Synopsis
The Big C is a dark comedy-drama that follows Cathy Jamison, a reserved suburban teacher whose life is upended when she’s diagnosed with terminal cancer. Determined to embrace life on her own terms, Cathy sheds her inhibitions, confronts her family’s dysfunction, and pursues joy and spontaneity in unexpected ways. Blending humour with heartbreak, the series explores resilience, transformation, and the beauty of living boldly in the face of mortality.
Brian d’Arcy James joins The Big C in Season 3 in a recurring guest role as Tim, who becomes involved in a complex and unconventional relationship arc with Sean.
Reviews
“The Big C is indeed a darkly comical and affirming antidote to the pink-ribbon and yellow-bracelet platitudes that have defined the modern cancer experience. Buoyed by scalpel-sharp writing and even keener performances, it walks a fine line of having it both ways.”
The Washington Post
“Linney imbues Cathy with an affability that belies both the fact that she’s dying and the fact that she’s kind of a Debbie Downer at times. Even as she makes questionable choices, Cathy remains sympathetic because Linney shades the character in impressive ways.”
Newsweek
“I thought the writing and the acting (which is never the problem of this show) were so much stronger than the majority of what we’d seen, and I won’t lie: My eyes were wet at the end. Maybe it was predictable, but it was still effective.”
The A.V. Club
“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.”
Common Sense Media