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.

Frank goes missing and turns up in Toronto, tries without success to embrace sobriety, and bends the law to protect his disability checks. Fiona falls for Steve, a handsome player with a nice car, a fat wallet, and a big secret. Ian embraces his sexuality, much to the chagrin of his brainy brother Lip. Debbie goes too far at a child's birthday party. Monica shows up with an announcement about baby Liam.