Shameless

Shameless is a comedy drama centering on the large, dysfunctional Gallagher family and their circle (mostly working class and petty criminals). It ran in the UK from 2004 to 2013, while an American version debuted on Showtime in 2011.

US version

 * In the first season episode "Three Boys," when a fake wedding for Veronica is planned, she wonders how to get a priest. Debbie says "You could hire an actor. Remember the guy who played Elmo at my birthday party?" Fiona is surprised she remembers. Debbie: "He took his head off. It was traumatizing."


 * A recurring character is named Kermit. In the second season episode "I'll Light a Candle for You Every Day," Frank remarks that it's an interesting name, "like the frog, right?" Kermit explains the name's origins, concluding "way before the frog."


 * In the fifth season episode "The Two Lisas," Holly tells Carl "Go away, Muppet."


 * In the ninth season episode "Down Like the Titanic," Carl is studying to apply to West Point. When a question about Grover Cleveland comes up, Carl assumes it's the one from Sesame Street.

UK version

 * In the series 9 episode "Cop Killer," Mimi says a cop in the bar puts "people in big jail, not on Fraggle Rock with all the other nonces" (referring to UK prison slang "fraggle" for vulnerable or mentally ill inmates).


 * The series also frequently used "muppet" in the UK slang sense, rather than as an intentional reference.

Connections

 * Anthony Anderson played Marty Fisher in "Three Boys" (2011)
 * Joan Cusack played Sheila Jackson (2011-2015)
 * Randall Einhorn directed the third season episode "The Helpful Gallaghers" (2013)
 * William H. Macy plays Frank Gallagher
 * James McAvoy played Steve McBride on the UK series (2003-2005)
 * Emmy Rossum played Fiona Gallagher (2011-2019)