The Gallaghers brave another brutal Chicago winter and wait on the medical fate of their permanently pickled patriarch Frank. With oldest daughter Fiona in a stable job and relationship, and newly graduated Lip enrolled in college, it seems like the Gallaghers might finally have a shot at the middle class American dream. But when you're down and out, moving up isn't so easy.

Frank uses his leg injury to collect as many prescription drugs as possible and his exploits lead him to an old friend.

A Gothic story of four siblings who, after the death of their father, are torn from a peaceful life and subjected to abuse resulting from a dark, family secret. Abandoned by their mother and forced to endure unimaginable treatment living in the attic of their grandparents' mansion, the children form their own family unit. But as the oldest boy and girl come of age, they are entrapped by their family's sordid past as they try to survive and escape...

The Conners win the lottery, Roseanne battles terrorists, Dan ponders the meaning of life, Jackie meets her prince, DJ finds love and Darlene gives birth.