Skip to main content

How to watch Shameless online: Binge the eccentric family dramedy free

Raunchy, shocking, dramatic, and always entertaining, Shameless does its U.K. predecessor justice. Much like The Office, this family dramedy began as a British series created by Paul Abbott before being adapted into an American show by John Wells. The Showtime darling has maintained an indisputably successful run, revolving around the chaos and comedy within the Gallagher family for 10 whole seasons — and counting. The family’s patriarch, Frank, is a drunken conman, always hatching schemes to make money outside of the law. His eldest daughter, Fiona, runs their house in the Southside of Chicago, stopping at nothing to take care of her younger siblings and cultivating a memorable family bond that has kept the show so dynamic and heartwarming over the years. An endlessly fun and inventive binge, here’s how to watch Shameless online.

Created By: John Wells
Cast: William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Jeremy Allen White
Number of Seasons: 10

How to watch Shameless online in the U.S.

Showtime

Hulu offers the first 10 seasons of Shameless on its platform — but only with the added Showtime subscription. Those who already have a subscription plan with Hulu, which costs $6 per month with ads and $12 per month without, have the option of splurging for the Showtime add-on. This addition tacks an extra $11 onto your monthly bill, but it does include a weeklong free trial period to vet the service and decide if it’s worth the additional cost. With the add-on, you gain access to exclusive Showtime content like Shameless, The Affair, and Billions through your Hulu subscription. Shameless alone is definitely worth trying out the one-week free trial period before deciding for or against the addition, but keep in mind that it’s an especially addictive show and may just persuade you to invest in the Showtime add-on.

Netflix also houses the first 10 seasons of Shameless on its platform. Luckily, streaming the show does not require an additional payment. Instead, you just have to sign up for one of their monthly subscription plans. All three offer the first month of streaming for free upon signing up. The basic plan costs $9 per month, the standard costs $13 per month, and the premium costs $16 per month. Each subscription varies by HD availability and how many screens can watch content simultaneously, so it’s best to parse through the details yourself and decide which route best suits your streaming needs. Regardless of which plan you choose, all three include the first 10 seasons of Shameless in their streaming libraries.

Although the show has already been renewed for what will be its 11th — and, sadly, final — season, the pandemic has caused indefinite production delays. So, the good news is that you have plenty of time to catch up on Shameless‘ substantial back-catalog before the final season drops.

Editors' Recommendations

Alexandra Harris
Alexandra Harris is a freelance writer and pop culture junkie based in Cleveland, OH. She recently graduated from Barnard…
Bruins vs Lightning live stream: Can you watch for free?
how to watch nhl online

Both fighting for playoff seeding as the regular season enters its final stretch, the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning clash in an important battle today at Amalie Arena.

The game is about to start, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and will be televised on TNT. Fortunately, even if you don't have cable, there are still a number of ways you can watch a live stream of the game.
The Best Way to Watch the Bruins vs Lightning Live Stream

Read more
Bruins vs Panthers live stream: Can you watch for free?
FLA Live Arena before Florida Panthers NHL game.

In a matchup that could very well determine this year's Atlantic Division champions in the NHL, the Boston Bruins head to Amerant Bank Arena to face off against the Florida Panthers. They enter this one tied at 97 points apiece, though Florida has an extra game in hand.

If you want to watch the game, you better pick a streaming option below soon, as it starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. It will be televised locally only on NESN (Bruins markets) and Bally Sports Florida (Panthers markets). But if you don't have those channels or you live out of market, there are some different ways you can watch a live stream.
Is There a Free Bruins vs Panthers Live Stream?

Read more
Panthers vs Rangers live stream: Can you watch for free?
FLA Live Arena before Florida Panthers NHL game.

Both attempting to chase down Boston for the No. 1 seed in the East, the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers meet for a huge showdown today at Madison Square Garden.

The game is starting very soon, at 8:00 p.m. ET, and will be televised nationally on ABC in the United States. If you don't have cable, though, there are still a bevy of different ways you can watch the game streaming live online.
Is There a Free Panthers vs Rangers Live Stream?

Read more