In season 8 the Gallaghers are finally on an upswing! Frank tries to become a contributing member of society, Fiona finds success as a landlord, Lip struggles to stay sober, Ian takes up a cause, and Debbie tries life as a working single mom.

The Gallaghers have always scraped by, but season seven finds some of them finally getting a leg up, with more changes than the Chicago River. When Frank awakens from a coma to learn that his loved ones tossed him in the river, he declares war — Gallagher vs. Gallagher. But Fiona is too busy improving her own life to worry about Frank’s. Gallagher Golden Boy Lip finishes up his time in rehab, and emerges with a new outlook on alcoholism and his future, whereas the once-unstable Ian is now thriving as an EMT and in a comfortable relationship. Debbie is still figuring out how to be a good mom to young Franny, while Carl has some big decisions to face as he enters manhood.

Season three finds each member of the Gallagher family seeking their individual version of the “American Dream.” Jimmy has moved into the Gallagher home, and Fiona is beginning to realize that a long-term relationship isn’t nearly as fulfilling as she expected… and her GED will only get her so far. Meanwhile, Frank reappears south of the border, with no idea how he got there.

Season five finds the Gallaghers dealing with both the upside and downside of personal and urban renewal. As their neighborhood begins a move towards gentrifying, the Gallagher clan begins to reconcile their chaotic past in the hopes of building a better future.

Season six picks up a few months after last season’s finale, as the Gallaghers prepare for yet another long Chicago winter. Frank is still mourning his big loss, while his newfound appreciation for life is freaking the Gallaghers out. This season sees more than just the arctic Lake Michigan winds whipping through the Southside. Carl’s out of juvie. While Fiona struggles with a still-unstable Ian to take his meds, she’s also got another situation looming as Debbie faces a brand new baby-mama-drama.