Once you start watching, you literally cannot stop. Shameless portrays the realities of life and here are five lessons I learned from it.

1. It is okay to cut out toxic people, even family.

Fiona finally did it. She finally stood her ground with Frank and denied him her liver. She knew Frank was toxic and continuing to give him what he wanted all the time added fuel to that fire.

2. Sometimes life causes you to grow up too fast.

From a young age, Debbie has had to deal with problems that no child should. Drugs, alcohol, mental illnesses, men, and pregnancy. Debbie has been through it all with her family. Yet, she never gives up. She’s mad when she needs to be mad, she fights when she needs to fight, and she loves when she needs to love.

3. Everyone is fighting a battle.

Ian’s struggle with bi-polar disorder gave attention to mental illness. The show put it like it is, raw and real. Life is a daily up and down battle for Ian. It is something that needs to be known and respected so that those suffering can get proper help.

4. Good friends are a must.

Fiona and V go through ups and downs in their friendship, but no matter what they are always there for one another.

5. You determine your future.

Carl turned from street corner drug dealer to future police officer. He landed himself a year in juvenile prison after a drug deal gone bad but turned his future around when he became interested in being an officer and got himself in military school.