‘Shameless’ season 5, ‘House of Lies’ season 4 official; Showtime renews both shows

Showtime’s big announcement is going to leave a few of you “Shameless” fans shamelessly dancing in the street: The network has decided to pick up the Emmy Rossum series for another season! The series has seen its ratings increase slightly year-to-year, and that is even more impressive when you consider that this is a show that is airing against “The Walking Dead,” and has also competed against the likes of the Super Bowl and the Grammys.

In addition to this show, “House of Lies” is also returning for a season 4, which should satisfy many fans of Don Cheadle and company. The series has posted steady numbers this year, and while it’s not a smash hit, it is one of their highest-rated comedies in an age when they are really looking for the next “Weeds.”

The renewals for both of these shows total 12 episodes, which is about the standard length for any of the shows that Showtime has on their roster. It’s also the length of a season that they gave to “Dexter” during its own eight-season run.

As we get into the later seasons, it does feel like “Shameless” is the show that really has the larger challenge before it. After all, it is the one that is going to struggle with trying to find a way to keep things fresh. How many times can the Gallagher family screw things up? It’s always harder when the main purpose of a show is to focus on characters during a really terrible part of life … especially when these people can hardly be described as good and virtuous.

What’s your reaction to the two shows being renewed, and do you think that one of them is likely to stay on the air longer than the other? Share below, and head over here in the event that you want to get even more TV updates sent to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: Showtime