For the past few months, everyone has been talking about Shameless, an American comedy series. This television show, which first aired on January 9, 2011 on Showtime, has been taking the world by storm. But what exactly makes Shameless so great? Is it the open use of sex, drugs, and foul language? Or the harsh reality of alcoholism, mental illness and crime in the Chicago ghetto? Or perhaps the lovable characters, who are as unique as the shenanigans they get themselves into. The answer is all of the above.
Shameless gives a look at the Gallaghers, a dysfunctional family living on Chicago's Southside. Frank Gallagher, portrayed by William Macy, is a raging alcoholic and drug addict, who cashes in disability and stolen Social Security checks to fuel his addiction. Fiona, portrayed by Emmy Rossum, is the oldest of the Gallagher clan, and is the glue that holds the family together through all of the highs and lows (with the lows usually being caused by their father).
There's also five other Gallagher kids! Phillip (aka Lip) is a gifted student who is also the heart breaker of the neighborhood, and has many romantic interests throughout the show. Ian is gay, and spends most of his time in the series trying to find himself, learning how to be comfortable with his sexual identity. Carl is somewhat of a psychopath, and is often getting in trouble in school for assaulting other students and possessing weapons. Debbie is a nurturing outcast, and would much rather prefer hanging out with older people than kids her own age. Last but not least, Liam is the baby of the family, and appears to be African-American despite having two white parents. I know, it's a lot to remember.
So why is Shameless so important? Because of how honest it is. Shows nowadays feel the need to sugarcoat and make things not as bad as they actually are, because at the end of the day, it's only a show. Shameless is brutally honest in it's approach to things, and isn't afraid to push viewers outside of their comfort zones with it's graphic content.
Aside from a fair amount of language and sex (Seriously, I don't know how it's not labeled as pornographic), it also focuses on addiction and mental illness. Frank is a raging alcoholic, and often leaves the consequences of his actions up to his family to sort out. Their mother, Monica, is bipolar, and viewers get an inside look at her highs and lows. All of these subjects, which are normally considered taboo, are important and relevant, and NEED to be talked about.
No matter what you've heard about Shameless, everyone should try watching it at least once. The show puts you through a roller coaster of emotions that will leave you questioning your own life, but you can't help but fall in love with the characters, and go through the trials and tribulations alongside them. The first six seasons are currently available on Netflix, and season seven is available on Showtime.
Give Shameless a try, because it's so much more than a television show.
