Shameless Season 12: Everything We Know So Far

 

Shameless is a hugely popular drama series that introduces us to the dysfunctional Gallagher family, headed by alcoholic patriarch Frank Gallagher. While he certainly is the head of the clan, he cannot possibly be the boss of them.

 

We say so because his neglect towards his six intelligent children has led them to become hard-working young, independent kids who are self-sufficient. Often in the series, we catch them doing their best to ensure that they have enough to make ends meet.

 

At the same time, Frank is occupied either spending their little cash drinking at the bar or scheming how to make money illegally without getting caught. Often, his antics make you feel bad for his children, who, despite their talent, seem to be living on the fringes of society.

 

While they may not be as balanced as the other families you know, they don’t ever feel sorry for themselves. Better still, they don’t come up with excuses for who they are and are quite confident in their skin.

 

Despite its controversial nature, Shameless turned out to be a critical and commercial hit. It resonated with its core audience courtesy of its captivating cast, narrative, and performances. Add to that the fact that its storylines were developed well for each of the eleven seasons.

 

It is not surprising then that it went on to become the longest-running original scripted series in Showtime’s history.

 

 

 

Official Announcement Of Shameless Season 12

 

Shameless has had a long run that’s lasted ten solid years and eleven successful seasons. However, even before the eleventh season debuted, the makers announced that it was going to be the final one.

 

Even though it provided a sense of closure for the Gallagher family tale, it left fans wondering if it was still too soon for the makers to call it a day.

 

That being said, it was almost certain that the writers would end the story soon after Emmy Rossum’s Fiona Gallagher left the series after season nine. The show continued without her for a couple of seasons but her absence was palpable, to say the least.

 

Suffice it to say that the characters of this program have brought more laughs, tears, and pure joy to the viewers of its parent network than any other series in history.

 

It was only fitting then that its likeable characters went out with the biggest bang. The fact that the show ran for eleven seasons speaks volumes about its popularity and the supposed neat ending.

 

Since the final instalment has also been received well by the audience, they have been hoping against all odds that it would be renewed for another season.

 

 

 

Previous Seasons And Episodes Of Shameless

 

For the better part of the series, we have seen the careless but proud Frank Gallagher not being a doting father to his six smart, industrious, and independent kids. Sure, they’re withstanding a ton of difficulties in their lives but the neglect of their parents has only pushed them to be self-reliant over time, with Fiona completely in charge of them.

 

Developed by John Wells, the first season of Shameless debuted in 2011 and the final season culminated exactly ten years later. Needless to mention, the Showtime dramedy had simply run its course after a splendid 11-season run that spanned a decade.

 

Therefore, we feel that the story of the Gallaghers ended pretty much on a satisfying note. According to IMDb ratings, the best episodes of the series throughout its eleven seasons are Lazarus (Season 4, Episode 12), Emily (Season 4, Episode 11), Requiem for a Slut (Season 7, Episode 12), Happily Ever After (Season 7, Episode 11), and Crazy Love (Season 5, Episode 6).

 

Each of the episodes is 44–60 minutes long.

 

 

 

Where To Watch Shameless

 

Fans will be elated to know that the popular dramedy is available for streaming on Netflix in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada. So, what are you waiting for?

 

Just go ahead and hit the play button on Netflix.

 

 

 

Google Trends Data Analysis Of Shameless Season 12

 

Shameless starred William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan, Christian Isaiah, Noel Fisher, and Kate Miner in key roles. Each of the actors was given due importance in the storytelling throughout the show’s eleven seasons.

 

However, the makers have finally decided to let the cast members rest for the show will not be renewed for another season. Since it’s been clarified that Shameless will not be returning to our small screen anymore, it is not surprising to see a huge decline in the number of searches concerning its twelfth season on Google.

 

The viewers have likely lost both their hopes and interest now that the show has ended for good. Indeed, many of them even believe that there is perhaps no need for the series to continue.

 

That being said, it is imperative to mention that contractual or viewership issues were never the deciding factors in making Shameless come to an end. It’s just that the show had covered every aspect of the story that it intended to tell when it first began over a decade ago.

 

It appealed to its target audience in a big way and decided to bid farewell on a high.

 

 

Social Media Engagement For Shameless Season 12

 

There’s no denying that the dysfunctional Gallagher clan and their struggles to lead “normal” lives in the face of many odds managed to strike a chord with the audience, who relished the show for as long as a decade.

 

However, like every good thing in the world, Shameless also had to come to an end. Showtime announced that season 11 would be the final bow for this beloved show which thrived on its unique blend of humour and realism.

 

In more ways than one, the series was an unapologetic depiction of what it felt like to be born with minimal resources. Needless to say, a lot many people were able to resonate with its offbeat comedy and realness.

 

Despite its makers announcing the fact that the show will not be renewed for another reason, fans on social media have still been wondering if there’s some steam left in the storyline; enough to push for another season.

 

This could be because there have been instances in the past where a show has been given a second life after being thought to have ended. Be that as it may, that doesn’t seem to be the case with Shameless which sure does look like it won’t be renewed.

 

 

Expected Plot Of Shameless Season 12

 

We are all quite aware that the chances of a revival for the twelfth season of Shameless seem rather slim. Producer John Wells has gone on to make it clear that they had to walk away from the Gallaghers’ lives at some point and the eleventh season seemed the right time for it.

 

Also, the actors working on the show are reportedly involved with other projects for the time being. Not to mention, Emmy Rossum had already bid adieu to the series after the ninth season and the makers had closed out the story of a major staple in the finale as William H. Macy’s Frank Gallagher succumbed to COVID-19 and bid adieu to the mortal world.

 

So, with two important characters out of the equation now, it’d be tough for the show to maintain its core audience and, in fact, develop intriguing storylines.

 

It is imperative to mention that the finale episode also showed most of the Gallaghers going their own respective ways to start new lives. Needless to say, we are told that life simply goes on for these characters.

 

While some of them seem to have left the neighbourhood and even Chicago altogether, others continue to stick to the familiar place where they grew up and made a ton of memories.

 

 

Top Characters In Shameless

 

These complex and layered characters truly make Shameless what it is.

 

1. Fiona Gallagher

 

Right from the beginning of the series, it is clear that the fantastic Fiona is pretty much the leader of the Gallagher clan. Since her father spends most of his time drinking and plotting schemes to make money, Fiona takes charge of the house and constantly changes jobs to make ends meet.

 

She makes her fair share of mistakes as well, but you tend to ignore them seeing her work tirelessly to provide for her family. The intensely likeable character is even okay overlooking her own dreams and aspirations if it helps keep a roof over her family’s head.

 

That being said, she does put herself first later in the series. Surprisingly, it requires her to bow out of the show. Needless to say, Emmy Rossum made quite an impression playing the brave character.

 

2. Ian Gallagher

 

Ian’s evolution throughout the series is the one to watch out for. While he certainly is an intriguing character right from the start, he isn’t exactly treated as the main one during the first couple of seasons.

 

He kicks off his journey as an awkward teenager who seems to be struggling with his identity. Sooner than later, he becomes confident and is willing to use his voice to help others.

 

The kind lad truly wants to make something of himself and doesn’t like to be a burden to anyone. That’s precisely what makes him one of the most lovable characters on the show. His relationship with Mickey may have commenced most abruptly in the story but its progress is worth observing, with the two ending up marrying each other.

 

3. Lip Gallagher

 

Since Lip is the Gallagher child with the most academic potential, we expect to see him bypass all odds and scale new heights of success. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen and he ends up becoming one of the most tragic characters on Shameless, courtesy of his questionable life choices.

 

Nevertheless, that’s precisely what makes him one of the most relatable and authentic characters. As the story progresses, we notice that Lip’s biggest enemy has always been himself. Despite being the first Gallagher to go to college, he doesn’t end up on the right side of life and takes it for granted.

 

Ultimately, he falls prey to alcoholism and starts to resent his abilities. Be that as it may, he is an extremely well-written character who finds beauty in complexity.

 

4. Frank Gallagher

 

Make way for the family patriarch who doesn’t act like one at all. He goes by Daddy Frank or Saint Francis, but trust us when we say that he’s neither a daddy-like figure nor a saint.

 

The fact that he is terrible and quite shamelessly vocal about it is precisely what the show is all about. Complicated as he may be, Frank has a ton of interesting and funny things to say when he wants to.

 

He’s inebriated most of the time and slowly but steadily, you can find a piece of him getting reflected in every one of his children. Even though he’s educated and opinionated, nobody tends to take him seriously for he is always messing things up for himself and his family.

 

Needless to say, the man finds himself in one sticky situation after another.

 

5. Debbie Gallagher

 

Amid a plethora of characters that do wrong in the series, Debbie Gallagher feels like a breath of fresh air. To begin with, she knows what she wants out of her life from a very early age.

 

She is easily the most ambitious and balanced Gallagher child, which is perhaps why it isn’t surprising to see her take over after Fiona left the show. Her characterization remains the same throughout the eleven seasons.

 

Having said that, she did allow her moral code to change depending on the situations she faced in her life. Thankfully, the girl achieves most of her short and long-term goals and is the centre of some problematic but entertaining situations.

 

 

Important Crew Members Of Shameless

 

Airing on the Showtime cable channel, Shameless chronicles the journey of the infamous Gallagher family. Its story has been brought to life in the most effective ways possible courtesy of the following crew members.

 

1. John Wells

 

John Wells is a producer, writer, and director who is credited with developing Shameless for Showtime in 2011. The man has also served as a showrunner and executive producer of the television series ER, Third Watch, The West Wing, Southland, Shameless, Animal Kingdom, American Woman, and Maid.

 

2. Paul Abbott

 

Paul Abbott is a screenwriter and producer who established himself as one of the most successful television writers in Britain with his work on shows such as Cracker and Coronation Street.

 

Add to that the fact that he received wider recognition and acclaim for creating television dramas such as Reckless, Touching Evil, Clocking Off, State of Play, No Offence, and, of course, Shameless.

 

3. Iain B. MacDonald

 

Irish and English director Iain B. MacDonald has helmed a wide range of projects over the years. He commenced his career making arts documentaries and made his transition to television steadily.

 

The man is known to have served as the producing director for Preacher and several seasons of Shameless. Matter of fact, he was even nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series for his work on Episodes.

 

4. Fil Eisler

 

The talented Fil Eisler is one of the main composers to have worked on Shameless. He is an award-winning composer who has worked on action pieces and comedies bankrolled by well-known studios.

 

Not only that but the man has also worked on several independent films and hit television shows. His inventive scores and signature themes were the reasons he was signed by the makers of Shameless.

 

5. Kevin McKnight

Los Angeles-based cinematographer Kevin McKnight has worked on the cinematography of Shameless in a maximum number of episodes. Needless to say, he has succeeded in ensuring that his work does full justice to the popular program’s storyline.

 

 

Shows Similar To Shameless

 

If your love for Shameless and its dysfunctional family is ceaseless, make sure to sit through the following shows.

 

1. The Bear

 

In the critically acclaimed series The Bear, we are introduced to a young chef from the fine dining world who takes a call to return to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop.

 

2. Maid

 

Maid takes you back to the early days of Shameless. In it, we catch a young mother taking up a job cleaning houses to provide for her child after fleeing an abusive relationship.

 

3. Shameless (U.K.)

 

Yes, Shameless was originally based on the United Kingdom series of the same name. In the story, we get to see the lives and relationships of a group of siblings and their estranged father, Frank Gallagher.

 

4. United States of Tara

 

In United States of Tara headlined by the brilliant Toni Collette, we witness her character struggling to find a balance between her dissociative identity disorder and raising a dysfunctional clan.

 

5. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

 

It’s always supposed to be bright and sunny in Philadelphia since five friends with big egos and small brains happen to be the proprietors of an Irish pub there. Watch out, folks.