The BEST episodes of Shameless (US) season 1

Every episode of Shameless (US) season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Shameless (US) season 1!

Chicagoan Frank Gallagher is the proud single dad of six smart, industrious, independent kids, who without him would be... frankly, perhaps better off. When Frank's not at the bar spending what little money they have, he's passed out on the floor. But the kids have found ways to grow up in spite of him. They may not be like any family you know, but they make no apologies for being exactly who they are.

Last Updated: 8/29/2024Network: ShowtimeStatus: Ended
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Aunt Ginger
star
7.97
4569 votes

#1 - Aunt Ginger

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/23/2011

Fiona turns her attentions to Tony, a cop who has had a crush on her since childhood, but Steve isn't willing to give up without a fight; Ian is targeted by the brothers of a girl he spurned; the whole family searches for elderly Aunt Ginger, who owns their house.

Directors: Stephen Hopkins
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Father Frank, Full of Grace
star
7.94
3927 votes

#2 - Father Frank, Full of Grace

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 3/27/2011

Steve tries to convince Fiona to skip town with him now that his true livelihood as been discovered; Frank and Karen's secret is revealed, forcing Frank to go into hiding; Fiona tries to figure out how to get Lip and Ian out of jail after their arrest for car theft.

Directors: Mark Mylod
Writer: John Wells
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Nana Gallagher Had an Affair
star
7.92
3787 votes

#3 - Nana Gallagher Had an Affair

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 3/13/2011

The children's paternity is put into question and Frank needs Carl's help.

Directors: Adam Bernstein
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
But at Last Came a Knock
star
7.90
3765 votes

#4 - But at Last Came a Knock

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/6/2011

Monica comes back when Frank needs her to sign documents and decides to take Liam with her. Meanwhile, Steve and Fiona move together.

Directors: Mark Mylod
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Casey Casden
star
7.88
4354 votes

#5 - Casey Casden

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/30/2011

A sad and lonely Debbie steals a little boy from a birthday party, forcing the family to scheme a way to return him; a web of lies ends in a marriage proposal from Kevin, who is already married.

Directors: Todd Holland
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Daddyz Girl
star
7.85
3915 votes

#6 - Daddyz Girl

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 3/20/2011

Tony comes closer to discovering what Steve is doing, while Fiona makes a new friend. In the meantime, Lip helps Ian look for his father.

Directors: Sanaa Hamri
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Pilot
star
7.83
5891 votes

#7 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/9/2011

Drunken father Frank is of no use to his dysfunctional family; Fiona meets a handsome stranger when her purse is stolen; Lip is shocked to discover his brother Ian is gay and tries to hook him up with a willing neighbor.

Directors: Mark Mylod
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Killer Carl
star
7.83
3957 votes

#8 - Killer Carl

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/13/2011

Fiona tries to prove the Gallagher home is suitable for rehabilitating a delinquent after receiving a letter from Carl's teacher; Lip gets busted taking the SAT for fellow students in exchange for cash; Kash and Ian are ashamed at their failure to stop a string of robberies at the Kash and Grab; Frank's poor business acumen continues to have negative consequences.

Directors: John Dahl
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
It's Time to Kill the Turtle
star
7.80
3859 votes

#9 - It's Time to Kill the Turtle

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/27/2011

Sheila fears to lose Frank when he gives up drinking. While Lip suspects their dad hasn't changed, Debbie and Carl enjoy having Frank back in their life. Meanwhile, Fiona tries to find a better paying job.

Directors: Scott Frank
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Frank Gallagher: Loving Husband, Devoted Father
star
7.79
3829 votes

#10 - Frank Gallagher: Loving Husband, Devoted Father

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/20/2011

Frank gets into trouble with two goons he owes money. Fiona asks Sheila to take care of Liam while she spends a night with Steve, and Ian tries to stop Mickey from bullying Kash.

Directors: David Nutter
Writer: Etan Frankel
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Three Boys
star
7.71
4238 votes

#11 - Three Boys

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/6/2011

When the Gallagher's find out Veronica comes from a wealthy family, they try to scheme a fake wedding for the dowry. Meanwhile, Frank gets some bad news about his health.

Directors: Mimi Leder
Watch Now:Apple TV
Frank the Plank
star
7.68
4883 votes

#12 - Frank the Plank

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/16/2011

Frank has a drunken run-in with Karen's father and takes it out on Ian. The family starts a manhunt when Frank is nowhere to be found on disability check day.

Directors: John Wells
Writer: Paul Abbott
Watch Now:Apple TV