Over the ten seasons that this absurd and unconventional series has been on Showtime, many characters have come and gone. Therefore, I narrowed it down to the top twelve South Siders that have made the biggest impressions on us. Here they are.
12. Frank Gallagher (William H.Macy)
America’s least favorite dad — if you can even call him that — gets the last slot. However, the unkept drunk does have his moments such as delivering baby Franny on the kitchen table and getting Liam into private school — they are just few and far between compared to his typical selfish hyjinx.
11. Svetlana (Isidora Goreshter)
How could anyone forget about this Russian con artist, prostitute and businesswoman who was once entangled with Kev and V and is also the mother of Mickey’s child? Svetlana has without a doubt made her mark on the South Siders and not necessarily in a good way — we are thrilled that she finally got deported.
10. Debbie Gallagher (Emma Kenney)
From being a little girl to having a daughter of her own, Debbie certainly grew up fast. The mother and welder can often be seen taking terrible advice from her friends, taking advantage of the disabled or spending Fiona’s money on expensive clothing.
9. Sheila Jackson (Joan Cusack)
Sheila may have only lasted a few seasons before taking Hymie and moving away, but she certainly made a lasting impression on the Gallaghers prior to her departure. The agoraphobic housewife with a number of fetishes is someone hard to forget.
8. Liam Gallagher (Christian Isaiah)
Liam is the baby of the family and often the one left out. Not only was he extremely neglected as a child, but he is also the only black Gallagher which has led him to feel a bit confused about his heritage. Even with these hardships, I have no doubt Liam Gallagher will grow up to be the most capable and successful one in the family.
7. Ian Gallgher (Cameron Monoghan)
One thing we love about Ian (AKA gay jesus) is how he is never afraid to be himself. Ian is known for always going after what he wants and knowing exactly what that is. This trait is what led him to follow his heart and ultimately marry Mickey.
6. Fiona Gallagher (Emme Rossum)
Despite never finishing high school, Fiona has worked a number of different jobs — from waitress to diner manager and landlord — to take care of her family. She was the star of the show for nine seasons and deserves all of the spotlight being that she works so incredibly hard. We hope she makes a return in the final episodes to conclude her story and find out what she’s been up to since leaving her old life in Chicago behind.
5. Mickey Milkovich (Noel Fisher)
Mickey is surely one of the South Side’s toughest and hardest shelled individuals so it’s no surprise he has spent so much time in jail. But lucky for him, he was in perfect company when Ian came to join in his misery and the two were reunited. If only he wasn’t raised by a toxic bigoted father, Mickey would have lived up to his potential far sooner.
4. Carl Gallagher (Ethan Cutkovsky)
This former drug dealer, gun dealer and military man is the biggest trouble maker of them all. Despite being a troublemaker, we will never forget when he used his drug money to buy back the Gallagher house, saving his family from homelessness — Carl Gallagher is fearless, creative and a true survivor.
3. Lip Gallagher (Jeremy Allen White)
The smartest and most mature Gallagher, Lip is the one always picking up the pieces when things go wrong. He really stepped up after Fiona left and proved to everyone just how strong he truly is. Not only is Lip an excellent older brother to Ian, Debbie, Carl and Liam but he is also a wonderful dad to Fred.
2. Veronica Fischer (Shanola Hampton)
Veronica (V), is one of the strongest most resourceful female characters currently on television. Not only is she raising twin daughters, but she also manages a bar, runs a portable abortion clinic and was part of a thrupple. You gotta give it up for V.
1. Kevin Ball (Steve Howey)
Kevin Ball (Kev) is a kind-hearted father and bar-tender who will do anything when it comes to helping out his friends and family. Whether it’s parading around the neighborhood as jesus or being the “rape walker” at Lips college, Kev is always up to some wild antics.
Shameless seasons 1-10 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 11 is currently filming.
By Blair Krassen @blairlyawake