When Shameless’ executive producer, John Wells, spoke about why Fiona’s story ended the way it did, he did mention the potential for return visits.
Having that as a possibility made the decision not to kill off Fiona make sense.
You know who won’t be around to welcome the newest Gallagher?
Actress Emmy Rossum exited the series at the end of Shameless’ previous season, when Fiona departed for an undisclosed location after saying goodbye to her loved ones.