Showtime renews 'Shameless' for an eighth season

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Showtime says it has ordered a 12-episode, eighth season of Shameless to air in 2017.

The Chicago-set series is a re-make of a British comedy-drama about a financially struggling, dysfunctional family. The American version stars William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum, and wrapped up its seventh season this week. Its ensemble also includes Jeremy Allen White, Ethan Cutkosky, Shanola Hampton, Steve Howey, Emma Kenney, Cameron Monaghan and Isidora Goreshter.

"As Season 7 of Shameless came to an end, the Gallaghers dealt with the loss of one of their own, and grappled with mixed feelings about their grief," a news release noted. "Fiona had to once again care for Frank in his time of need, while Frank had a new scheme in mind."