"Shameless" was adapted from a long-running award-winning British television drama of the same name.[5] HBO began developing an American version of Shameless after striking a deal with John Wells in January 2009.[6] By October 2009 the development had moved to Showtime. John Wells Productions taped a pilot episode for the cable network in December 2009.[7] William H. Macy stars in the lead role as Frank Gallagher.[8] Also joining the cast were former Dragonball Evolution co-stars Emmy Rossum as Fiona and Justin Chatwin as Steve.[9][10] Paul Abbott, whose semi-autobiographical telescript became the pilot episode for the original UK version, is credited as an executive producer on the U.S. version.[3]