This summer I finally caved and decided to start watching Netflix’s hit television show Shameless, and I haven’t regretted it for one second. If you don’t already know the general plot of the show Shameless follows the Gallagher family living on the South Side of Chicago and highlights what it’s like living in that area and growing up in poverty.
For someone like me who grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, it was kind of exciting because there were many references to Chicago restaurants, suburbs and popular street names.
That excitement quickly faded once I realized how intense and real the show actually was. I grew up very fortunate, not having to worry about where my next meal was coming from, and being able to have nice things anytime I asked for them.
It wasn’t until I started watching the show and seeing the heartbreaking experiences that the Gallaghers went through that I realized how privileged I was. From food insecurity to drug abuse and heavy crime, Shameless leaves no stone unturned and envelops the reader in the reality of life on the South Side.
I was honestly shocked when one of the characters had to add water to a half-empty gallon of milk because they were running out and didn’t have enough money to buy more. I can’t even imagine having to do something like that, and the scene was so subtle yet so effective.
Shameless also does a solid job portraying the weight of having parents with substance abuse issues from a child’s perspective. The raw emotion that’s displayed on-screen by all of the Gallagher children completely envelops you in their world and moves you in an instant.
Scenes happen in almost every episode where a Gallagher is experiencing the consequences of a terrible parent, and made me realize how lucky I was to have the parents that I do. Regardless of the small arguments I’ve gotten into with my parents, it’s nothing compared to what the characters in the show experienced.
Regardless of your race, gender or socioeconomic background, Shameless is a must-watch because it highlights many important issues facing Americans today. References to pop culture, current events and jokes about political leaders keep the audience engaged and prove how timely and reflective the show truly is.