Shameless (2004– )

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 ... See full summary »

Creator:

Paul Abbott

Stars:

David Threlfall, Rebecca Atkinson, Alice Barry

11 wins & 35 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
David Threlfall	...	Frank Gallagher (138 episodes, 2004-2013)
Rebecca Atkinson	...	Karen Maguire (128 episodes, 2004-2013)
Alice Barry	...	Lillian Tyler (118 episodes, 2004-2013)
Nicky Evans	...	Shane Maguire (114 episodes, 2006-2013)
Tina Malone	...	Mimi Maguire (111 episodes, 2005-2013)
Aaron McCusker	...	Jamie Maguire (108 episodes, 2007-2013)
Elliott Tittensor	...	Carl Gallagher (106 episodes, 2004-2012)
Sally Carman	...	Kelly Maguire (86 episodes, 2005-2013)
Ciaran Griffiths	...	Micky Maguire (84 episodes, 2007-2012)
Qasim Akhtar	...	Chesney Karib (85 episodes, 2007-2013)
Gerard Kearns	...	Ian Gallagher (80 episodes, 2004-2010)
Rebecca Ryan	...	Debbie Gallagher (65 episodes, 2004-2009)
Johnny Bennett	...	Liam Gallagher (62 episodes, 2006-2011)

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

siblings | family relationships | semi autobiographical | working class | melodrama | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Channel 4 [uk]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 January 2004 (UK)

Also Known As:

Hävytöntä

Filming Locations:

Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Company Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 90 min (2 episodes) 60 min (32 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The role of Frank was originally given to Sean Gallagher, but then it was thought he was too young to play the character. It cost makers Company Pictures £100,000 to re-shoot the scenes already filmed with David Threlfall as a replacement.

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Quotes

Frank Gallagher: Now, nobody's sayin the Chatsworth Estate is the Garden of Eden, but it's been a good home to us, to me - Frank GALLAGHER - and me kids, who im proud of! 'Cause every single one of them reminds me a little... of me. They can all think for themselves! Which they've me to thank for. Fiona! Who's a massive help. Lip, who's a bit of a gobshite, which is why nobody calls him 'Philip' anymore. Ian - a lot like his mam which is handy for the others 'cause she's disappeared into thin air. And Carl! We ...

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Connections

Referenced in TV Is Dead?: Winning Back the Teens (2007)

User Reviews

Absolutely marvellous

I can't comprehend how people can give this a bad review. It is without doubt one of the best shows on the TV and is comparable to Nighty Night, League of Gentlemen and possibly Little Britain, when it comes to blacker than black humour. The characters are sublimely developed with Frank, the hapless father being one of, if not the main character. He is a horrible man with questionable morals and less than a day's work behind him in his life. He has 8 children to support and is supported himself by his beautiful yet eccentric wife. It is Franks tale of partying, avoiding work and generally being the worst father in the world. If you don't like this, you don't know what's funny.