Shameless is a British comedy drama television series set in the fictional Chatsworth Estate in Manchester, England. Produced by Company Pictures for Channel 4, the first seven-episode series aired weekly on Tuesday nights at 10pm from 13 January 2004. The drama has been accorded critical acclaim by various sections of the British media, including The Sun newspaper and Newsnight Review on BBC Two. The fifth series is currently being shown.

The programme was created and, at least initially, mainly written by Paul Abbott, who is also the programme's Executive Producer. Much of the series is based on Abbott's own experiences growing up in a similar situation to the Gallagher children in Burnley.

The first series was co-written with Danny Brocklehurst and Carmel Morgan. In subsequent series, Abbott and Brocklehurst shared the main writing duties.

For the fifth series a 6,100 m 2 (66,000 sq. ft) exterior and interior set was built on an industrial estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester.

Created by 'Paul Abbott'(qv) (Clocking Off, Linda Green, State of Play), Shameless tells the story of a young group of siblings pretty much abandoned by their parents, surviving by their wits - and humour - on a rough Manchester council estate. Whilst they won't admit it, they need help and find it in Steve, a young middle class lad who falls for Fiona (Anne-Marie Duff'(qv)), the oldest sibling, and increasingly finds himself drawn to this unconventional and unique family. Anarchic family life seen through the eyes of an exceptionally bright fifteen year old, who struggles to come of age in the context of his belligerent father, closeted brother, psychotic sister and internet porn star neighbours. Written by Company Pictures (website)