While both shows follow the story of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, the Shameless US vs UK versions of the show had a lot of differences throughout their respective runs. Starting in 2004, the UK Shameless followed the lower-class Gallaghers led by their useless and troublesome patriarch, Frank. Years later, the US Shameless began with Oscar nominee William H. Macy stepping into the role of Frank with the series premiering on Showtime.