Shameless. Frank Gallagher (David Threlfall). Copyright: Company Pictures
Shameless

Shameless

  • TV comedy drama
  • Channel 4 / E4
  • 2004 - 2013
  • 139 episodes (11 series)

Comedy drama set in a fictional housing estate in Manchester which follows the dysfunctional Gallagher family and their neighbours. Stars David Threlfall, Gerard Kearns, Elliott Tittensor, Luke Tittensor, Joseph Furnace and more.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 631

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Series 9, Episode 1

The Chatsworth Estate is in a time of darkest austerity. The Gallaghers and half the estate are evicted as part of Operation New Start - a multi-agency crackdown on the benefits culture of those in social housing.

Further details

Shameless. Image shows from L to R: Carmen Kenaway (Morwenna Banks), Daniella Feeney (Judy Flynn). Copyright: Company Pictures

Society spurns Frank Gallagher - and he spurns it: "I don't believe in government; I don't believe in Society; I just believe in me."

When the Chatsworth is the target of a coordinated Multi-Agency Government and Council Task Force, the estate is thrown into chaos... dawn raids, door-to-door coverage, a rolling herd of Suited Officials led by project consultant Carmen Kenaway and toxic sidekick, Feeney. Here to target the underbelly, the Task Force evicts families and withdraws benefits. The Task Force (Operation New Start) call it house-keeping; the residents call it Occupation. Families are ejected from properties with rhythmic regularity, and Jamie and Karen find themselves thrust into the role of guardians of the estate when evictees turn to them for help and refuge.

Whilst things look bleak for everyone else on the Chatsworth, all is bright for Jackson, who is now a fully-qualified teacher. The promise of a job and a better future brings another level to his pompous judgement of others; so much so that Jackson isn't shy about his agreement and support of the Operation New Start action, to the disappointment and embarrassment of Avril.

Meanwhile, Carl arrives back on the Chatsworth, days away from qualifying as a policeman. Not everyone welcomes him back with open arms, least of all Frank, and without his approval, Carl's sense of filial responsibility threatens to put a stop to his graduation.

But much worse than all of this - Frank Gallagher needs glasses. The very notion leaves him vulnerable, fragile; flawed and unwanted. For the first time, Frank must confront the possibility that he may be a less than perfect physical specimen.

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 9th January 2012
Time
10pm
Channel
Channel 4
Length
85 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Monday 16th January 2012 11:10pm C4
Friday 13th April 2012 10:40pm E4

Cast & crew

Cast
David Threlfall Frank Gallagher
Elliott Tittensor Carl Gallagher
Tina Malone Mimi Maguire
Rebecca Atkinson Karen Maguire
Nicky Evans Shane Maguire
Ciaran Griffiths Mickey Maguire
Aaron McCusker Jamie Maguire
Sally Carman Kelly
Alice Barry Lillian Tyler
Jack Deam Marty Fisher
Qasim Akhtar Chesney Karib
Valerie Lilley Patty Croker
Karen Bryson Avril Powell
Kira Martin Letitia Powell
Emmanuel Ighodaro Jackson Powell
Robbie Conway Aiden Croker
Michael Taylor Billy Tutton
Guest cast
Morwenna Banks Carmen Kenaway
Judy Flynn Daniella Feeney
Hannah Kew Optician
Lee Toomes Investigator
Writing team
Ed McCardie Writer
Kevin Erlis Writer
Ben Newman Script Editor
Loren McLaughlan Script Editor
Production team
John Henderson Director
Jean Holdsworth Series Producer
Ed McCardie Producer
George Faber Executive Producer
Charles Pattinson Executive Producer
Paul Abbott Executive Producer
David Threlfall Executive Producer
Claire Ingham Executive Producer
Russell Beeden Editor
Sam Williams Editor
Duncan Howell Production Designer
Murray Gold Composer
Tim Phillips Composer

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