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 and Monica rekindle their self-destructive relationship after Frank's mother returns from prison to wreak havoc. Fiona is thrown for a loop when Steve returns from Rio with a surprise. Lip makes big changes in preparation for the arrival of his and Karen's baby. Karen and Sheila clash over Karen's new husband Jody, a good-hearted but weird guy she met in Sexaholics Anonymous. Ian tries to get into West Point. Debbie prepares for the onset of puberty. Kev and Veronica contemplate starting a family.