It’s nothing new when a British show finds itself being re-done or adapted to American television, but it is noteworthy when that show manages to succeed. Scores of attempts have been made to update or remake shows that have proven their success across the pond, but only a few have made it to the ranks of top-rated programs in the states.
Famously, The Office translated well in the American market, taking on a life of its own and a very successful run on NBC. Now Shameless, a show that’s run in the UK since 2004, has been brought to Showtime, and the adaptation has been flawless.
The characters in both versions of the show are a ragtag family, held together by their strong familial bonds and a shared desire to survive. And surviving is really the best way to describe how the Gallaghers manage to squeak by week to week. From stealing, stretching supplies, watering down the milk and skipping the finer things in life, they always seem to miraculously make it to the next week.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the show is the characters. Engaging and charismatic, you fall in love with the family as a whole despite the flaws and reckless law breaking of its members. William H. Macy takes on the role of patriarch Frank, a perpetually out of work alcoholic who arguably loves money and booze more than his own children. Then there’s Fiona (Emmy Rossum), the classic matriarch. While she may only be their older sister, she fills in as the best mother the kids have ever had.
There’s also Lip, or Phillip, oldest son and genius savant; Ian, the soft spoken middle son, desperately hiding the truth about his sexuality; Carl, the youngest son, who has a penchant for violence and destruction but would never lay a finger on a family member; Debbie, the sweetest, most giving girl in the world, albeit misdirected (like her desire for companionship leading to the kidnapping of a live baby); and Liam, the youngest and arguably most adorable toddler I’ve ever seen. With a family like this, you can’t avoid the ensuing chaos that the Gallagher family faces weekly.
The show tackles a lot of issues that are made even more relatable in recent economic climates. As Fiona struggles to keep her sanity and the house running both at once, you empathize greatly with the whole Gallagher clan. It’s Robin Hood-esque in the viewer’s desire to root for the underdog who may steal to feed his family, but never for personal gain. There’s an unspoken set of rules among those who run in their circle – you look out for the ones you love. Whether it’s young Carl who takes out an intruder with a baseball bat, or Lip and Ian who raid an unattended meat delivery truck in order to feed the entire neighborhood and their family, there’s no shortage of adventure and scandal.
Showtime has already ordered a second season for the show based on its ratings so far. If the success of the British show is any measure for the U.S. Shameless, we can expect a full road of plot twists and exciting character development for at least a few seasons. It’s not too late to get caught up now on the season so far, and I recommend you catch up fast.
Shameless airs Sunday nights on Showtime, 10 p.m.
