Two New Ones for Showtime

Via Variety.com

Showtime will premiere new series "Shameless" with William H. Macy and "Episodes" with Matt LeBlanc on back-to-back nights in January

"Shameless," which co-stars Emmy Rossum and is exec produced by John Wells and Paul Abbott, will launch Jan. 9 at 10 p.m. "Episodes," will bow Jan. 10 at 10:30 p.m., following the season-four premiere of "Californication."

Adapted from a long-running Blighty series, "Shameless" stars Macy as a heavy-drinking, working-class dad of six, the oldest of which is played by Rossum. "Episodes" will help illustrate the possibilities and perils of bringing a U.K. series to the U.S: LeBlanc plays a version of himself starring in an adaptation of a highbrow British show into an American sitcom.

I've heard the positive reviews in regards to the British original of "Shameless" but haven't really given it the opportunity it deserves. The fact that William H. Macy has signed on is a good sign. I feel he's an actor that can bring creditability to any production.

As far as the Matt LeBlanc show, sign me up! I always felt Joey was the funniest of the Friends' characters, despite the spin-off show and never really had a fair shot to try something else. I'm really interested to see how he does with this role.

Undoubtedly both will be given a fair shot and a great time slot. Let's see what happens in the new year.