13 Most Despicable Scumbag Characters In TV History

12. Frank Gallagher - Shameless USA

In Shameless, Frank Gallagher is the scumbag alcoholic dad of six kids; he is extremely selfish and neglects his children to the extent where they just have to take care of themselves. Moreover, Frank illegally collects disability checks and hasn't held a job for years. He's a hero for the recession that we can all be proud of, in other words. He decides to date Sheila Jackson when he finds out she gets disability benefits for her crippling agoraphobia. He has very dogmatic opinions about social issues and the political system, but spends most of his day deliberating how he can cheat the system, as well as how to cheat the people around him to make money. Frank is definitely a despicable scumbag we hate, but love to watch. He is a walking contradiction: compelled by crime and cheating, but never malevolent, and always driven by an over-riding love of his children.