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Season 1 – The Big C

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Big C Aug 2010 Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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74% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Acclaimed actress Laura Linney stars in this comedy-drama as Minneapolis schoolteacher Cathy Jamison, whose reserved, structured way of life is turned upside down after she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Gone are the days of pleasing everyone else; now, for the first time in her life, she is going to choose the path that most suits her needs. And that means, in part, telling her immature husband, spoiled son and outspoken brother to grow up. Cathy, meanwhile, wants to act up ... and along the way she forms new bonds with some unexpected people.
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The Big C — Season 1

The Big C — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The Big C is an unconventional and finely contoured drama, with moments of uplift and humor.

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Critics Reviews

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Stuart Jeffries Guardian Everyone is smug, slick, spoiled and mired in sentiment. Jan 10, 2019 Full Review Kevin Fallon The Atlantic At once warmly relatable and darkly humorous; a series of deadpanned one-liners, sight gags, and quirky characters orbiting around a woman who is silently dealing with the reality of terminal illness. Jan 3, 2019 Full Review Tim Goodman San Francisco Chronicle Despite Linney's considerable charms, the role is too thin and unbelievable to fully tap her talent -- and viewers will find little reason to root for her character. Rated: 2/4 Jan 3, 2019 Full Review Kari Croop Common Sense Media If there were an upside to cancer, this exceptionally acted dramedy would be it. Above all, it offers leading lady and executive producer Linney smart material that she can really sink her teeth into. Rated: 4/5 Jan 10, 2019 Full Review Tom Gliatto People Magazine Linney is a coolly intelligent actress with a leveling gaze and a beautifully controlled voice that can coddle or crush. So, no, this isn't a liberated madcap -- just a woman finally giving in to intuition and, maybe, joy. Jan 3, 2019 Full Review Jose Solís PopMatters The emotional toll might as well be applied to any other life altering event, then again this is only one season and by the end of it, it achieves what any first season wants to do: it leaves you craving for more. Rated: 6/10 Oct 3, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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E F Loved - binged in one afternoon. I laughed, I cried and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Casting is perfect. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/27/25 Full Review Audience Member An uplifting yet depressing comedy-drama with an extraordinary turn from Laura Linney. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Big C — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Laura Linney

Cathy Jamison

Oliver Platt

Paul Jamison

John Benjamin Hickey

Sean

Phyllis Somerville

Marlene

Gabriel Basso

Adam Jamison

Gabourey Sidibe

Andrea

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Aug 16, 2010 Pilot After being diagnosed with melanoma, a woman tries to juggle the demands of her life. Details Episode 2 Aired Aug 23, 2010 Summer Time Cathy begins to appreciate her body; Paul wants to see a couples therapist; Adam tries to run away to soccer camp. Details Episode 3 Aired Aug 30, 2010 There's No C in Team Cathy plans a dinner party and signs up for a support group; Paul makes a romantic gesture; Marlene discovers Cathy's secret. Details Episode 4 Aired Sep 13, 2010 Playing the Cancer Card Cathy cashes out her retirement savings and buys a convertible; Paul loves rugby; Marlene helps Adam. Details Episode 5 Aired Sep 20, 2010 Blue-Eyed Iris Cathy tries to feel sexier by meeting someone new; Adam is caught watching pornography; Paul is injured; Sean fights for his building. Details Episode 6 Aired Sep 27, 2010 Taking Lumps Cathy calls upon Lenny for help; Sean moves to his sister's backyard; Paul and Adam compete in a bathtub race. Details Episode 7 Aired Oct 4, 2010 Two for the Road Sean reacts badly to Cathy's news; Adam gets drunk and vomits on Marlene's lawn. Details Episode 8 Aired Oct 11, 2010 Happy Birthday, Cancer Lenny invites Cathy to the Bahamas for her birthday; Paul throws a surprise party; Sean and Rebecca start a fling; Adam finds a disoriented Marlene. Details Episode 9 Aired Oct 18, 2010 The Ecstasy and the Agony Dr. Todd tells Cathy she has been rejected from the clinical trial; Sean sets up Marlene; Adam and Andrea fight; Paul makes a discovery. Details Episode 10 Aired Oct 25, 2010 Divine Intervention Cathy visits Andrea's home; Marlene gets help around the house; Rebecca and Sean call it quits; Adam apologizes to Andrea; Cathy confesses to Paul. Details Episode 11 Aired Nov 1, 2010 New Beginnings Cathy, Marlene and Rebecca have an unusual lunch; Paul seeks support from his co-workers; Rebecca dooms her relationship; Adam meets someone. Details Episode 12 Aired Nov 8, 2010 Everything That Rises Must Converge Dr. Todd and Cathy look into non-traditional treatment; Paul is overly supportive; Sean gives Adam relationship advice. Details Episode 13 Aired Nov 15, 2010 Taking the Plunge Cathy gets the results of the bee treatments. Details

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The Big C — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Tricia Brock, Michael Lehmann
Screenwriter
Mark Kunerth, Cara DiPaolo, Jenny Bicks, Darlene Hunt
Network
Paramount+ with Showtime
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Aug 16, 2010