Emmy Rossum to Explore Sex While Parenting William H. Macy in Shameless

Whether or not you've seen the award-winning British drama series Shameless, you'll likely enjoy Showtime's adaptation this winter. That is, if you are a fan of serious film actors crossing over into premium cable under the skilled wing of an expert showrunner (John Wells, whose credits include ER and West Wing) working his magic on a comically dysfunctional-yet-heartwarming series.

Showtime's Shameless features William H. Macy as a working class single father who boozes through the day and defers to his harried daughter Fiona -- played by Emmy Rossum -- to raise herself and her six brothers and sisters as they beg, borrow and steal to support the family. Like the U.K.'s Frank Gallagher (played by David Threlfall), Macy's Frank Gallagher is an unemployed former convict who finds difficulty caring for his rag-tag brood, but feels comfortable preaching about the prejudices against the poor from a bar stool.

Both Macy and Rossum seem like they have the potential for Emmy nominations -- particularly Rossum, who looks more than convincing as overworked, under-appreciated teenager playing mom -- and if the show finds an audience, Shameless could last 8 seasons like its U.K.-based series. In the meantime...

VERDICT: Sold -- not only on the American version but tempted to track down the British original.