Cameron Monaghan is Returning to ‘Shameless’ For Season 10 and Here’s Why

In a fun turn of events, it looks like season 9 of Shameless will only bring the permanent departure of one Gallagher sibling. While the season 9 finale will mark Emmy Rossum’s final episode, the recent 10th season renewal has paved the way for a fan-favorite character to return – Cameron Monaghan.

Monaghan, who chose to leave the show in the front half of season 9, has confirmed that he will be returning to the family dramedy in season 10, despite his character having a pretty solid sendoff. So, why the sudden change of heart? At the Television Critics Association winter press tour earlier this week, Monaghan was able to walk TVLine through his Shameless thought process.

[row]“I renewed [my contract] a number of times, and it got to the point where I wanted to step away for creative reasons, as well as business, which many other actors had done on the show years earlier.” And after some “time away” the actor said that he “talked to [showrunner] John Wells about possible things we could do with the character in the future…we got to a place, both creatively and financially, where I felt comfortable coming back. Much of that had to do with what we were going to do with the story. So I’m really excited to be able to go back and do that.”[/row]

The last audiences saw of Monaghan he was serving jail time for his arsonous crime as Gay Jesus. With the support of his family, Ian chose to plead insanity for a shorter sentence and upon entering his cell it was revealed that Mickey had somehow mastered his way to being his roommate.

It was a clean and fan-appreciated bow on Ian’s story that still hinted towards the possibility of him returning once his sentence was up. So, what does this quick change of events mean? Could season 10 have a time jump post-Rossum? Will Ian be let out early? And what about Mickey’s Noel Fisher? When asked if fans should be worrying about the beloved couple’s future, Monaghan wasn’t able to give much, but he did give something.

[row]“That is a question for Noel and the producers, but I don’t know if ‘worrying’ is the right way to say that.”[/row]

However, he is hoping that Ian’s story in season 10 lends itself more towards Ian’s own identity rather than just a relationship.

[row]”Instead of just looking for a relationship or resolving relationship conflict to instead be working on himself and focusing on that capacity. I think it’s interesting that he worked his way up, got his life on track, and then completely kind of wrecked it, unfortunately. Some of that wasn’t fully his fault. But I think that seeing him really learn to lead the family, take care of himself and be on the straight and narrow, and how to work with that would be a very interesting arc for him. So I’d like to see something outside of just him searching and being single.[/row]

Monaghan will be back as a series regular when Shameless returns for season 10. What are your thoughts on his return? Let us know! Shameless is currently airing on Showtime every Sunday at 9/8c.