Shameless
There has been pretty fierce competition in recent years to get a Chicago series right, from Kelsey Grammer’s short-lived “Boss” to Dick Wolf’s recent “Chicago Fire.” Nothing so far, however, holds a candle to Showtime’s over-the-top show “Shameless.” The series is brilliantly helmed by the derelict father played with effortless pathos by William H. Macy. Emmy Rossum gives it up as the streetwise daughter who keeps the family together and Joan Cusack’s agoraphobic poet is a joy. With its fourth season premiering January 12, it’s a vision of Chicago’s South Side well worth wrapping your lips around for the duration.
Best of Chicago 2013