US Version of Shameless? Lol

HBO to adapt 'Shameless' for US
Tuesday, January 6 2009, 06:46 GMT

By Michael Thornton


US cable network HBO is to remake Channel 4 show Shameless.

An American version of the series starring Woody Harrelson was originally proposed three years ago when creator Paul Abbott met with NBC. However, the project fell through.

HBO official Mike Lombardo acknowledged the challenge presented by the new adaptation, telling TBIvision: "We are developing a US version of Shameless with [The West Wing's] John Wells writing. [The question is] how do you move that show to America and not lose its essence?"

The UK version of the show has aired on BBC America and the Sundance Channel in the US.

The great thing about not owning/watching TV is that if something really crappy exists, you can just pretend that it doesn't.

Really the only way this would affect me is if, during casual conversation, I was talking about the show and had to stop and clarify, "No, the good Shameless. Not the bad one."

I expect they'll water it down heavily, and stretch it out far too long.

But seriously, Wood Harrelson?

There's so much in the UK Shameless that I can't imagine they would dare show in the US, it'll end up a totally different show. Probably be something like My Name Is Earl.