The Radio Times described the drama as a Semi-Autobiographical series. It's about a shambolic family living on a Manchester estate. Eldest sister, Fiona, has to look after her five younger siblings after their mother's disappearance and there father became an alcoholic.
Don't know why it has taken me so long but I've just started to watch Shameless from the beginning. Absolutely brilliant. It encapsulates in some 40 odd minutes why British Comedy/Drama is and always will be the very best in the world.
If you've never seen it, try it, you will not regret it.