The Chicago-based Showtime dramedy "Shameless" can either be
seen as a small victory for Chicago's TV and film community or a
missed opportunity, depending on how you want to look at it.
The series films most of its exterior scenes in Chicago (unlike
CBS' "The Good Wife" and ABC's "Happy Endings," which are set in
Chicago and filmed elsewhere), but it is mainly shot at Warner
Bros. Studios in the Los Angeles area (unlike NBC's "Chicago
Fire," Starz's "Boss," Fox's "The Mob Doctor" and MTV's
"Underemployed," which are shot entirely here).  Not that you
can really tell from watching "Shameless."  "Shameless" films in
Chicago twice a year, including this month in the North Lawndale
neighborhood and on North Michigan Avenue, usually for five days
at a time. These shots are mixed in with interior scenes and the
occasional exterior scene filmed in the LA area to create a show
that feels as "Chicago" as the four other series that call
Chicago home without actually filming here year round.  It
sounds simple, but it'