Shameless

Right now you can watch Shameless in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Netflix — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. 11 seasons in, and the quality has not slipped. Its 8/10 TMDB score, built from 3,392 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. William H. Macy's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Shameless is worth clearing space for. Shameless gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. Chicagoan Frank Gallagher is the proud single dad of six smart, industrious, independent kids, who without him would be... Perhaps better off. When Frank's not at the bar spending what little money they have, he's passed out on the floor. William H. Macy and Jeremy Allen White lead a cast that never overplays a joke. 11 seasons (2011–2021) gave the story room most shows never get. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Shameless holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Shameless respects your intelligence. Succession is the obvious comparison, but Shameless earns its own place alongside it. The 11-season run rewards the patience it asks of you. William H. Macy is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.

Shameless wrapped up in 2021, created by Paul Abbott and John Wells — and 11 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.