Shamelessly Joining the Bandwagon
Alexander Francione
For The Clock
arfrancione@plymouth.edu
Sex, alcohol, dysfunction, and raw emotion; it is no wonder that masses of people are flocking to Shameless. Shameless is an American television program, airing on Showtime, as well as streaming on Netflix. The show is based on the British series with the same name and has seven seasons under its belt. Though the show first aired in 2011, its popularity is at an all-time high.
It features an alcoholic father and his six children who live in a low-income house in Chicago. The father, Frank, played by William H. Macy, only comes along when he needs something from his family. His oldest daughter, Fiona, played by Emmy Rossum, takes care of the family as best she can. Though it may not sound like a joyful show, it manages to pull off dark humor that pushes boundaries in ways that may be seen as taboo, such as: interracial relationships, homosexuality, adultery, mental disorders.
Even though the family is completely dysfunctional and in constant dismay, finding themselves in raunchy situations, at the end of each episode you have a family coming together through tough times and making it an enjoyable and feel-good experience for the viewers at home.
Over the course of winter break many students across the country took to social media in search of a show to binge watch on Netflix. It wasn’t long before Shameless was recommended and took over TV screens in homes across America like wildfire. Once people began to watch the show they were immediately hooked. With the show on the verge of its eighth season Netflix makes sure it’s never too late to join the Shameless bandwagon. You will not regret it.