Shameless Ends With Over 1 Million Viewers

Channel 4 comedy drama Shameless bowed out last night with over 1 million viewers in an episode that divided the audience.

Last night’s finale saw the return of several characters such as Lip (Jody Latham), Kev Ball (Dean Lennox Kelly), Carl (Elliott Tittensor), Yvonne (Kelli Hollis) and Fiona in a much publicised return by Anne-Marie Duff.

According to overnight viewing figures the finale was seen by 1.3 million viewers however online opinion was mixed. The final ever episode has left some wanting more, some glad the drama is over and others feeling disappointed in a finale they felt failed to deliver television gold.

The departure of Shameless from Channel 4 leaves a hole in the schedule it may struggle to fill; it was the broadcaster’s longest running drama ever. In recent years Channel 4 has struggled to launch a successful returning series with shows such as Black Mirror being a moderate success compared to the ratings success Shameless enjoyed in its heyday when over 3 million viewers would tune in to see the antics of Frank Gallagher (David Threlfall) and the residents of the Chatsworth Estate.

The American remake starring William H Macy and Emmy Rossum, which airs on Showtime in the states and More4 in the UK, was renewed for a fourth season in January which will air in 2014.