If you haven't discovered the dark comedy that is
Shameless, you haven't lived. It's on SBS tonight, so get excited.
The series tells the tale of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, who live in the fictional Chatsworth Estate in Manchester, England.
At the head of the family is Frank, a beer-swilling, cigarette-toting liar who is the epitome of a lovable rogue. His motley tribe of children attempt to keep the family together, with a combination of dodgy deals and witty one-liners.
Fans of black comedy are bound to thoroughly enjoy
Shameless. The fine line between comedy and tragedy is beautifully walked by producer Paul Abbott, who has based the series on his own experiences growing up as a kid in council estates.
Shameless is a comedy that grows on you, so if you have a spare weekend, you'd be well advised to rent the DVDs of the first few seasons and get yourself up to speed (the show is now up to its fifth season).
It takes a while for your ear to tune into the cockney slang that is the backbone of
the show
, but once you get there, it's well worth the effort.
Shameless screens on Mondays at 10.05pm on SBS.Here are the opening titles for the latest season to whet your appetite: