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

Carol: [Debbie has accidentally burnt Carl's anus while they were lighting farts] You're lucky the house didn't go up, rubbish he eats.

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Connections

Featured in The Wright Stuff: Episode #15.5 (2011)

User Reviews

This is what TV is about........

"Shameless" began a couple of nights ago on SBS TV - supposedly an ethnic channel (are Mancunian's ethnic, then??) - in Australia, with no warning, no fanfare. I was blown fair out of my chair by this show, and possibly appreciated it all the more because I had no expectations, although once I noted Paul Abbott's name under 'writer' I knew I was in for something special. His scripts for 'Clocking Off' and 'Linda Green' were, like 'Shameless', both sharp and original. Dialogue is quick and relevant, characters are drawn immediately, and altogether the script treats the viewer as an intelligent participant in the hilarious, and often poignant, exploits of the Gallagher family. Dad Gallagher, always a bit the worse for wear on drugs or alcohol (or both) is raging around the room talking rubbish, and Fiona, eldest child, explains to her posh boyfriend that her Dad's ecstasy dealer is a schizophrenic, like that explains everything. Perhaps it does...... If you get the chance to see this, then don't miss it.