Where Is “Shameless” Filmed?

Love the Showtime series Shameless? The well-loved show recently ended its production run after 11 seasons and s string of award noms and wins. If you are interested in the question of where is “Shameless” filmed, read on as we point out the series’ filming locations in Chicago, Illinois. And if you’d like to find venues in Chicago or in hundreds of towns and cities across the US, Peerspace is a great option. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace has thousands of venues available for events and productions in Chicago alone. Check us out to see what we have available near you!

This is not the American Dream

“Shameless” is an American dramatic TV series starring William H. Macy as drug- and alcohol-addicted Frank Gallagher. He is the neglectful father to six children in a poor neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Actress Emmy Rossum plays his oldest daughter, Fiona Gallagher, who does her best to raise her five siblings in her parents’ absence.

The title of the show refers to the quality of abject poverty experienced by the Gallagher family. A recent article in Flood magazine describes the series’ “depiction of the struggling class in Chicago as a most honest and accurate dissertation of urban abjection in popular culture. The show is not for the faint of heart. It is an unapologetic discussion of urban poverty in America — raw, honest, and dark, employing humor to offset the bleakness. Its aesthetic is filth. John Wells produced the series for Showtime, which ran from 2011 to 2021.

Where do the Gallaghers live in Chicago?

The answer to the question where is “Shameless” filmed is the south side of Chicago, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. This is an industrial and residential area near the former Union Stock Yards. While they filmed exterior shots in Chicago, they filmed interior scenes on a Warner Brothers Studio lot. In a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, Showrunner John Wells said that “for a decade, cast members have braved the elements — including a particularly brutal winter in 2011 — to shoot exterior scenes (in Chicago) to make the series more authentically Chicago.”

As an example, they filmed the Gallaghers’ house exterior at a real Chicago home. An article in Distractify notes that “If you’re ever in the neighborhood, the TV house is located at 2119 South Homan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60623. The homeowners even pinned a note to the door which reads as follows: “Shameless fans, you are welcome to come inside the gate and take pictures on the porch. Donations in the bucket are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.”

Filming on the south side of Chicago

If you are looking for a venue similar to where is “Shameless” filmed, Peerspace has hundreds of options in Chicago. Consider this Bridgeport Vintage Home with Romantic Charm and Elegance (pictured above) which is in a nearby south side neighborhood to the house in Shameless.

The owners describe it as a “Great setting for a quaint dinner or a garden party. Perfect for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, proposal dinners, dinner parties, photography shoots, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, sweet 16 parties, cooking demonstrations, and more! There is a full kitchen, full catering services, BYOB. There is also a bedroom suite where you can get ready for your event. The backyard includes a deck with a gas grill, intimate seating on the upper level and a romantic garden with string lighting and a fire pit area.”

Let’s face it: this Peerspace venue is admittedly much nicer than the “Shameless” house! However, it shares the south side of Chicago neighborhood. If you film exterior shots here, they can be just as gritty as the hit show.

The Alibi Room: Frank’s second home

Another frequently used location in “Shameless” is the Alibi Room Bar, a favorite hangout of Frank’s. They shot both the exteriors and interiors on the Warner Brother lot in Los Angeles. And yet, there are similar Chicago bars that could stand-in for the Alibi Room for productions or events. Peerspace is an excellent resource for venues in Chicago, whether you’d like to rent them by the hour for a shoot or if you want to plan a private party or event.

For instance, how about this Wicker Park Intimate Bar/Live Performance Venue (above) in Chicago? It includes everything you need for a great event or shoot. “Our intimate bar and live performance venue in Wicker Park is the perfect location to host your next event. Great for happy hours, birthday parties, fundraisers, company outings, live music, various live performances, holiday parties, team outings, and more, our flexible and well-equipped space is the perfect setting for you and your guests to have a great time. Features include a Sound system; Large video screen and projector; TVs throughout the venue; WiFi; Stage with lights; Microphone(s), cords, speakers, monitors; Full bar w/great selection of beer and liquor; Free Popcorn!”

Another Chicago bar with lots of atmosphere is this New Orleans theme bar in Wrigley. It has a lot of dark wood, exposed brick, and an actual bar that looks like it’s been there for 100 years. Its Peerspace hosts describe it as “Located in the heart of lake view area in Chicago with New Orleans fun and cozy vibe. The string lights, Mardi Gras decoration, and hanging beads express the theme of celebrating. In addition to the lively set up of the place, Karaoke can bring another fun touch to your experience. We offer New Orleans cajun fare, fun cocktails, craft beers and more. join us for your next party! With light streaming in through the wall of windows, it would make an excellent venue for a “Shameless”-themed film shoot.

Where is Shameless filmed? Conclusion

By now, you know the pertinent information on where they filmed the series “Shameless.” And remember, if you’re looking for production spaces in Chicago or beyond, rely on Peerspace. From the gritty to the glam and everything in between, we have the venues to bring your production to life!

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