Unapologetic Brilliance: Top 15 Shameless Episodes, Ranked

Summary

The best episodes of Shameless offer a mix of character development, hilarious quotes, and outrageous plots that keep audiences hooked.

The initial episode establishes the show's atmosphere, captivating viewers through its bold and fearless comedy.

The concluding episodes of each season often showcase some of the finest moments, promising success and joy for the Gallagher family.

The American adaptation of Shameless earned high praise during its decade-long run on Showtime, showcasing a diverse range of compelling episodes. With over 100 episodes to choose from, Shameless has produced numerous fan-favorite moments over its 11 seasons. Some episodes are lauded for their impactful character development, others are filled with humorous quotes, and a few have outrageously captivating storylines that must be witnessed to be believed. The strength of Shameless lies in its characters, and each viewer has their preferred Gallagher family member whose journey is closely followed throughout the series.

Based on a UK show of the same title, Shameless follows the struggling Gallagher family as they navigate life and devise schemes in Chicago. After the patriarch, Frank, abdicates his role as a present father, eldest daughter Fiona takes charge of the Gallagher household until actress Emmy Rossum's departure in season 9. As the series progresses, Lip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam face numerous challenges and embark on intriguing story arcs, each of them taking the spotlight in the best episodes of Shameless at one point or another. Despite the unsatisfying conclusions for certain characters in the series finale, audiences can't help but fondly reminisce about some of the show's most memorable moments.

"Summertime" - Season 2, Episode 1

"Pilot" - Season 1, Episode 1

The second season of Shameless kicked off with a bang, delivering a nostalgic summertime vibe and a strong start. This premiere episode did not hold back, as it opened with a shocking moment showcasing one of Frank's most shameless acts - using baby Liam as collateral in a risky bet. While the characters would go on to engage in even more shocking behavior throughout the series, this first episode effectively set the tone for what viewers could expect in the sophomore season of Shameless.

The pilot episode of a TV series is crucial as it can make or break the show's future. The series had a strong start, with the pilot episode being one of the best episodes of Shameless. Audiences immediately fell in love with its bold and unapologetic humor, which was abundantly present in the pilot. What sets it apart as an exceptional pilot episode is its ability to maintain its unique tone without sacrificing exposition. Despite the introduction of numerous characters, the pilot strikes a balance between necessary introductions, inciting incidents, and the humor that would later become beloved by viewers.

"A Yurt Of One's Own" - Season 6, Episode 9

Though viewers were less enthused with Shameless after its halfway point, that wasn't to say that the show couldn't deliver a great one-off now and then.

"Just Like The Pilgrims Intended" - Season 2, Episode 11

This season 6 installment stands out as one of the best episodes of Shameless, providing nonstop laughs from start to finish as Frank attempts to navigate the commune. The Gallagher family's dynamic was already hilarious when they interacted with each other, but their adventures beyond their home were comedy gold. While this particular episode doesn't significantly advance the overall storyline, it offers fans some truly memorable and humorous moments that harken back to the early seasons' charm and wit.

The Gallagher Thanksgiving turned into a chaotic event in one of the most thrilling episodes of Shameless. In "Just Like the Pilgrims Intended," unexpected twists kept unfolding as Fiona attempted to create a traditional Thanksgiving for the family, only to face constant disruptions. The Gallagher clan went through a series of challenges as Monica sadly attempted suicide, Carl accidentally shot a bald eagle, and Karen unexpectedly went into labor. This episode brought various storylines to a climax, with Steve allowing Marco to assume his identity and Lip discovering that Karen's baby does not belong to him.

"A Night To Remem...Wait, What?" - Season 5, Episode 4

"Survival Of The Fittest" - Season 3, Episode 12

: The central theme of the show revolves around the Gallagher family's willingness to engage in abhorrent actions, but certain episodes of Shameless exemplify this better than others. Within the context of the fifth season, Frank demonstrates his inherent wickedness as he recklessly squanders his entire insurance settlement in a single night. This particular installment humorously yet tragically highlights the devastating reasons why the Gallagher family consistently faces obstacles hindering their progress in life. While the narrative undoubtedly evoked discomfort and second-hand embarrassment among viewers, it also provided a thought-provoking glimpse into the ineffectual head of the family, solidifying Frank as one of the most despised characters in Shameless.

The earlier season finales of Shameless were often the most memorable episodes, and the ending of season 3 was particularly remarkable. What made it stand out was that, unlike many other episodes, it brought a sense of triumph and optimism for the Gallaghers. Despite a series of poor choices, Lip managed to graduate from high school in the season 3 finale. This was a cause for celebration for Fiona and the rest of the family, and the episode was filled with joy as Lip prepared to become the first Gallagher to attend college. Little did the audience know that Lip's journey wouldn't have a happy ending, but that was still to come.

"The Sins Of My Caretaker" - Season 3, Episode 5

Bad actions inevitably lead to consequences, and the Gallagher clan in Shameless often find themselves repenting for their past sins. In the compelling season 3 episode, "The Sins of My Caretaker," the Gallaghers faced numerous repercussions, with the writing team skillfully weaving together conflicting narratives. In the realm of television storytelling, the challenge lies in creating a cohesive overarching storyline, while also incorporating self-contained narratives within each episode. "The Sins of My Caretaker" exemplifies the brilliance of the writers as they deftly explore the tangled web of the Gallaghers' past, as they resort to desperate measures to elude the clutches of the law.

"Found" - Season 9, Episode 14

Season 9 marked the departure of Emmy Rossum as she bid farewell to Shameless, and the showrunners aimed at intensifying the storyline to compensate for her absence. "Found" delivered a heartfelt farewell to Fiona, making it one of the standout episodes of the series. The most powerful moment was captured on Frank's face as he looked at Fiona, suitcase in hand, finally understanding that she was no longer the leader of the household. This episode skillfully bid farewell to Fiona while paving the way for gripping storylines for the remaining characters, leaving hardly a dry eye in the audience.

"Iron City" - Season 4, Episode 6

"Requiem For A Slut" - Season 7, Episode 12

Despite some viewers holding unfavorable opinions of Fiona on Shameless, the fourth season made significant strides in developing her character and featured one of the most compelling episodes of the series, highlighting Fiona at her lowest point. In contrast to the exaggerated humor seen in previous episodes, "Iron City" delves into a darker narrative, as Fiona's poor choices begin to negatively impact those she cares about, leaving her in a challenging predicament amidst a backdrop of other distressing events. While it may not have been the most lighthearted episode, "Iron City" effectively showcased the dramatic elements that fans had come to anticipate.

The recent season finale of Shameless delivered one of its most remarkable episodes yet. With the unfortunate passing of Monica, the Gallagher family unexpectedly finds solace amidst the emotional turbulence. Titled "Requiem for a Slut," this captivating installment delves deep into the complex dynamics between the siblings as they navigate their conflicting emotions towards their late mother. From anger to indifference, each Gallagher embarks on their own introspective journey, experiencing both closure and new beginnings. Debbie discovers her talent for welding, Lip finds solace in his continued attendance at AA meetings, Carl returns from military school, and Fiona unexpectedly becomes the owner of an entire apartment building.

"There's The Rub" - Season 4, Episode 5

"Happily Ever After" - Season 7, Episode 11

If "Iron City" was the brilliant climax, "There's the Rub" served as the crucial foundation and one of the most exceptional episodes of Shameless. Within this episode, Fiona experienced one of her lowest points on the show when she inadvertently exposed Liam to cocaine. Similar to other remarkable installments, "There's the Rub" effectively weaves multiple storylines together without diminishing the significance of any. While Fiona remains the central focus, her narrative never overshadows that of others. In the end, all the threads converge to deliver a memorable conclusion with far-reaching implications for future episodes.

The penultimate episode of season 7 is undeniably a mix of bittersweet emotions, making it one of the finest installments of Shameless. Just before Monica's passing in the following episode, she and Frank make the unexpected decision to renew their vows. While Lip and Fiona remain skeptical, perceiving it as a futile attempt, the episode brilliantly showcases their underlying desires and the void left by their parents. Fiona and Lip are fully aware of their parents' limited capabilities, yet they cannot help but cling to hope and ponder over the missed opportunities.

"Crazy Love" - Season 5, Episode 6

"Emily" - Season 4, Episode 11

Featuring a majority of the beloved characters from the popular TV show Shameless, the fifth season has been hailed by numerous fans as the pinnacle of the series, offering a plethora of exceptional Shameless episodes. Despite being a regular-length segment, "Crazy Love" possesses a certain aura that resembles an extended and captivating special. With the unexpected reappearance of Steve, Ian's peculiar road trip, and Sammi's audacious attempt to take over the Gallagher house, this episode is brimming with riveting storylines. The true brilliance of this installment lies in its ability to provide a gratifying resolution to each plotline while also setting the stage for future events.

The penultimate episode of Shameless season 4 had a significant impact on the ongoing storyline and set the stage for the eventual payoff in season 5. "Emily" proved to be one of the standout episodes of Shameless, featuring a rare moment of regret from Frank as he becomes aware of the harm he has caused Fiona. This installment exemplifies the series' ability to captivate viewers, once again forcing the Gallaghers to face the consequences of their past actions. With escalating tension throughout the episode, viewers experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, often finding themselves both gasping and laughing.

"Lazarus" - Season 4, Episode 12

With a staggering amount of buildup in "Emily," the final episode of Shameless season 4 had the daunting task of tying up loose ends. However, it exceeded expectations and emerged as one of the most exceptional episodes in the series. The brilliance of "Lazarus" lies in its ability to revive certain characters, just as the name suggests. While "Emily" left the narrative in a gloomy state, "Lazarus" undid some of the bleak elements that weighed it down. Nevertheless, the episode is not solely filled with lighthearted moments, as it also lays the foundation for the characters' future endeavors.