Reviews

This is a phenomenal show that just keeps getting better. I'd say the smartest thing they did with this show is to have multiple story lines merged together. If you ever get bored of one character's story (which I have yet to do) you see another one's. The characters are so well developed and the drama is enticing. Even the temporary cast (the contestants) have intriguing stories. But the women who run the reality show have stolen my heart. Strong, powerful, smart women in charge makes this show actually female-friendly compared to the type of show they produce. I'm not a fan of reality shows but this almost satirical take on them is my new guilty pleasure.

The second season, without giving any spoilers, was incredibly woman- powered and strong-female centric.

I hope this show continues to succeed because the actors/actresses, producers, directors, writers, everyone involved, are all doing a tremendous job.

I've waited 7 season and multiple re-watchings to finally write this review. This is one of my favorite shows ever made. All of the characters have so much depth and the actors do a phenomenal job building and portraying them. This is another one of those shows that just does a fantastic job in keeping up with many characters so that you never get bored with one person's story.

Some people have complained that it went downhill in the current season (7) but I actually think it was incredibly dynamic. Many of the characters' stories got far deeper than they ever have before and it got real.

As for the characters:

Frank--William H. Macy does a beautiful, dark portrayal of the patriarch of the Gallagher family. He's an asshole who keeps things interesting.

Fiona--some people have mixed feelings on her but Emmy Rossum portrays this character so strongly. She's the oldest sister who holds the family together at all costs and makes sacrifices that many could never do. Plus, who doesn't love her accent and kick-butt attitude?

Lip--Oh, Lip. My favorite character. Jeremy Allen White is absolutely brilliant as the brains of the family--the schemer with the biggest heart, who usually ends up taking the hit for many of the Gallagher's mistakes.

Ian--Another favorite (let's be honest though, who isn't?). Cameron Monaghan portrays the kid who oftentimes is overlooked, but he's adorable and sweet. I feel like he's had the most growth/development over the course of this series.

Debbie--My least favorite of the Gallagher clan (though not at all due to poor acting) is played by the adorable Emma Kenney. She's the annoying pre-teen/teen girl who always makes excuses for the addict father.

Carl--This kid (played by Ethan Cutkosky) has serious issues but he's incredibly interesting. He's a sociopath that you can't help but adore for some twisted reason.

Liam--The cute little one of the clan, there for adorableness, sympathy, and innocence.

Kev and V--Hilarious duo without which the show would still be phenomenal and yet not nearly as funny or enticing.

I have laughed until my sides literally hurt, cried, jumped in excitement, and binge-watched on many occasions. I will truly be sad when this show has to come to an end but thankfully that time has yet to come. I would highly recommend this to anyone who understands that it airs on Showtime for a reason--it isn't for the whole family.

If you like some drama with a nice mix of intriguing character story lines, humor, and characters with whom you fall in love, watch this show.

First, take other ratings with a grain of salt because many people are simply offended that Alec Baldwin, an actor, hosts this and portrays a satirical Donald Trump on another show (because, you know, he's an actor....).

Second, it comes on at 10 for a reason--it's not for the kids to watch.

But finally, this show is incredibly funny. The guests are not has-beens as petty people have said. They have some of the best guests I've seen who provide hilarious commentary to the show. Alec Baldwin shows off his fantastic wit brilliantly in this fun game show. The banter between him and the celebrity guests actually have my sides hurting from laughter each time I watch, and I'm not someone who laughs at just anything. The fact that the banter isn't scripted makes it impressive, to me, that these celebs can be this funny with such ease. Bravo for a terrific show