13 Shows Like Shameless

My Mad Fat Diary is a British series that offers an intimate look into the life of Rae Earl, a teenager in the 1990s grappling with obesity, mental health issues, and the trials of adolescence. Based on Rae Earl’s real-life diaries, the show is celebrated for its candid portrayal of body image and mental health, wrapped in a comedic yet poignant narrative among shows like Shameless.

 Rae Earl’s journey through therapy, self-acceptance, and complex relationships forms the crux of My Mad Fat Diary. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, the show provides a nostalgic yet raw depiction of teenage struggles. Rae’s interactions with her friends, family, and romantic interests are characterized by a mix of humor and emotional depth, highlighting the difficulties of navigating adolescence with mental health challenges.

The show’s ability to balance humor with serious themes is reminiscent of Shameless. Rae’s experiences are depicted with both sensitivity and irreverence, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and relatable among shows like Shameless. Her story of self-discovery and the impact of her mental health on her relationships mirrors the Gallagher family’s chaotic yet compelling journey.

Both shows like Shameless excel in presenting their characters’ flaws and struggles with honesty and humor. My Mad Fat Diary’s exploration of mental health and body image aligns with Shameless‘ portrayal of personal and familial issues. The series’ blend of comedy and drama, combined with its strong character development, makes it a compelling choice for fans of Shameless.

The Wire is an acclaimed series that offers a comprehensive look at Baltimore through the lens of its various institutions, including the police force, the drug trade, and the education system. Each season delves into a different facet of the city’s social fabric, presenting a multi-layered narrative of systemic dysfunction and personal struggle in one of the best shows like Shameless.

The Wire is known for its intricate storytelling and deep socio-political commentary. The series examines the interplay between institutions and individuals, revealing the often harsh realities of urban life in one of the best shows like Shameless. Through its portrayal of law enforcement, drug dealers, and the educational system, the show provides a broad and detailed critique of systemic failures and societal issues.

The show’s portrayal of life in Baltimore is unflinchingly realistic, depicting the struggles of its characters with a sense of authenticity that resonates with Shameless’ approach to storytelling. The personal and societal challenges faced by the characters in The Wire highlight themes of economic disparity, moral compromise, and institutional decay, offering a different but complementary perspective on the struggles depicted in Shameless.

Both shows like Shameless share a commitment to exploring the darker aspects of society and individual lives. While The Wire focuses on systemic issues and institutional failure, its depiction of personal struggles and societal dysfunction aligns with the themes of poverty and moral ambiguity found in Shameless. The show’s gritty realism and character-driven narrative make it a valuable watch for fans of Shameless.

Read More: What to Watch After You Finish Sex and the City

The Righteous Gemstones, created by Danny McBride, centers around the Gemstone family, a wealthy and corrupt group of Southern Baptist preachers. The show delves into the family’s personal and professional lives, revealing their moral shortcomings and the impact of their unethical behavior in one of the most interesting shows like Shameless.

The Gemstone family, led by patriarch Eli Gemstone, is portrayed as a group deeply enmeshed in both religious and financial corruption. The series explores their internal conflicts, criminal activities, and the facade of piety they maintain while engaging in morally questionable behavior in one of the best shows like Shameless. The show’s darkly comedic tone and satirical take on religion and wealth provide a sharp commentary on the discrepancies between public image and private reality.

The Gemstones’ complex family dynamics and their engagement in illegal activities are central to the series. Their interactions are marked by a blend of humor and drama, reflecting the dysfunctional nature of their relationships and the consequences of their actions. The show’s exploration of themes such as hypocrisy, greed, and familial loyalty aligns with the chaotic and morally ambiguous world of Shameless.

The Righteous Gemstones shares Shameless’ focus on dysfunctional family dynamics and ethical compromise. Both shows like Shameless use dark humor to critique societal norms and personal failings. The Gemstone family’s struggles with their public and private personas echo the Gallagher family’s chaotic life, making The Righteous Gemstones a fitting choice for fans of Shameless.

Peep Show is a British sitcom that offers a unique view into the lives of two socially awkward roommates, Mark and Jez. The show utilizes a first-person point-of-view camera style and inner monologues to provide insight into the characters’ thoughts and motivations in one of the best shows like Shameless.

The series is known for its distinctive narrative style, which includes first-person shots and voiceover commentary that reveal the characters’ inner thoughts. Mark and Jez’s contrasting personalities and their struggles with work, relationships, and personal goals are central to the show’s humor and drama. Mark’s obsessive and neurotic behavior contrasts sharply with Jez’s carefree and irresponsible attitude, creating a dynamic that drives the show’s comedic and dramatic moments.

The show’s depiction of mundane yet significant life events, coupled with its focus on personal insecurities and relationship issues, mirrors the themes explored in Shameless. The characters’ flaws and their attempts to navigate their personal lives with humor and honesty align with the Gallagher family’s struggles in one of the best shows like Shameless.

Both shows like Shameless delve into the complexities of personal and social struggles with a comedic edge. The focus on flawed characters and their everyday challenges, combined with a distinctive narrative style, makes Peep Show a relevant choice for fans of Shameless. The show’s exploration of personal shortcomings and social awkwardness provides a different yet complementary take on themes of dysfunction and humor.

Also Read: Love Is Blind Controversy: A Deep Dive into All 6 Lawsuits and Many Allegations

Curb Your Enthusiasm, created by and starring Larry David, follows a fictionalized version of David’s own life as he navigates various social and personal situations. The show is renowned for its improvisational style and focus on the minutiae of daily life as one of the best shows like Shameless.

The series showcases Larry David’s signature comedic style, which involves navigating everyday social interactions and minor grievances. The show’s plotlines often revolve around Larry’s socially awkward and sometimes controversial behavior, which leads to humorous and often uncomfortable situations. The improvisational nature of the show allows for a natural and unscripted feel, contributing to its distinct comedic approach.

Larry’s interactions with friends, family, and acquaintances reveal the intricacies of social conventions and personal boundaries in one of the best shows like Shameless. The show’s focus on Larry’s personal quirks and the humorous fallout from his actions align with Shameless’ exploration of flawed characters and their interactions.

Both shows like Shameless excel in finding humor in everyday struggles and social awkwardness. The focus on character-driven comedy and the portrayal of socially unconventional behavior resonate with the humor and character dynamics found in Shameless. Larry David’s distinctive comedic voice and the show’s observational humor make it a fitting choice for fans of Shameless.

Ozark follows Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes awry. The show explores the consequences of Marty’s actions as he becomes entangled with local criminals and corrupt officials in one of the most interesting shows like Shameless.

The series portrays Marty Byrde’s attempts to secure his family’s safety while navigating the dangerous world of money laundering and criminal enterprises. Marty’s efforts to balance his legal and illegal activities, along with his interactions with criminal elements and local authorities, create a tense and dramatic narrative. The show’s exploration of the moral compromises and personal sacrifices required to protect one’s family adds depth to its storyline.

The Byrde family’s struggles with crime and their attempts to maintain normalcy amidst chaos mirror the challenges faced by the Gallagher family in one of the best shows like Shameless. The show’s focus on high-stakes criminal activity and its impact on family dynamics align with the themes of moral ambiguity and personal sacrifice depicted in Shameless.

Ozark shares Shameless’ focus on moral compromise and the impact of crime on family life. The intense drama and complex characters, combined with the exploration of personal and ethical dilemmas, make it a compelling choice for fans of Shameless. The show’s high-stakes narrative and exploration of criminal elements provide a different but complementary perspective on themes of family and struggle.

Read More: Cuckoo Movie Review: A Bewitching Dive into Surreal Horror

Weeds centers on Nancy Botwin, a suburban housewife who turns to selling marijuana after her husband’s sudden death. The show explores Nancy’s descent into the criminal world and the impact of her choices on her family in one of the best shows like Shameless.

Nancy Botwin’s transformation from a grieving widow to a drug dealer is the central plot of Weeds. The show examines her attempts to navigate the challenges of suburban life while engaging in illegal activities to support her family. The series explores themes of moral ambiguity, family dynamics, and the consequences of stepping outside societal norms, like other shows like Shameless.

The show’s blend of dark humor and drama, coupled with its focus on the complexities of Nancy’s life, aligns with Shameless‘ portrayal of flawed characters and their struggles. Nancy’s attempts to balance her criminal activities with her role as a mother and wife create a dynamic narrative that reflects the themes of chaos and moral compromise found in Shameless.

Both shows like Shameless focus on central characters who engage in illegal activities as a means of coping with financial and personal struggles. The combination of dark humor and drama, along with the exploration of family dynamics and moral dilemmas, makes Weeds a relevant choice for fans of Shameless. The show’s portrayal of suburban life and criminal activity provides a different angle on similar themes.

BoJack Horseman is an animated series that follows the life of BoJack, a washed-up actor struggling with addiction, depression, and personal failure. The show combines dark humor with a deep exploration of mental health and personal redemption in one of the best shows like Shameless.

The series delves into BoJack’s life as he navigates the fallout from his past successes and personal failures. The show’s exploration of addiction, self-destruction, and the search for redemption is portrayed through a blend of surreal and realistic elements among shows like Shameless. BoJack’s interactions with other characters, including friends, family, and industry peers, highlight his struggles and the impact of his behavior on those around him.

BoJack Horseman offers a unique perspective on themes of mental health and personal failure through its animated format. The show’s ability to blend humor with poignant moments provides a complex and engaging narrative that reflects the struggles and flaws of its characters.

Both shows like Shameless provide a raw and often uncomfortable look at their characters’ flaws and struggles. The exploration of addiction, self-destructive behavior, and complex relationships aligns with Shameless’ themes of personal and familial turmoil. The show’s blend of dark humor and emotional depth offers a different but complementary perspective on similar themes.

Also Read: 7 Best Episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

The Goldbergs is a family comedy set in the 1980s, following the Goldberg family as they navigate the ups and downs of suburban life. The show is loosely based on creator Adam F. Goldberg’s own childhood experiences.

The series depicts the everyday life of the Goldberg family, focusing on the interactions between the family members and their various adventures and misadventures. The show’s nostalgic 1980s setting and family-centric humor provide a heartwarming and entertaining look at family life in one of the most unusual shows like Shameless. The characters’ relationships and the comedic portrayal of their daily struggles offer a relatable and engaging narrative.

While The Goldbergs leans more towards family-friendly humor compared to Shameless, it shares a focus on family dynamics and personal challenges. The show’s depiction of familial relationships and the comedic aspects of growing up provide a different but enjoyable take on themes of family life in one of the most family-friendly shows like Shameless.

Both shows like Shameless explore family dynamics and personal struggles, although The Goldbergs does so with a more lighthearted and nostalgic approach. The focus on familial relationships and the humorous portrayal of everyday life resonate with fans of Shameless who appreciate character-driven stories about family and personal challenges.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows the misadventures of five friends who run a bar in Philadelphia. The show is known for its dark humor, outrageous plots, and the morally questionable behavior of its characters, much like other shows like Shameless.

The series centers on the gang—Dennis, Dee, Charlie, Mac, and Frank—who are known for their self-serving and often unethical behavior. The show’s plots revolve around their schemes, failures, and the humorous fallout from their actions. The gang’s interactions and the extreme situations they find themselves in drive the show’s comedic and dramatic elements.

The show’s irreverent humor and focus on morally ambiguous behavior align with Shameless’ portrayal of flawed characters and their chaotic lives. The characters’ personal shortcomings and the often outrageous scenarios they create reflect similar themes of dysfunction and moral compromise.

Both shows like Shameless center around a group of flawed characters navigating their chaotic lives with humor and irreverence. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia shares Shameless’ focus on dysfunctional relationships and dark comedy. The outrageous plots and morally questionable behavior of the gang provide a different but equally engaging take on themes of personal and social struggle.

Read More: What to Watch After The White Lotus: 10 Intriguing Shows

The Americans is a Cold War-era drama that follows two Soviet spies posing as an American married couple in the 1980s. The show explores the complexities of their double lives and the impact on their family.

The series delves into the lives of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, who lead double lives as spies while raising their children in suburban Washington, D.C. The show examines the tension between their espionage activities and their familial responsibilities, highlighting the personal and ethical dilemmas they face in one of the most interesting shows like Shameless. The impact of their secret lives on their marriage and their interactions with their children add depth to the narrative.

The Americans’ portrayal of deception, moral compromise, and family dynamics aligns with the themes of Shameless. The show’s exploration of the characters’ internal and external conflicts, along with the consequences of their actions, reflects similar themes of personal and familial struggle.

Both shows like Shameless explore themes of deception, moral ambiguity, and the impact of personal choices on family life. The intense drama and complex characters in The Americans resonate with the themes of chaos and ethical compromise found in Shameless. The show’s focus on the personal and professional challenges of its characters provides a different but complementary perspective on similar themes.

Ramy follows Ramy Hassan, a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim, as he navigates his identity, faith, and personal challenges. The show provides a nuanced look at cultural and religious conflicts, family dynamics, and self-discovery.

The series explores Ramy’s struggles with his cultural identity, religious beliefs, and personal goals in one of the best shows like Shameless. The show’s portrayal of Ramy’s interactions with his family, his community, and his own faith provides a deep and nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by first-generation immigrants. The narrative delves into themes of identity, religion, and the search for personal fulfillment.

Ramy’s focus on cultural and religious issues, combined with its exploration of personal and familial conflicts, aligns with the themes of Shameless. The show’s honest portrayal of Ramy’s journey and the complexities of his life offer a fresh and insightful take on themes of personal and familial struggle.

Both shows like Shameless delve into the complexities of personal identity and family relationships. Ramy shares Shameless’ focus on flawed characters and their struggles with societal expectations. The show’s exploration of cultural and religious identity provides a different but equally compelling perspective on themes of personal and familial conflict.

Also Read: 15 Best Jake Gyllenhaal Movies We’re Not Supposed to Love

Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name. The series presents different stories of crime, moral ambiguity, and dark humor set in the Midwest, with each season featuring new characters and plotlines like many other shows like Shameless.

Each season of Fargo presents a new narrative centered around crime and moral complexity. The show’s blend of suspense, dark comedy, and character-driven storytelling provides a distinctive take on the crime genre. The series explores the impact of crime on individuals and communities, revealing the often surprising and morally ambiguous actions of its characters.

Fargo’s exploration of crime, morality, and the human condition aligns with the themes of Shameless. The show’s focus on flawed characters and their interactions in high-stakes situations reflects similar themes of dysfunction and ethical compromise as other shows like Shameless. The anthology format allows for diverse storytelling while maintaining a cohesive thematic approach.

These shows like Shameless explore the darker aspects of human nature and morality with a mix of dark humor and drama. Fargo’s focus on crime and moral ambiguity resonates with the themes of Shameless. The show’s suspenseful narratives and complex characters provide a different yet complementary perspective on themes of personal and societal struggle.

For fans of Shameless, the television landscape offers a variety of shows that capture similar themes of family dysfunction, moral ambiguity, and dark humor. From the heartfelt and raw portrayal of teenage struggles in My Mad Fat Diary to the high-stakes drama of Ozark, these thirteen shows like Shameless offer diverse narratives that resonate with the essence of Shameless. Whether through comedic exploration or dramatic storytelling, these series provide compelling and engaging experiences for viewers who appreciate the complex and often chaotic world of Shameless.