The Big C (2010)
A darkly funny, deeply human Showtime drama about a woman who chooses to truly live after a terminal diagnosis changes everything.
The Big C - Series Information
- Original Title: The Big C
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Darlene Hunt
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 27 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 16, 2010 (United States - TV-MA), August 16, 2010 (Canada - 14+), August 16, 2010 (United Kingdom - 15), August 16, 2010 (Germany - 18), August 16, 2010 (France - 18), August 16, 2010 (India - U/A 16+), August 16, 2010 (Australia - MA 15+), August 16, 2010 (Brazil - 16), August 16, 2010 (Mexico - A), August 16, 2010 (Spain - 12), August 16, 2010 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Showtime
- Production Companies: Perkins Street Productions, Farm Kid, Original Film, Sony Pictures Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Big C - Plot
A suburban mother faces her cancer diagnosis while trying to find humor and happiness as well.
The Big C - Trailer
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The Big C - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Darlene Hunt
Main Cast
- Laura Linney
- John Benjamin Hickey
- Oliver Platt
- Gabriel Basso
- Phyllis Somerville
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Phill Lewis
- Michael Chernus
- Emily Kinney
- Brian d'Arcy James
Writers
- Jenny Bicks
- Darlene Hunt
- Toni Kalem
Executive Producers
- Michael Engler
- Laura Linney
- Darlene Hunt
- Vivian Cannon
- Neal H. Moritz
The Big C - FAQs
What is The Big C about?
The Big C follows Cathy Jamison, a suburban Minnesota teacher and mother who receives a terminal cancer diagnosis and decides to keep it secret. Rather than surrendering to despair, she begins living more boldly and honestly, finding dark humor and unexpected joy in the face of mortality.
Where can you stream The Big C?
The Big C is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Did Laura Linney win awards for The Big C?
Yes. Laura Linney won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy for her role as Cathy Jamison in The Big C. She also received multiple Emmy Award nominations for the performance, earning widespread critical acclaim throughout the show's run.
Is The Big C based on a true story?
The Big C is not based on a specific true story. Creator Darlene Hunt developed the series as an original work, though the emotional authenticity of Cathy's journey resonated with many viewers and critics who found the portrayal of living with terminal illness remarkably true to life.
Why does The Big C only have 4 episodes in Season 4?
Season 4 of The Big C, subtitled Hereafter, was a condensed four-episode farewell event rather than a full season. Showtime and the creative team chose this format to give the series a proper, emotionally resonant conclusion, wrapping up Cathy's story on their own terms.
Who created The Big C?
The Big C was created by Darlene Hunt, who also served as an executive producer and writer on the series. Hunt developed the show for Showtime, where it aired from 2010 to 2013 across four seasons.
How many seasons and episodes does The Big C have?
The Big C ran for four seasons and 40 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 13 episodes, Season 3 had 10 episodes, and Season 4 — a short farewell event subtitled Hereafter — consisted of 4 episodes.
What is the content rating for The Big C?
The Big C is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. The series contains adult themes including terminal illness, frank discussions of death, strong language, and mature emotional content throughout its run on Showtime.
More About The Big C
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