Showtime Renews ‘Shameless’ for Season Nine

Just one episode into the current eighth season and Showtime has announced a ninth season renewal for one hour comedy “Shameless.” The series returned last Sunday with its highest-rated premiere since its third season and up 50 percent versus the season seven premiere. Production on season nine of “Shameless” will begin in 2018.

“As challenging as it can be for any show simply to maintain viewers in the current TV landscape, ‘Shameless’ is adding them in droves,” said David Nevins, President and CEO, Showtime Networks, Inc. “But it’s no mystery why. The series’ reputation for rich and resonant characters and for deep – and deeply twisted – comedy has drawn not only faithful longtime viewers, but a steadily growing audience. And creatively, the season that kicked off this past Sunday is stronger than ever.”

Debuting on January 9, 2011, “Shameless” follows the dysfunctional family of Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), a single father of six children. While he spends his days drunk or in search of misadventures, his kids learn to take care of themselves. The number of new episodes ordered has not been confirmed.