British "Shameless" or American "Shameless"

American, pretty much the only time I would say that about an American remake. It started off worse when it tried to copy the british version but once it found its own footing something about it just works better for me.

American. One of the few times an American remake of anything works better than the original.

Agree completely with R1.

I was put off by the idea of a remake, but watched out of curiosity. The first season was not terrible, but it was so note-for-note like the first season of the UK version, and Wm. H. Macy so hammy, that I disliked it. The second U.S. season has been good, playing down Macy and playing up some strong actors (especially the Fiona and Lip characters.)

I can't think, either, of another remake where the American version the equal to or better than the UK original.

I really liked the British version but I agree with everyone else. The American version is the better of the two. The American version balances comedy and pathos much better. For the most part, the casting is also better. The characters are more real and less zany characters than they were in the British version. I do miss James McAvoy as Steve.

UK one hands down. NO YANK could play the MacGuires especially Mimi and Mickey. There was absolutely no reason for a remake as the 9th series is currently airing and it is done in English. Why can't Americans just watch the originals? What is the fear of a lilt in tongue? I never could fathom the fact that great British programming cannot transfer to the US like their programmes do in the UK. We all speak the same language! These remakes are pointless.

I don't understand why none of the characters has a Chicago accent.

The US version seems censored. Think of the early UK scenes between Ian and the dude he was fucking. Also I much prefer the UK Ian character.

gay scenes were deliberately tame because actor who plays ian was underaged...

british is better

[quote]Why can't Americans just watch the originals?

Because of the greed of the UK producers. They can make twice the money for the same project by selling the remake rights to American production companies; the few networks that show original UK shows in this country can't compete with that kind of money. I hate remakes, but the kneejerk blaming of Americans for their existence is wrong. They couldn't exist if their original producers weren't willing to whore them out.

[quote]I don't understand why none of the characters has a Chicago accent.

Joan Cusack is actually from Chicago, although she employs some weird over the top speech affect for comedic value.

I watch nearly every British show I can find on American TV but I agree the American Shameless is more enjoyable. The actors click better, it has better pacing and more humor than I remember from the UK version.

I do agree the gay material is toned down in the American version, which is typical. Now that Cameron Monaghan is over 18 they can't use that excuse anymore, so I'm hoping we'll see some raunchier gay scenes to go with the non-stop hetero ones.

I can't wait for the American version of Downtown Abbey!

There is absolutely no question that the British version of Shameless is far better than the American version. I am an American through and through but the American version doesn't even come close. The acting, cinematography (fits the script), the chemistry, the casting, the timing, everything is better. It's wayyy more believable. After watching the UK version, the American version is almost painful to watch. Every episode (UK) leaves you wanting more and you feel invested in the story, while it's difficult to get through an American episode.

The American version is more watchable and more glitzy, which sort of works against the ethos of the show. I dislike enough about the show that I should be put off. But I'm not. And I like the American remake best to boot. I think it's funnier.

Is the actor that plays US Ian family?

I've been watching the UK version over the last couple of weeks. Netflix only has the first 5 seasons available, so I'm going to have to find other methods to watch 6-9. It hooked me in immediately, and I'm completely head-over-heels in love with Mickey Maguire/ Ciaran Griffiths. I've gone back to a couple episodes just to watch his parts.

I'm going to give it plenty of time before I try to watch the US version. I want to give it a fair chance without the UK version fresh in my head.

Loved the UK version until they made Ian Gallagher son straight *gag*. That turned me off so much I didn't bother to watch the seasons that followed. I just watched a two part Brit murder mystery drama called 'a mother's son' and it features Annabelle Apsion (who played Monica Gallagher in the UK version of Shameless) as grief stricken mom.

I agree with r1

David Threlfall is hideous to look at and hammy as hell. W.H. Macy is watchable and a better actor. I prefer Anne-Marie Duff's Fiona to Emmy Rossum's, though.

I agree with R18

American version.

William H. Macy is a just a hapless drunk loser.

The UK version's father was truly evil. Not someone I want to watch.

I agree with [R20]

As to why Americans cannot watch the originals. because a deep british accent is not easy to understand. Sorry just true so its not sellable to american advertisers. plus they like to put alot of product placement in American shows, especially when there on cable TV and there are no commercials.

British is by far better, and the Ian character is the perfect example of it. The very fact that they thought a REAL Ian would upset Americans compromises the show.

I agree with R22

I concur with R23. I sought out the British Shameless after loving the first season of the remake on Showtime. And the accent was so thick that I had trouble following it without subtitles.

OMFG I'm so sick and tired of hearing this BS excuse.. and you wonder why people call Americans stupid, R26? English isn't even my first language, and I have no trouble what so ever understanding the British version. Maybe you're just an idiot?

Exactly r27. How stupid do you have to be to not understand a slightly different pronunciation of your own language? I think it comes from being extremely isolated. If you're even remotely educated, you've spent some time listening to British people speak.

Calm down, R26. I'm not an idiot. I just don't want to invest the time to watch six seasons of a show I have to strain and rewind to understand. The dialect is very thick. I watch a lot of British shows like Absolutely Fabulous, but this one was a bit harder to follow.

[quote]I watch a lot of British shows like Absolutely Fabulous

But that's a terrible show. Totally unfunny and stupid.

[quote]The very fact that they thought a REAL Ian would upset Americans compromises the show.

What does that mean? Ian in the British version is so disappointing. He went straight, for God's sake. How is that real?

R29, yet I understand it without any problem, and English isn't even my first language. You're just lazy, end of story.

What show are you watching R21? American Frank is far more vile than his British counterpart. He seems to intentionally want to hurt his kids and the quest and scheming for cash is truly disgusting. Brit Frank by comparison is simply petty. Sure he's always after a quick buck and an opportunist, but not on the same grand scale Macy paints. Brit Frank is a great anti-hero with 11 justified seasons, but yank Frank is just a cunt. I find the core cast of US Shameless kinda grating after the first two seasons, but, like the Brit original, the supporting cast are fantastic.

R10 "They couldn't exist if their original producers weren't willing to whore them out."

So, you think the UK production companies are refusing to allow shows to be aired in the US and are insisting on selling the rights to a remake instead? Are those poor put-upon US networks being forced at gunpoint to ask to remake a show instead of just airing the original? How does that work?

How, exactly, are they being forced to remake a show instead of broadcasting the original? I think that was the original question.

What happens is a US network decides that they aren't making enough money from showing the original - they can't do product placement and they think people won't watch it (and thereby drive up advertising revenue) if it isn't set in their own backyard. So they remake it to suit American tastes, with all of the edges softened to allow for the religious right and the conservative attitudes. Otherwise the advertisers wouldn't want to pay.

R32, if anyone suffers from idiocy - it is you. Your level of existence is not the standard from which others are to be judged. Just because you understand it doesn't mean everyone does. Have you ever heard of hearing impairments? Half of americans can't understand ebonics, does that also make them idiots? Look beyond yourself; there is a world full of different people out here.

I loved THE WIRE, but I admit I have to watch it with the closed captions on.

Ha. I'm kiwi, but admit I had a tough time with Brit dialogue sometimes. Those are thick accents! The scene where Marty tells Karen he gave Kev a handjob I had to replay over and over because I couldn't work out what he said.

I wish the Milkovich family was more developed. A black Mimi would've been awesome!

The american version often leaves me wondering why I still watch. Again, the core cast is so unlikable. And if Debbie was my daughter, I can guarantee she would get a back hand across the mouth. Little bitch.

But R35, you still don't get it.. English is English. Who cares about the accent? You're supposed to understand your own language. I understand it without any problem what so ever, and English is not my first language. And yes.. if half of Americans have trouble understanding various different British accents, they certainly are idiots, and live up to the stereotypical stupid american. I understand Irish, Scottish, Manchester accent, Liverpool accent etc without any problem. And most other people from my country have no problem at all watching tv shows from the UK without subs, because get what.. we actually understand what they say! I just can't fathom how English speaking people can have trouble understanding their own language, but whatever.

The British Lip is cuter than the American Lip, and the American Ian is way cuter than the British Ian. And James McEvoy is sexier than Justin Chatwin.

R38, you don't get it...you are still trying to judge everyone by your standards and experiences. This thread is not about what "YOU" can understand. Everyone is not you. Different people have different abilities. I do think we all understand our language. It's the lack of pronunciation, lack of diction and overall speed that presents the problem. And get down off your high horse - who cares how many accents you understand - that is no indicator of intelligence, more so exposure. Also, how do you know what most people in your country have a problem with? you took some kind of survey?

LOL, R40.. at least I can understand my own language. You're still an idiot. I'm done discussing this.

British. It doesn't bow down to the delicate Americans.

There are just some things that are better than others; get over it. The UK version of Top Gear destroys the sick crap that's called Top Gear here in the US. In the same manner US Shameless is simply better than the UK one. No contest.

I started watching shameless uk about a year ago, and loved it. All the characters just clicked together, and it astounds me how the writers can write such creative episodes every time. I watched a couple of the us remake and it seemed okay. I was a little put off by the accents, even though I am American. Like many of the other replies here, it seems as though the us version is a lot more censored, and that side of the show was what really made shameless well, shameless! However, you should give the american version a try, because it's a decent remake, even though they've changed a lot in the story line. Still, I have to say that overall, the original british shameless is superior.

British is by far better. Ian was hot and real.

Characters on UK sooo much better. and i agree that the us version is much more watered down, not so risque and blunt as uk version. theres so many characters and characters changes in uk, now on the 8th season, im sad they got rid of fiona, lip, debbie, steve, ian. SO I'm wondering what direction the US will go in having built those characters so well, (and paid) them, emmy rossum is the center of the us version and she is technically supposed to be leaving with steve soon

Both are good in their own ways but, as mentioned, the US version doesn't try to copy the UK version. Fantastic cast! Great gay scenes and some nice balance between dark comedy and drama. It sometimes goes too over the top but its reliably entertaining

[quote]NO YANK could play the MacGuires especially Mimi and Mickey

The Milkoviches are in a different league than the Maguires. The US version of the Maguire family is filthy, dirt poor, criminal, incestuous and FUBARed. Mickey Milkovich on the US version is probably one of the most interesting characters on cable television right now. Noel Fisher steals every scene he's in and between his work on this and "Hatfields and McCoys," I think he's a criminally underrated actor. Also, Emmy Rossum can act circles around Anne Marie Duff.

What took some getting used to is that Frank in the UK version is a lovable old cad while the US Frank is a heinous sociopath villain. Once you get that he's the bad guy of the show, I agree with everyone else that says this is the rare exception where the US version is leagues better than the original.

I have watched the uk version every season at least 3 times,David threlfall as frank gallagher is awesome, he has managed to make a waste of space, into a legend, I like a lot of remakes by the americans, but the bar was set extremely high by the uk brand, Seriously if you haven't watched the uk version give it a try,

you can watch all the shameless episodes for free no scams both uk and us at motionempire, just type it in your search bar and any tv show you want, but checkout shameless uk amazing show

UK everything is better than anything American.

I am British (but a U.S. citizen.) I couldn't even get through one episode of the British version of Shameless but I LOVE the American version.

[quote]British is by far better. Ian was hot and real.

This is true.

British by far. It just has so much more soul and character than the US version.

[quote]British by far. It just has so much more soul and character than the US version.

It has more soul and character if you're British. If you're American, then the US version probably has more heart and soul. I actually think they've done a good job of making both shows appeal to their intended audiences.

Though I fail to see in what world the British Ian is hot.

American all the way. Best show on tv right now.

r5 It has nothing to do with US audiences. It has to do with US companies wanting to bank on a previous success.

[quote]Though I fail to see in what world the British Ian is hot.

The world with good vision.

The British version has Maxine Peake! End of discussion.

Seriously, R58?

Yeah...apart from James McAvoy as Jimmy/Steve, NONE of the UK cast is remotely good-looking. Kev is alright, I suppose, but still not as hot as Steve Howey.

The American Kev is ugly...what are you thinking?

I've seen seasons 1-3 US and 1-2 UK. Outside of the names of the characters, they are quite different plot lines. I like both, but the US is slightly better. The UK Ian, the gay teen has very little gay happening outside of the initial story line. The US Ian is more interesting. I also like William H Macy as Frank better than the brit.

I agree that the British Ian was hot, especially in the earlier episodes. He looks so much better than the ridiculous pic a few posts back. I think the American Ian is hot too.

[quote]yet I understand it without any problem, and English isn't even my first language. You're just lazy, end of story.

NO, R32, you're just a self-absorbed idiot. You don't realize that most people that learn English as a second language learn British English.

It's not just the accent that is thick and difficult to understand... the colloquialisms and slang are VERY thick and difficult to decipher.

I you watched a show with realistic southern American Cajun accents you'd probably be lost and straining as well.

Stop trying to act all superior. It's a real issue. I remember the first time I watched "Beautiful Thing" ... it was at least half an hour into it before I could really understand what they were saying, before my ear got used to the accent (the lower-class cockney accent in particular is VERY difficult for the American ear to decipher). The sayings, slang, and such make it just that much more difficult because it's so unfamiliar.

[quote]English is English. Who cares about the accent? You're supposed to understand your own language.

That's the most ignorant thing I've ever heard.

Good lord, what kind of complete moron would actually think that's true?

r65, why is it "so unfamiliar"? What sort of bubble have you been living in?

The US and the UK... two people separated by a common language.

I think the American version is better. I think the American Ian is hotter than the British one and the straight British brother is hotter than the American Lip. Plus I had a difficult time with some of the British slang. I had to have the words on the bottom of the screen to understand them. Why can't they speak English?

UK ctors have fallen in love with their gutteral, mush mouthed local dialects over the past 20 years.

In the past. most local accents portrayed on UK TV were understandable. I had no problem with the locals in All Creatures Great and Small, or in understanding Scottish characters or Geordie or Scouse characters on UK-produced tv shows.

But over the past 20 years, actors have gone over the top with their accents. It may be cool in the UK, but it's not cool in the US. I don't bother watching shows where the actors overdo their accents. So I'm glad at some of the remakes. Not at all of the remakes, but at some of them.

Coming into this series late, started watching early 2014 before the 4th season aired in the US. Hands down the US version blows away the UK version. The acting and the cinematography are better. Kev and V on the US version are HYSTERICAL and the plot just seems to flow. US actors are also easier on the eye. Couldn't seem to connect with the UK characters.

[quote]The American Kev is ugly...what are you thinking?

He may not be your type, but "ugly" he ain't.

I've watched every episode of both the UK and US versions. They both are quite good. I think the UK version is much more raw than the US and that may put some people off.

For those of you who are saying that the UK's Ian isn't as good looking, that may be true but he does have his qualities.

Here's a screenshot from a scene that Gerard Kearns did after Shameless called Mark Of Cain.

And here's Elliott Tittensor, who played Carl, all grown up.

And I just came across this pick of the fella that played Lip in the UK, Jody Latham, and Elliott Tittensor together.

Not so ugly.

Jody Latham was gorgeous. Although there's something sexy/ugly/hot about the US Lip.

As for Carl, the jury's obviously out for a few more years. But the UK Carl grew up quite nicely.

Which has more cock?

Well, judging from some of the photos I've seen Elliott Tittensor, the UK's Carl has enough cock for everybody. And he's got an identical twin named Luke so there's double the cock!

Look for Elliott in a short gay themed film - "Protect Me From What I Want"

The reason for most remakes are the amount of cursing you guys get away with that we're forced to rescript.But shameless is on a movie channel so i don't know why that was remade. Probably because if it wasn't people would just look up the next episode online and showtime would make no money.

Well, I'm glad they remade it because the UK version is unwatchable to me, and the American version is perfect.

The UK one is soooo much better. The US Shameless has gone to shit. The writers of the US Shameless have done a pretty shitty job after season 3.

They've recycled a few things, but now the US version is going in a different direction and I really like this. This season has been the best yet. Still irreverent and hilarious, but with genuine consequences for their actions. The Mickey and Ian storyline is really pretty terrific, too.

In the American version, which episode is it where Frank finds out that Ian is gay?

R83, Season 2 Episode 8.

I used to prefer the UK version. It was really dark & funny. I thought the US one was so loud & brass like most american comedy. But now I really enjoy the US one. Especially this season. I've been interested in every characters storyline, even the not so exciting ones. I'm never like that with ensemble shows, so this was kind of new to me.

I'm not finished watching the UK episodes, so I can't weigh in, and am obviously late anyway.

But I'm entranced by Aaron McCusker who plays the UK's Jamie Maquire.

That is all.

The American one jumped the shark when Joan Cusack became obsessed with dildos.

The UK remade Fargo and called it Happy Valley and you didnt see Americans get all hot under the collar about it.

US version is much better. I wasn't sure I would be able to get into the British original, however, I am catching up on it on Netflix, as I stumbled across it looking to watch episodes of the U Shameless, but, it is not on Netflix right now.

I am finding that the US version copied the same storyline from the very beginning. Not sure if the US version went more on its own as it has progressed, or if it continued to ape the UK show. Guess I will find out the further into the UK version I watch.

US version's Fiona is much hotter, and her character (played by the gorgeous Emmy Rossum!)is more interesting, and likeable. Along those same lines, Lip (played by Jeremy Allen White), is much more witty, tougher, and way better in the US version. Even smaller players like Carl are more enjoyable to watch in the US version. I am looking forward to meeting Micky Milkovich(MacGuires ?? in the UK show I guess) in the UK show ... he is one of the best characters in the US version, so I am hoping he is just as good on the UK version.

British. But then, I'm British!

I think, perhaps, some of the references in the dialogue might get lost in America (and perhaps the same the other way around) that could reduce enjoyment? Every single line in the British show is on point and refers to some more or other, some tabloid event or other, etc.

American Lip is so, so sexy.

I've seen both versions and I like the British version somewhat better. The American version can be too disgusting for me at times. Sometimes I can't even watch Frank because William Macy is so good at making him look and act horrible.

I don't like how they've had so many scenes about the younger kids and sexuality. I don't tend to be a prude, but I think they're too young for that type of story line.

Well r89, you haven't got much basis for comparison here if you haven't even been introduced to the Maguire family. They come along relatively early in the series.

UK Micky is awesome. He's a power bottom that becomes the main source of comic relief, more or less. Mimi is hilarious too.

Personally I couldn't get into the US version. Mostly for the reasons r33 and r92 cite - Frank is too cruel. Also because it's a shade too close to being a CW-esque teen drama for my liking. I'm glad it's doing well though.

I agree with you r81, but somewhere around season 7 or 8 the UK one really went downhill, unfortunately. Seasons 2-5 were gold.

[quote]The American one jumped the shark when Joan Cusack became obsessed with dildos.

Uh, she was obsessed wit dildos form the get-go. It wasn't an interest she picked up along the way.

Frank was more detestable in the UK version, I believe. At least with the American Frank, you could find some humor in his antics.

FYI: Showtime has just renewed "Shameless" for another season

The Gallaghers, et al, were nearly all destestable last night. Fiona, Ian, and Lip were the only exceptions.

Mickey was the worst. No, Sami. No, Mickey.

I love it. Welcome back, Shameless.

Where the fuck was Mandy?!

I'm kind of neutral as I'm neither Brit nor Yank (Aussie here.) But I gotta go with the British one. The US is good, but UK is more raw and disgustingly funny. The accents and slang never really bothered me, as we Aussies get a mixture of both US and UK English and our own. (Imagine that!) Though the US is a bit more censored when it starts out. I find UK Frank more likable because he does at least seem to care for his family........In his own fucked up way. But still. As for Ian's "going straight" storyline. He's actually pansexual. So, yeah.

I'm a Kiwi and I have to go with the Aussie on this one. The UK one is better and funnier. I haven't found a show where the US version was as good yet.

I don't have any trouble with the accents, but sometimes I find it very hard to understand people from the USA South, so I can get where it might be hard for Americans to understand some of the stronger UK accents.

As an unbiased Aussie, for once the Yanks have done it better than the Poms.....

American Shameless

Reason :Nothing specific.I just like American version much better

I prefer the UK version all the way. It just feels much more realistic, and to me it's more funny and interesting. The US one just isn't believable to me for some reason. The British one is raw and gritty but still has the humour and great characters to pull you through it all. I think the actors are much better in the UK version as well, too.

Gotta add that the British one is MUCH racier and just much more believable. I can't understand why it would be "unwatchable" to anyone. I guess you just can't relate to people whose accents are different from yours? PS. Just turn the subtitles on, honestly, not hard. UK version ALL the way.

Pretty obvious that the UK version is better.

Brit is better. If people have a problem with the dialogue, it's not the accent they don't understand, it's the slang terms. And too dude harping peeps, calling them idiots for not understanding a thick Manchester accent because "English isn't his first language and HE could understand it just fine," yadda yadda: Lemme guess, you came from a country colonized by the Brits? Ya, that's what I thought. You prob learned English from a Brit. But once again, it's the slang that presents the biggest problem for some Americans, not so much the accent.

Definitely the American version. And I'm British. I think most British shows are usually better, but the US shameless wins hands down. The actors are much much better, Especially Mickey (Noel Fisher), Ian (Cameron Monaghan), Fiona, Lip, Carl etc. They're just all better! I like Rebecca Ryan who is in the UK shameless but I think Emma Kenney suits and plays the role of Debbie better. Noel and Cameron are both straight actors and they absolutely nailed the relationship of Mickey and Ian. The chemistry was amazing! I was actually quite surprised when I found out they were both straight. I think the US version is more believable and the actors just work fantastically together. I don't get that feel with the UK version. So for me, and I think most other people, the American Shameless wins, hands down.

It's kinda obvious I'd have thought, but the American one.

The US. Actors are way way way way way better. All of them. The UK actors make me cringe with their acting sometimes. Ugh. Though I'll admit, most UK versions are better. But the American shameless wins hands down here.

By the looks of it most people think the US version is better. I And I've got to say I think I agree. It's more believable and exciting. The Ian/Mickey storyline is my favourite at the moment and the UK version kinda let me down there. But the US version just kept getting more exciting, and better and better.

How is this even a question? Everyone knows it's the American version. Lots of British shows are better, but with Shameless there's just no question. The US one, obviously.

American. The British one is close to unwatchable, so cringey! They can't act half as well as the US actors. The US actors make it really believable, the UK one is just no good!

I agree with most people here. American is better. The UK one isn't believable, the acting is bad. The US one is great!

Any cock?

I just started watching the UK version tonight on Pluto TV and I love it after one episode, especially Anne-Marie Duff.

Have to go with British, mostly because I adore James McEvoy. Although Macy Does rule in the American version....Yeah, this is wishy-washy, but so much of life is you know?