Pilotshameless : Season 1 Episode 1 -

The pilot episode of the American series Shameless , which premiered on January 9, 2011, serves as a gritty introduction to the dysfunctional Gallagher family living on Chicago's South Side. Episode Overview

: Because it was filmed years before the rest of Season 1, the pilot has a distinct cinematic look compared to later episodes.

: Allison Janney originally played the role of Sheila Jackson in the unaired version of the pilot before Joan Cusack took over for the broadcast. Critical Reception PilotShameless : Season 1 Episode 1

: The episode opens with an iconic monologue by Frank Gallagher, the alcoholic patriarch who neglects his six children.

: This pilot is a nearly shot-for-shot adaptation of the original UK series premiere . The pilot episode of the American series Shameless

: The family scrambles to gather money for the electric bill while managing their chaotic individual lives. Production Context

: Lip discovers his brother Ian is gay and unsuccessfully tries to "fix" him by setting him up with a neighbor, Karen Jackson. Critical Reception : The episode opens with an

: Though the series premiered in 2011, the pilot was actually shot in December 2009 .