When cable fans think of good shows and favorite programming, NBC hasn’t really enterted the picture for quite some time. NBC has had some good programming to offer, but most people have been more satisfied with the shows they found through Fox, USA, AMC, the CW and other channels that are carrying hit series. 

NBC was almost a forgotten relic of the past, but recently, the network seems to have turned itself around. Now, it is leading in the viewer ratings department, offering programming that is highly anticipated by millions of viewers every week. Some of these shows have accumulated a fan base that numbers in the millions on a regular basis, putting NBC back on the ratings map and giving viewers an even better selection to watch. 

NBC has stepped out of its comfort zone to offer shows that it doesn't normally carry. Although there has been no solid word on the making of a new series, the recent airing of a pilot well-received. The pilot was ordered for a remake of “The Munsters”, and  if the ratings for that pilot are an indicator, NBC could have another hit series on its hands, to stand with the others it now touts. If NBC is going for the ratings, it could announce the first season of “Mockingbird Lane” very soon.
 
The remake was discussed and almost rejected by NBC decision makers. However, Bryan Fuller, the creator of “Pushing Daisies”, finally got his wish, and NBC allowed him the leeway he needed to make a delightfully dark and twisted version of the original. In true Fuller fashion, the Munsters were seen through modern eyes, with a new twist on the family dynamics and just enough gore to distinguish the differences between the Munsters and other families. The success of the pilot was debated after the failure of two other remake attempts in past years by the same channel. 

NBC also took a chance with a series it now carry  called “Grimm”. The show has grown in viewer ratings since it’s advent and now enjoys success on a larger scale than the first season achieved. 

NBC is also home to “Once Upon A Time” and “Revolution”. “Once Upon A Time” has been enjoyed by children and parents, alike, and is billed as a family-friendly show for all ages. It puts old story tale characters in a new setting, namely this world, and takes them out of a land that may be too old for younger generations to relate to. Children are able to see their favorite characters come to life in a modern setting. 

“Revolution” takes a hard, honest look at the realistic repercussions of a world-wide power outage that has lasted for more than a decade. This portrayal of human nature and survival comes after everything that runs on batteries dies after a mysterious blackout. Without the established authorities in place to handle such a wide-scale failure, it comes down to each man for himself.

With all the new, hit programming, the place to be is NBC. 

“Shameless” is a dramady about the Great Recession that airs on Showtime. It recently got a stay of execution and has announced its third season.

 
“Shameless” depicts a father that is very proud of his children, but as an alcoholic, he doesn’t have much to offer them. Frank Gallagher has six children to raise in Chicago during the Great Depression, but all he can seem to manage to do is drink what little money they do have away. The children do manage to grow up around their father’s hijinks, so they are able to get through these difficult moments. “Shameless” comes on at 9 pm on Showtime. The third season premier will be on January 13, 2013. 


In this irreverent and unapologetic take on one of the worst economic downturns in American history, William H Macy plays the part of Frank Gallagher, the single, alcoholic parent of six bright children. Frank Gallagher is trying to make ends meet by becoming a drug mule, while his children come up with legal and not-so-legal schemes to get rich quick.

 
The show is an adaptation of a British show by the same name. It may be an interesting comparison to see how another culture portrays one of the most desperate chapters in American history. 


Emmy Rossum plays the part of Fiona Gallagher, the oldest daughter of Frank Gallagher. Fiona cannot rely on her unreliable father, and she cannot rely on her mother since her mother left her father. This left Fiona in a position that she resented greatly, and it showed in her attitude toward both her parents. When she was old enough, Fiona moved out of the country, leaving her siblings to look after themselves. While she moved away, she didn’t lose touch and she has kept in contact with these children as they struggle to make their own way through the mess their parents have left. It is later discovered she is pregnant from one man while living with another, and that she may be into some very illegal activities. 


Her siblings are played by Ethan Cutkosky, Johnny Bennet, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan and Jeremy Allen White. Ethan Cutkosky plays Carl Gallagher, Johnny Bennet plays Liam Gallagher, Emma Kenney plays Debbie Gallagher, Cameron Monaghan plays Ian Gallagher and Jeremy Allen White plays Lip Gallagher. 


Through the last two seasons, these children have helped portray a landscape of poverty and need that pits wits against empty stomachs. While there is some parody in it, the story line revolves around harsh truths of the era, and a portrayal of the ceaseless struggle for necessities that these children have to suffer through.

 
William H Macy has played roles in “The Lincoln Lawyer”, “Marmaduke”, “The Tale of Despereaux” and “Family Man”. He has agreed to play roles in the upcoming productions “A Single Shot”, “Trust Me”, “Rudderless” and “Fellini Black and White”. 
Whether you watch it for the drama, the comedy or both, “Shameless” Frank Gallagher and his crew of misfits are sure to keep you entertained.