The phrase identifies a search query for television programs available on the Netflix streaming platform that share thematic or stylistic similarities with the show Shameless. This often encompasses series featuring dysfunctional families, dark humor, explorations of socioeconomic struggles, and morally ambiguous characters.
Understanding audience preferences and facilitating content discovery are key benefits derived from the ability to categorize and identify alternatives to popular programs. Historically, viewers have relied on word-of-mouth and curated lists to find new shows; this search term reflects the shift towards online search and algorithm-driven recommendations.