The Showtime series, Shameless, based on a U.K. long running show by the same name, is halfway through. It also happens to be one of best, if vastly underrated, shows currently on television. How good is it exactly? It’s currently rocking a 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show is centered on the Gallagher family, comprised of Frank and his six children who are just barely scraping by ont the southside of Chicago.
If you’re still somehow unconvinced that this is the next show you need to binge watch, here are five reasons why you should.
Warning: spoilers ahead, but nothing that will ruin the show for you.
1. Fiona Gallagher is “not like other female characters.”
This, of course, is not a slight against women, but rather a slight against how women are typically written. So few shows manage to create “strong” females who don’t end up being caricatures. They don’t seem real. But Fiona? She’s strong, but flawed. Deeply flawed. She’s loves her family fiercely, works hard, but she still makes mistakes. She makes poor choices in boyfriends, she gets arrested for drug possession, but she never quits.
Queen of my heart.
2. Frank Gallagher is a despicable man.
To say Frank is a horrible father and disgusting human being is an understatement. He’s an alcoholic, a scammer, and he constantly exploits his children. He is a pure narcissist. But, despite how easy it would be, the show writers have yet to write a redemption ark for him. There is such a push to make these sorts of characters redeemable, even when it’s completely out of character. It’s actually refreshing for his debauchery to remain a constant force behind the show.
Worst father of the year, 21 years and counting.
3. Mickey and Ian are one of the most realistic gay couples on TV.
Mickey and Ian are gay enemies turned lovers, and they’re a welcome change from the fresh-faced, out and proud, a capella-ing teenager that’s usually portrayed on television. Case in point, when Mickey finally comes out of the closet because Ian asks him to, it ends in Mickey’s father starting an all out brawl in the local bar. They’re gay, but they’re not stereotypical.
“I’m flying, Ian!”
4. Svetlana is a gift.
Who is Svetlana exactly? Well, it’s complicated. She’s a Russian prostitute Mickey’s dad hired to “screw the gay” out of Mickey. And now? She’s technically Mickey’s wife and baby mama, Ian’s friend, and possibly a lesbian. How’s that for a complicated relationship status? Despite her circumstances, she takes no crap and is a scrappy survivor.
Queen of my heart, round 2.
5. The rest of the Gallagher clan is fabulous.
There are six (uh, seven, technically) Gallagher kids. Fiona’s the oldest, followed by Lip, who’s a genius, pot-smoking “kid from the hood” studying at the University of Chicago. Ian is next, and then Debbie, a fourteen year old girl obsessed with becoming a “woman.” Then there’s Carl, a former psychopath and current drug dealer and Liam, a toddler who is mysteriously black. Despite this large cast of characters, they’re all extremely well developed and their relationships are realistic and endearing.
And you think your family has issues.
It’s wickedly funny, emotionally traumatizing, full of drama, and endearing as all get out. Shamelessd is simultaneously a guilty pleasure and a legitimately well written and executed show. If you’re not watching it, you’re missing out.
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