8 Reasons To Binge ‘Shameless’ Before the Season 9 Premiere

It’s not often that a television show runs for nine seasons. It’s always fascinating to think about what gives a show its lasting power — especially in an age when there is so much TV to choose from.

Showtime’s Shameless is gearing up to premiere it’s ninth season on September 9th. In anticipation, we’ve compiled a list of reasons Shameless  is totally binge-worthy.

8. There’s nothing like it on TV

Television is inundated with shows that feel just like a million other shows. Procedurals, medical dramas, true crime anthologies — often even our favorite shows feel like new iterations of something we’ve seen before. Shameless is one of a kind.

The show explores poverty and addiction with a realism that is rare while also building interpersonal relationships that allow the audience to really care about the characters. It’s a refreshing blend of truth and fiction and it’s fun.

7. It’s funny — and also not

Shameless is a show that defines the concept of ‘dramedy.’ In its early seasons it relies heavily on the humor of the Gallagher family’s misfortune, but as the years go on the profound sadness of their circumstances becomes more difficult to ignore.

The beautiful balance of laughter and tears makes for a fulfilling emotional experience as you watch the evolution of these characters.

6. It’s a family show at heart

Shameless explores a myriad of issues throughout its first eight seasons, but at its core, it is a show about family. Six siblings, virtually abandoned by their parents, finding ways to get through difficult situations by working together and always having each other’s backs.

The show works best when the Gallagher siblings are in sync, and when they are not, nothing feels quite right.

5. Catharsis

If you’ve ever felt so angry that you’ve wanted to hit someone, but you haven’t because you recognize that it’s not a socially acceptable way to handle problems, Shameless can be extremely cathartic. They always choose violence.

There’s something about watching people deal with their issues in ways that most of us wouldn’t that can feel downright therapeutic. The Gallaghers are a scrappy bunch and they always stick up for themselves, no matter how much bloodshed may ensue.

4. The acting is tremendous

If you are unfamiliar with Shameless, you may know it as the show on Showtime with William H. Macy. Though Macy frustratingly receives the lion’s share of acknowledgment for work on Shameless, the cast is chock full of actors who deliver stunning performances week after week after week.

Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, and Noel Fisher stand out on a regular basis, but every single actor on the show has moments of profound brilliance. It is worth bingeing just for the opportunity to watch this cast shine.

3. The ‘ships!

Amidst all the scamming and scheming and digging themselves out of crappy situations, the Gallaghers manage to have some incredibly enjoyable romantic relationships. Don’t expect too many happy endings – it’s not that kind of show.

But, before the lows of despair and heartbreak, there are some wonderful moments of sheer happiness (and sexiness) that make for some very (very) good shipping.

2. The greatest best friends

Though Shameless is primarily a show about the Gallaghers, the Gallaghers are nothing without their neighbors and best friends, Kev and V. These two are wacky and hilarious, but also supportive and loving, and the kind of friends who just show up and don’t ask questions.

Their roles in the earlier seasons mostly serve as comic relief but as the series continues, Kev and V become more fleshed out and, at times, are the best part of the show.

1. The greatest LGBT love story

Nobody could have guessed that a show about a poor family living on the south side of Chicago would turn out one of the greatest LGBT love stories of all time, and yet that’s exactly what happened.

Ian and Mickey’s relationship is extraordinary. It is surprising at every turn. It is also more enjoyable the less you know going in, so no more spoilers here. Suffice it to say, the way their story develops and the characters evolve is magnificent to watch.

This truly is the number one reason to watch Shameless right now.

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Are you already a Shameless fan? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

Thinking about watching for the first time? Be sure to let us know your thoughts as you go!

Shameless Season 9 premieres September 9th at 9/8c on Showtime.

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