8.4/104,405 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/9/2011
Having her handbag stolen proves to be a blessing for Fiona when a handsome stranger named Steve comes to her rescue. Lip is shocked to discover Ian could be gay and decides his brother should pay a visit to the ever-accommodating Karen Jackson down the block. But the sudden arrival of her furious father Eddie ensures Ian's already-slim chances of happiness with Karen take a severe blow. Meanwhile, Steve buys Fiona a romantic gift, but for some reason she's less than impressed with it.
Director: Mark Mylod
Writer: Paul Abbott, John Wells
8.0/103,403 votes#2 - Frank the Plank
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/16/2011
Drunk as a skunk, Frank has a run-in with Karen's father and returns home to take it out on Ian. The next day is Friday, and Frank is nowhere to be found, which is a bit odd since he never misses disability check day. The family starts a manhunt. .
Director: John Wells
Writer: Paul Abbott, John Wells
8.4/103,270 votes#3 - 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.
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Writer: Nancy M. Pimental
8.3/103,112 votes#4 - Casey Casden
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/30/2011
Debbie, sad and lonely after Aunt Ginger leaves, steals a little boy from a birthday party. In classic Gallagher style, the family hatches a plan to return the toddler safe and sound without attracting attention from the Chicago Police Department, who has made the kidnapping a top priority. Karen, in complete defiance of Eddie, starts to tease Frank sexually. Frank not knowing what to make of it keeps himself busy with booze, picking up Sheila's meds from the pharmacy and concentrating on finding the missing boy. What began as an innocent lie for Kevin to protect himself from a hot girl ultimately becomes a proposal of marriage for Veronica.
Director: Todd Holland
Writer: Cindy Caponera
7.8/102,957 votes#5 - 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.
Director: Mimi Leder
Writer: Alex Borstein
7.9/102,880 votes#6 - 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.
Director: John Dahl
Writer: Mike O'Malley
8.2/102,837 votes#7 - 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.
Director: David Nutter
Writer: Etan Frankel
8.4/102,802 votes#8 - 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 paid job.
Director: Scott Frank
Writer: Nancy M. Pimental, Nathan Jackson
8.6/102,908 votes#9 - 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.
Director: Mark Mylod
Writer: Paul Abbott, Alex Borstein
8.5/102,749 votes#10 - 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.
Director: Adam Bernstein
Writer: Paul Abbott, Cindy Caponera
8.4/102,706 votes#11 - 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.
Director: Sanaa Hamri
Writer: Nancy M. Pimental
8.8/102,944 votes#12 - 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.
Director: Mark Mylod
Writer: John Wells
The Best Episodes of Shameless Season 1
Every episode of Shameless Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Shameless Season 1!
Chicagoan Frank Gallagher is the proud single dad of six smart, industrious, independent kids, who without him would be... perhaps better off. When Frank's not...
Genres:DramaComedy
Network:Showtime
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Shameless" season 1. It scored 8.4/10 based on 4405 votes. Directed by Mark Mylod and written by Paul Abbott, John Wells, it aired on 1/9/2011. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Frank the Plank".