HBO Joins Remake of British Series Shameless

HBO is teaming with Warner Bros. and writer-producer John Wells on a U.S. version of the British iconic blue-collar TV drama "Shameless," says Vareity.

The move follows protracted talks between the series' creator British screenwriter Paul Abbott, Wells and various U.S. networks in recent years including NBC, which at one point was poised to remake "Shameless" starring Woody Harrelson.

In the British version, set on a public housing estate in the northern English city of Manchester, the leading character is feckless but lovable Frank, an alcohol and drug abuser living on the margins of society who is the head of the chaotic Gallagher clan.