SummaryAward-winning actress Laura Linney stars and produces dark comedy from Showtime about a suburban wife and mother diagnosed with cancer.
Created By:Darlene Hunt
The Big C
Season 1 Premiere:
Aug 16, 2010
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
My Score
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All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
64% Positive
30 Reviews
30 Reviews
34% Mixed
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
2% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Apr 29, 2013
100
These final episodes overflow with love, compassion and one lesson we all can take to heart: Cathy lived.
Apr 29, 2013
80
While there are times when it’s no easier to watch, the certainty of the end seems to give the show more focus.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
67% Positive
92 Ratings
92 Ratings
10% Mixed
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
23% Negative
31 Ratings
31 Ratings
Jan 9, 2026
10
The subject matter made me watch. I was glad there were moments of silliness and overall ridiculousness. It provided the much needed levity.
My mother passed away from cancer. I was able to relate to the many emotions one goes through when you see a loved one wither away before your eyes.
Jan 29, 2026
1
This started very strong, loved the few few. Then it got about as wicked as wicked can. Like let's see how many sins we can possibly commit but act like we are spiritually in touch. The selfishness is INSANE! As a cancer survivor myself, it honestly is horrid. I'm having to MAKE myself watch at this point simply because I'm no quitter LOL. The cussing is INSANE and the way the 16 year old boy is acting, mortifying.
80
Linney and this role were made for each other. There are a few problems with The Big C. Occasionally, the tone veers off course into forced comic absurdity. But my cavils are irrelevant in the face of Linney's extraordinary work.
70
Such soft areas, and a feeling of forced quirkiness, keep Big C from being a Class A series. Still, it's a show that, like Cathy, almost certainly will find its footing as time goes on and, like terminal illness, undoubtedly will provide a few surprises before the end.
60
In general, there's a pat, familiar quirkiness to The Big C that keeps you at a remove from it, and too many easy appeals to your emotions.... Still, with Linney at the heart of The Big C, there's reason to think that the series will improve.
25
In The Big C, cancer is simply an excuse to sell the vicarious thrill of on-screen narcissism.
Nov 17, 2025
1
I can't imagine she doesn't watch this now and cringe. Don't worry, we choose to remember your wonderful performance in Ozark.
Nov 22, 2025
0
This show does everything it can to show each sin man can commit. While trying to say it is something "spiritual". By season 3 the deviance knows no bounds. Can't watch this anymore.
Production Company:
- Perkins Street Productions
- Farm Kid
- Original Film
- Sony Pictures Television
Initial Release Date:Aug 16, 2010
Number of seasons:4 Seasons
Rating:TV-MA
Awards
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Satellite Awards
• 2 Wins & 6 Nominations
Primetime Emmy Awards
• 1 Win & 6 Nominations
