The ceremonial burning of a stolen car marks the end of summer on the Chatsworth Estate in Manchester. Meet the local family — the Gallaghers. There's dad Frank and his six kids, Lip, Ian, Carl, Debbie, Liam and Fiona. Into their world steps Steve. Cool, well mannered, well dressed and romantic, he makes a beeline for big sister Fiona. Steve's soon getting his feet under the table but why he wants them there, no one quite knows.

Frank, Manchester’s favourite son and world’s worst father, embarks on a series of adventures with his remarkably well-balanced children Fiona, Lip, Ian, Carl, Debbie and Liam - and not forgetting the twins. With more hilarious tales of how one extraordinary family goes about its normal everyday life, Shameless series two is packed with sex, love and scams - but the most important thing is FAMILY.

Puberty catches up with the Gallaghers: Carl discovers sex and ASBOs, Debbie struggles with her grown-up responsibilities and little Liam denounces religion at his RC Primary School. Lip becomes a dad while Ian’s heart gets badly broken. And Sheila’s valium-fuelled white wedding dream turns into the wedding of the century, so even Frank can’t ignore it! Tourettes’ sufferer Marty is loved up with Sue although he has yet to find out about her biggest secret. Next door, Veronica and Kev hit dangerous ground when his real wife turns up. And mum, Carol, finds that shoplifting is not so easy. New councillor Kash proves he’s bent in every way and Karen gets more than she bargained for at The Jockey.

In the fourth series the residents of Manchester's most outrageous estate have two new cops to contend with. But the Gallaghers don't need to worry now they've teamed up with the Maguires. Especially when, after a stint in prison, prodigal son Jamie Maguire arrives to set sparks flying with Karen. Then there are his brothers, the not-so-bright Shane and Micky, a wannabe hard-man struggling with his own secrets. Frank and the kids are sent into a spin when mum Monica turns up, claiming to be back for good. Lip is taking his parental responsibilities seriously until thoughts of university offer him the escape he's always wanted. Carol is back but still having trouble keeping her legs and mouth shut, while Kash is happy screwing the council. And what is the connection between Kev, Veronica, Marty, Sue and a Romanian baby?