Shameless is a dark family comedy-drama series created by Paul Abbott. Based on Abbott’s British series of the same name, the Showtime series is set in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and it follows the extremely dysfunctional Gallagher family, whose patriarch, Frank Gallagher, an alcoholic who never properly took care of his six children, leaving the eldest, Fiona Gallagher to care for her siblings. Shameless stars William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Jeremy Allen White, Cameron Monaghan, Noel Fisher, Joan Cusack, Laura Slade Wiggins, and Emma Greenwell. So, if you loved the hilarious dark comedy, intense drama, and compelling characters in Shameless, here are some similar shows you should check out next.
Shameless (Prime Video, Hulu, Tubi, Pluto, Britbox, Crackle & The Roku Channel)
Showtime’s Shameless, which we all love and adore, is actually based on a British dark comedy-drama series of the same name. Created by Paul Abbott, the Channel 4 series is set in Manchester, and it follows the dysfunctional Gallagher family as they face various challenges plaguing the working class. Shameless stars David Threlfall, Annabelle Apsion, Maggie O’Neill, Anne-Marie Duff, James McAvoy, Jody Latham, Gerard Kearns, Rebecca Ryan, and Elliott Tittensor.
Casual (Hulu, Tubi & Rent on Prime Video)
Casual is a comedy-drama series created by Zander Lehmann. The Hulu series follows Valerie, a recently divorced single mother, as she moves with her daughter, Laura, to her brother Alex’s house. Together, they face the ups and downs of life while trying to sort out their love life. Casual stars Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, Tara Lynne Barr, Nyasha Hatendi, Frances Conroy, and Julie Berman.
United States of Tara (Rent on Prime Video)
United States of Tara is a comedy-drama series created by Diablo Cody. The Showtime series follows Tara, a suburban artist and mother suffering from dissociative identity disorder. Tara’s main challenge in life is coping with her illness while also trying to raise her children. United States of Tara stars Toni Collette, Rosemarie DeWitt, John Corbett, Keir Gilchrist, and Brie Larson.
Six Feet Under (Netflix, Max & Rent on Prime Video)
Six Feet Under is a psychological dark comedy family drama series created by Alan Ball. The HBO series follows the extremely dysfunctional Fisher family as the patriarch of the family dies and leaves the family business of a funeral home to his two sons. Six Feet Under stars Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, Jeremy Sisto, Rachel Griffiths, James Cromwell, and Justina Machado.
You’re the Worst (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video)
You’re the Worst is a romantic dark comedy-drama series created by Stephen Falk. The FX series follows Jimmy and Gretchen, two self-centred individuals who meet at a wedding and begin dating. Even though they know that their relationship is doomed because their egos and general dysfunction will never be compatible. You’re the Worst stars Chris Geere, Aya Cash, Desmin Borges, Kether Donohue, Janet Varney, Todd Robert Anderson, and Shane Francis Smith.
Weeds (Philo, Plex & Rent on Prime Video)
Weeds is a satirical dark comedy-drama series created by Jenji Kohan. The Showtime series follows Nancy Botwin, a widowed mother who begins selling marijuana to local residents so that she can support her family. Weeds stars Mary-Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Justin Kirk, Tonye Patano, Romany Malco, Hunter Parrish, Alexander Gould, Andy Milder, Allie Grant, and Kevin Nealon.
Californication (Paramount+ with Showtime & Rent on Prime Video)
Californication is a comedy-drama series created by Tom Kapinos. The Showtime series follows Hank Moody, a troubled novelist suffering from writer’s block who moves from New York to California to advance his career. He soon finds himself pulled in various directions which complicates his relationship with his longtime love and his daughter. Californication stars David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin, Evan Handler, Pamela Adlon, and Madeline Zima.
Fleabag (Prime Video)
Fleabag is a British dark comedy-drama series created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Based on Bridge’s one-woman show of the same name, the Prime Video series follows a dry-witted young woman with no filter in London who goes through life trying to fix all of her problems through sex and jokes. Fleabag stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman, Ben Aldridge, Hugh Skinner, Jenny Rainsford, Brett Gellman, and Bill Patterson.
The Righteous Gemstones (Max & Prime Video Add-On)
The Righteous Gemstones is a cringe comedy series created by Danny McBride. The HBO series follows the dysfunctional Gemstone family, who are famous in the world of televangelism. Even though they are famous for being God’s followers, they rarely do what they preach. The Righteous Gemstones stars Danny McBride, Adam DeVine, Edi Patterson, Tony Cavalero, Cassidy Freeman, Gregory Alan Williams, Tim Baltz, and John Goodman.
Arrested Development (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video)
Arrested Development is an absurdist dark comedy series created by Mitchell Hurwitz. The Fox series follows the extremely dysfunctional Bluth, who once used to own a successful business. When the patriarch of the family gets arrested for fraud, all of the responsibility falls upon the only sane person in the house, Michael Bluth. Arrested Development stars Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, and Jessica Walter.