15 Best TV Shows Like Shameless – Indian Rupee Forecast

On Chicago’s South Side, the TV series “Shameless” follows the not-so-admirable escapades of the Gallagher family as they struggle to succeed despite being handed a difficult hand in life. The unique blend of humor and seriousness kept the show running for a decade on Showtime, allowing viewers to develop strong connections with the Gallaghers, flaws and all.

Due to its unique position straddling both comedic sitcoms and dramatic series, not many television programs similar to “Shameless” have aired. However, there are some shows that share several common elements. These range from engrossing family dramas portraying daily struggles to dark comedies featuring misfits and small-time criminals. Here’s a list of 15 TV series reminiscent of “Shameless” you might want to explore next.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

If there’s any TV show that could truly be seen as a relative to “Shameless,” it would undoubtedly be “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” This series was actually born from a nightmare! The show first appeared in 2005, and despite taking regular breaks of multiple years, it has remarkably completed an impressive 16 seasons, with another one in the pipeline.

In the vibrant City of Brotherly Love, “Always Sunny” revolves around a motley crew of friends who frequently meet at a bar in South Philly to share their daily experiences. Similar to the Gallagher family in “Shameless,” these peculiar individuals are often entangled in various shenanigans, cons, or plots that typically lead to chaos. When it comes to creating havoc, not many shows can rival “Shameless” in terms of the outrageousness of their schemes, but “Always Sunny” certainly keeps pace.

Under the guidance of Danny DeVito, the group from “Always Sunny” is uniquely talented, consisting of Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Kaitlin Olson. Together, they form one of the strongest ensemble casts in a comedy since “Cheers.” This show is boisterous, chaotic, and occasionally absurdly wild, making it a rare series that seems to improve with time.

Hacks

In a stunning comeback, “Designing Women” actress Jean Smart once again takes on the role of a diva in the HBO sitcom “Hacks.” Her performance is truly exceptional and unforgettable. She shares the screen with new talent Hannah Einbinder (daughter of “Saturday Night Live” veteran Laraine Newman). The story revolves around Deborah Vance, an aging comedian superstar who has long passed her peak and now performs in Las Vegas with a residency. Desperate to regain her former glory, Vance enlists the help of Ava Daniels (Einbinder), a young and daring comedy writer brimming with innovative ideas.

It appears that Vance and Daniels have significantly contrasting perspectives on humor, which frequently leads to heated arguments, not just simple disagreements. Their bond of affection notwithstanding, they occasionally find themselves at odds. These disputes often escalate into intense rivalries, marked by sharp criticism, underhanded tactics, and verbal assaults that can be quite severe, sometimes veering towards physical confrontations.

Similar to the cast of “Shameless,” Vance and Daniels show no hesitation or embarrassment, ready to go to any lengths to bring their individual ideas to life. This can lead them to walk over their friends and make choices that are harmful, involving substance abuse, excessive drinking, and risky sexual encounters. Over the course of its four seasons (and continuing), “Hacks” delves into the complex nature of their relationship, showcasing both its positive aspects, its flaws, and its darker moments.

Better Things

Both “Shameless” and “Better Things” depict families facing tough times, but the key difference lies in their dramatic tone. While “Shameless” is more comedic in nature, “Better Things” leans heavily towards earnest drama. The main character, Sam Fox (played by Pamela Adlon), is a single mother who strives to make the right decisions for her children, namely Frankie (Hannah Alligood), Max (Mikey Madison), and Duke (Olivia Edward). In essence, “Better Things” presents a more serious and heartfelt portrayal of family life compared to “Shameless.

At work, Sam plays an acting role, grappling with the harsh realities behind Hollywood scenes. Meanwhile, at home, she’s juggling more than she can handle as she tries to manage her three children, two of whom are teenagers. Max, a popular yet hot-headed high school student, is constantly landing himself in trouble; Frankie, a misunderstood rule-breaker; while Duke, the youngest, often feels neglected.

Although the humorous elements in “Better Things” often border on the unconventional, this show essentially revolves around a family drama, interspersed with moments of humor. Essentially, the protagonist, Sam, and her children are simply striving to navigate life’s challenges, regardless of the chaos that comes their way. If you appreciate the familial dynamics in “Shameless,” then I’m confident you’ll find “Better Things” equally appealing.

Broad City

In a different tone, it could be said that compared to other listings which lean more towards dramatic plots, “Broad City” borders on the absurd side of comedy. Characters like Ilana Wexler (Ilana Glazer) and Abbi Abrams (Abbi Jacobson), much like those in “Shameless,” are frequently clueless about their questionable decisions and unfortunate choices. Yet, despite their frequent mishaps, they somehow manage to navigate through even the most chaotic situations with a positive outcome.

In the TV show “Broad City,” BFFs Ilana and Abbi strive to seize New York’s vibrant spirit, but barely scrape by. Abbi cleans a gym, pretending she trains celebrities, while Ilana takes whatever job comes her way, often botching it up. Their romantic lives are equally complicated – Ilana juggles a tumultuous relationship with Lincoln (played by Hannibal Buress), and Abbi struggles to find love, even in her misguided fling with her boss (Paul W. Downs).

Praised by critics and cherished by viewers, “Broad City” is a strong contender for the top comedy series of this decade, demonstrating Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer’s exceptional comedic chemistry as one of the standout duos in recent years. Furthermore, its TV finale is widely regarded as one of the most fulfilling ever produced.

The Four Seasons

In a more casual and readable manner: Families aren’t always connected by blood ties. The 2025 miniseries “The Four Seasons,” an extension and modernization of a 1976 film by Alan Alda, narrates the tale of three sets of friends who face a shared mid-life dilemma. They’ve been friends for many years and have a custom of going on group trips four times a year, but when one announces their divorce, those journeys this year are bound to be filled with turmoil.

The storyline of “Four Seasons” unfolds during Springtime, as Nick (Steve Carell) stuns everyone by announcing his divorce from Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver). This unexpected revelation shocks not only Anne but also the entire group, including themselves. This announcement sets off a whirlwind of chaos, not merely because it dampens their holiday, but primarily because it compels the other couples – Kate (Tina Fey) and Jack (Will Forte), as well as Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani) – to face and deal with long-standing issues in their respective relationships.

Over time, the scenario becomes increasingly intricate as Ginny (Erika Henningsen), Nick’s young girlfriend, enters the picture, causing a whirlwind of antics and emotional turmoil. This mix includes dramatic moments, sorrowful incidents, and plenty of humor along the way.

Arrested Development

In the realm of television families displaying dysfunction at its finest, the Gallaghers from “Shameless” might take the cake for self-destructive actions. However, when it comes to pure insanity, few can match the Bluths, a family filled with pompous individuals, morally bankrupt characters, and oddball buffoons in “Arrested Development.” The only relatively normal member of this family is Michael (played by Jason Bateman), who consistently finds himself embroiled in chaos due to the antics of those around him.

As a gamer, I find my in-game family strikingly similar to the Bluths from Arrested Development. My mom, Lucille, is a high-strung diva, always ready to throw her pearls of wisdom (or so she thinks). My brother, Gob, is a magician with a knack for mishaps and missteps. Dad? Well, he’s a bit of a crook, always cooking up some half-baked scheme or another. And then there’s my teenage self, George Michael, who can barely handle the family business – bananas, no less! It’s a real-life comedy of errors!

The series “Arrested Development” is known for its humor, even more so than “Shameless.” Initially canceled after only three seasons, it found success on streaming platforms, resulting in two more seasons on Netflix. Some jokes required a long wait for their resolution, but with streaming, you no longer have to endure such delays – making it an excellent choice for binge-watching, particularly for fans of “Shameless.

Fleabag

In the comedic drama “Fleabag,” penned by and featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, we find a more somber portrayal of chaos, akin to that seen in “Shameless.” The story revolves around a young woman in London whose life appears to be falling apart. Her romantic relationships are disastrous, her business is failing, and she seems clueless about turning things around.

Waller-Bridge’s character often finds herself in brief romantic entanglements and one-night stands. She jointly runs a struggling coffee shop with her closest friend, Boo (Jenny Rainsford). Despite her best efforts, she frequently feels inadequate, particularly when measuring herself against her older sister, Claire (Sian Clifford). It seems that every attempt to improve only worsens the situation, as each choice tends to result in unforeseen and often humorous complications.

Without a doubt, given its two BAFTA wins, three Golden Globes, and six Emmys, it’s fair to say that “Fleabag” is an outstanding series on this list. If you’re a fan of “Shameless” and haven’t watched it yet, I strongly recommend adding “Fleabag” to your must-watch list immediately.

BoJack Horseman

In essence, while “BoJack Horseman” shares some characteristics with light-hearted comedies such as “The Simpsons” or “Family Guy”, it’s actually a dramatic and at times quite grim sitcom akin to “Shameless”. Despite being set in an unusual world populated by anthropomorphic animals, its themes are very human.

Similar to the Gallaghers, BoJack (Will Arnett) finds himself consistently facing hardships. Once a successful TV star in the ’80s, his career is now a thing of the past. He’s spent years without substantial work, and it appears that his life has devolved into one unfortunate event after another. Broken both physically and emotionally, BoJack struggles with self-doubt and dislike, dealing with these issues through drugs, casual relationships, and other self-destructive acts. Desperate to restore some semblance of order in his life and revive his career, he continues to grapple with the wreckage.

Although its vibrant backdrop and talking animal characters may initially lead you to believe it’s a light-hearted comedy, “BoJack Horseman” is actually quite profound among the laughs on this list. Spanning over six seasons, devoted fans of the show continue to hope for a seventh season.

My Name is Earl

As a dedicated fan, if there was a prequel for “Shameless” focusing on Frank Gallagher’s early days, I envision it resembling “My Name is Earl.” In this hypothetical spin-off, the role of our chaotic protagonist could be played by Jason Lee, known for his roles in “Mallrats” and “Chasing Amy.”

This version of Frank, before his life spiraled out of control, would be a sloppy, aimless character, much like Earl. He’s a lowlife with little regard for anyone else, often putting himself first at the expense of others. His rules-bending and law-breaking antics are merely a means to escape any semblance of hard work or responsibility.

The main theme of the show “My Name is Earl” contrasts with “Shameless,” as Earl learns in the initial episode that if he doesn’t alter his behavior, he’ll face the consequences of his past actions. Unlike other shows, when Earl receives a sudden wealth, he decides to amend his mistakes by creating a list of all the wrongs he has committed and working diligently to rectify each one. However, making amends isn’t as straightforward as he thought, and his attempts at being good-hearted frequently lead to humorous mishaps instead.

Californication

After spending over a decade portraying the eccentric and conspiracy-focused FBI agent Fox Mulder in “The X-Files,” actor David Duchovny transitioned into comedy-drama by taking on the role of Hank Moody, an unconventional character from New York City who is a troubled writer. This new character’s life is plagued by excessive sex, substance abuse, and alcoholism, causing chaos on a grand scale. Adding to his troubles is his tumultuous relationship with Karen (Natascha McElhone), who wants him to stay away from their daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin).

Amidst the turmoil of personal relationships and creative droughts, Moody finds it challenging to maintain order in his life. Much like the characters in “Shameless,” he often resorts to poor choices as a means to deal with his struggles, inviting us to join him on this rollercoaster ride. Duchovny delivers an impressive performance as Hank, and the ensemble cast, including Pamela Adlon from “Better Things,” is exceptional. Despite being less popular than it deserves, “Californication” offers a compelling watch for fans of “Shameless.” If you’re searching for something similar in tone, this Emmy-winning dramedy should definitely be on your radar.

Kevin Can F*** Himself

Kevin Can F Himself” could be one of the most unusual comedies ever created, and it’s also one of the most underappreciated TV shows from recent years. Sometimes it seems like a typical ’90s sitcom, but then it transforms into a heavy and somber drama about a troubled marriage. This shift in tone is intentional, as the show strategically moves between these two formats based on each scene.

When viewing Kevin (Eric Petersen), the show is shot like a traditional multi-camera sitcom, featuring a laugh track for comedic effect, while emphasizing goofy, physical humor. However, when the story revolves around Kevin’s wife, Allison (Annie Murphy), it adopts a single-camera approach, using darker lighting and more deliberate dialogue to create a dramatic atmosphere.

Fundamentally, “Kevin Can F Himself” is primarily focused on Allison’s journey towards self-empowerment. Her spouse Kevin, despite being adored by many, is a less-than-ideal partner, characterized by his boisterousness and borderline abusive behavior. The people around her tend to dismiss her worries. As time passes, Allison finds herself spiraling downwards, with dark fantasies of harming her husband creeping into her mind.

Six Feet Under

In the TV series “Six Feet Under,” a humorous drama produced by HBO, a family running an undertaking business showcases a complex and strained familial relationship similar to that depicted in “Shameless.” Brothers Nate (played by Peter Krause) and David (Michael C. Hall) have differing views about their shared mortuary business, inherited from their father after his death, causing tension between them, particularly for David who finds it irksome.

Although Nate didn’t aspire to control the business, David feels aggrieved at having to share it because he was the one who worked alongside their father for so many years. Their contrasting natures don’t make things simpler, and complicating matters further is David’s wish to conceal his homosexuality from his family. The darkly humorous series “Six Feet Under” delves into the complexities of love, grief, and family dynamics, providing numerous poignant scenes that reflect the intricacies of life following a patriarch’s demise.

Weeds

Picture a television series that combines the humorous-dramatic vibe of “Shameless” and the criminal underworld focus on drug trafficking like “Breaking Bad.” This will give you an idea of what the show “Weeds” is centered around. The main character, Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker, is a suburban mother who’s left reeling after her husband’s untimely demise. In search of a means to support her family, she opts for an unconventional path: dealing marijuana on the side to make ends meet.

The storyline might seem somewhat outdated given it was developed during an era prior to marijuana legalization. Yet, despite significant changes in societal views on pot use in America since its initial release in 2005, “Weeds” remains a captivating series to watch today. What truly makes the show standout is Nancy’s character development, as she becomes increasingly entrenched in her new life of criminal activity, finding it difficult to abandon the allure and control it offers.

You’re the Worst

In a different setting, if we transfer the complex family dynamics depicted in “Shameless” into a toxic relationship, we get “You’re the Worst,” a dark comedy created by Stephen Falk, who also worked as an executive producer on shows like “Orange is the New Black” and “Weeds.” This series first aired on FX in 2014. It focuses on Jimmy Shive-Overly (played by Chris Geere) and Gretchen Cutler (portrayed by Aya Cash), two rather dislikable characters who meet at the wedding of Jimmy’s ex-girlfriend. Their relationship, already unhealthy from the start, further deteriorates as their equally problematic friends contribute to the chaos that is quickly enveloping their lives.

Over five seasons, the show “You’re the Worst” unravels an unusual love story that initially appears comedically rough, yet delves deeper into serious topics like mental health, similar to “Shameless.” It skillfully combines its offbeat humor with authentic drama, making it a unique and valuable continuation from the chaos of the Gallagher family.

United States of Tara

In essence, if all the Gallagher family members were combined into a single individual, you’d have the character from “United States of Tara.” This series is primarily about drama rather than comedy, with Toni Collette portraying Tara Gregson, a woman grappling with dissociative identity disorder. When she stops taking her medication, multiple distinct personalities start to manifest, bringing an unusual twist to her ordinary Midwestern life with her family. Stressful situations cause these other personas to emerge, among which are a war veteran battling alcohol addiction, a rebellious teen, and an eccentric, almost animal-like identity called Gimme.

Although it’s not widely remembered today, the dark comedy show “United States of Tara,” which boasted some impressive talent, is worth revisiting, particularly if you enjoy “Shameless.” Starring Brie Larson, who later became Captain Marvel, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, this series is a must-see. If the star-studded cast isn’t enough to pique your interest, the show received numerous positive reviews and even won two Emmy Awards.

2025-07-12 23:32