When Shameless first aired in 2011, viewers didn’t know what to expect of this U.S. spin on a critically-acclaimed British show. This award-winning series followed the story of Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) and the results of his chaotic parenting.
But the show would soon begin to focus on his oldest daughter, Fiona (Emmy Rossum), as she picks up his slack. While Frank spends most of his time at bars, Fiona takes care of her younger siblings. This meant making tough choices to do whatever it takes for the family to survive.
But it wasn’t all alcoholism, drug abuse, and unpaid bills in the Gallagher household. The show earned its title many times over with scandalous sex scenes. From the embarrassing to the even more embarrassing, here are five of the most shocking Shameless sex scenes:
Like father, like daughter
For most families, awkward moments in the kitchen come from family dinners. But Shameless sex scenes continuously proved the Gallaghers weren’t like most families.
Case in point: the time Mike (Jake McDorman) walked in on Fiona & Robbie (Nick Gehlfuss) having sex in the kitchen. Then, they all made eye contact while Robbie was mid-thrust. It didn’t help that Fiona was both an employee of and dating Mike at the time.
Sometimes an itch just needs to be scratched, even when the timing and the location are a little questionable.
Ride or die
Like the time Mickey (Noel Fisher) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) had sex outside next to a pile of rocks. Mickey had just gotten out of prison and, of course, immediately went to see Ian.
Viewers were unsurprised that Ian was Mickey’s first choice. While they’d had a complicated relationship throughout the show, they always found their way back to each other. Many of their reunions made for some of the most memorable Shameless sex scenes.
Some would argue that they didn’t have the healthiest relationship. But even they might have to admit they deserved that post-prison romp on the docks.
A Night to Remem . . . Wait, what?
Fiona is no stranger to mixing bad relationships and great sex. Her connection with Gus is no different. She finds out the musician she’s been talking to has a girlfriend. Naturally, she retaliates by hooking up with his bandmate Gus (Steve Kazee).
All . . . over. . . his. . . apartment!
They say revenge is sweet, but who knew it was also a workout?
Frank the Plank
Also getting a workout? Frank’s prostate. Joan Cusack joins the cast as Sheila, an overbearing mother with a penchant for cooking shows. She also has a bevy of sex toys and a willingness to share them.
Sheila shows Frank the wonders of prostate stimulation. Unfortunately, she’s unable to show him the wonders of not being a jerk. She ends up kicking him out and they go their separate ways. Sometimes things just don’t work out and calling it quits is the best bet.
Where there’s a will. . .
Other times, one has to be willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want. Which is exactly what Veronica (Shanola Hampton) and Kevin (Steve Howey) decide to do.
In light of their conception issues, they decide that Veronica’s mom Carla (Vanessa Bell Calloway) is their best option. That’s how Veronica ends up sitting in the corner of the room while her husband has sex with her mom. Does it make it more or less awkward that Carla’s wearing a bag over her head?
Honorable mention
No raunchy recap is complete without mentioning that one scene from season 9/episode 8, “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Alibi”.
Anyone who thought the show couldn’t outdo itself was proven very wrong when Frank challenged his 17-year old son Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) to a masturbation contest. The test? To see who could finish in under three minutes.
Yeah, that actually happened.
