and EVERYONE'S constant sex. See more Read all reviews
Shameless — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 9, 2011 Pilot A drunken father is of no use to his family; Fiona meets a handsome stranger; Lip learns his brother is gay. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 16, 2011 Frank the Plank Frank goes missing and turns up in Toronto with no idea how he got there. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 23, 2011 Aunt Ginger Fiona turns her attentions to a cop; Ian is targeted by the brothers of a girl he spurned; the family searches for Aunt Ginger. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 30, 2011 Casey Casden Debbie steals a little boy from a birthday party; a web of lies results in a marriage proposition. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 6, 2011 Three Boys The family schemes a fake wedding when they learn of a substantial dowry; Frank gets bad medical news; Steve looks for a new car. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 13, 2011 Killer Carl Fiona tries to prove the Gallagher home is suitable for rehabilitating a delinquent; Frank's poor business skill has negative consequences. Details Episode 7 Aired Feb 20, 2011 Frank Gallagher: Loving Husband, Devoted Father Frank takes a risk when thugs demand the money he owes them; Fiona agrees to a night away with Steve. Details Episode 8 Aired Feb 27, 2011 It's Time to Kill the Turtle Sheila worries when Frank gives up drinking; Fiona scrambles to earn money; Lip meets with a college professor. Details Episode 9 Aired Mar 6, 2011 But at Last Came a Knock Frank needs his ex-wife's signature on documents; Fiona moves in with Steve; Monica wants to take baby Liam with her. Details Episode 10 Aired Mar 13, 2011 Nana Gallagher Had an Affair The children question their paternity; Karen accepts Eddie's invitation; Frank uses Carl. Details Episode 11 Aired Mar 20, 2011 Daddyz Girl Fiona finds a new friend; Tony begins to unravel the truth about Steve; Lip and Ian hunt for Ian's father. Details Episode 12 Aired Mar 27, 2011 Father Frank, Full of Grace Steve tries to convince Fiona to skip town; Frank and Karen's secret is revealed; Fiona must get Ian and Lip out of jail. Details
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Season Info

Director
Todd Holland, Stephen Hopkins, Adam Bernstein, John Dahl, Scott Frank, John Wells, David Nutter, Sanaa Hamri, Mimi Leder, Mark Mylod
Screenwriter
Paul Abbott, Cindy Caponera, Etan Frankel, Mike O'Malley, Daniel Brocklehurst, Nathan Jackson, John Wells, Nancy Pimental, Alex Borstein
Network
Paramount+ with Showtime
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 9, 2011
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