Shameless

In the series premiere, we meet the fabulously dysfunctional Gallagher family. Dad's a drunk, Mom split long ago, and eldest daughter Fiona tries to hold the family together.

When Frank is nowhere to be found on the day his disability check arrives, the family starts a manhunt and panic sets in.

When a government official suspects that someone might be cashing Aunt Ginger's social security checks, the Gallagher's set out to find her before the government does.

After a lonely Debbie steals a little boy from a birthday party, the family hatches a plan to return the toddler safe and sound without attracting attention from the Chicago Police.

Knowing that Kevin is already married, Fiona tries to talk Veronica out of moving forward with the marriage. After Veronica's mother dangles a cash gift for her wedding day as an incentive, however, Fiona and the Gallaghers pitch in to help pull off the (fake) wedding of the year. Steve busies himself on a hunt to steal the perfect Lexus and Fiona finds herself in the passenger seat. Ian and Kash

When a letter from Carl's teacher arrives at the Gallagher home, Fiona is thrown into action to prove it's a suitable domicile for rehabilitating a delinquent.

It's time for Frank to pay the piper -- specifically, the two goons who are demanding their six thousand dollars, or else. This sends Frank into a panic, requiring every brain cell to try to think of a way to get the money fast. He finally stumbles onto a risky solution that might work --provided his family helps him out. Speaking of the Gallagher family, they have their own troubles.

When Frank gives up drinking, Carl and Debbie enjoy having their dad back despite Lip's warning it won't last. Meanwhile, Fiona scrambles to find a better job.

Frank has some settlement money coming his way. The only catch --needs his ex-wife, Monica's signature on the documents.

Monica's return to the family wreaks havoc on the Gallagher clan, leaving the children determined to find out if Frank is their real father. Fiona, disgusted with Monica, moves in with Steve next door and tests the waters of living outside the Gallagher home. Karen decides to trust Eddie and his seeming desire to be close to her when she agrees to join him at the Purity ball. Frank hits a new low

Debbie convinces Fiona to get involved with her Classroom Moms where Fiona finds a new friend in the alluring Jasmine (guest star AMY SMART).

Steve tries to convince Fiona to leave town with him after Tony discovers his true livelihood and threatens him with jail if he doesn't leave. Frank & Karen's secret is discovered.