As it goes with many shows listed here and beyond, the beginning of the end started with the exit of a major star.
As one of the most successful UK remakes in some time — at least as far as longevity goes — Showtime’s intoxicant-fueled dramedy Shameless has made household names of most of its cast members, minus the already legendary William H. Macy.
In this case it was Emmy Rossum, who left at the end of Season 9, at which point the show became Showtime’s longest-running series ever.
But rather than cancel Shameless after Season 10, as many expected, the network gave the cast and crew a final season to conclude everyone’s stories in true Gallagher family fashion.