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Entertainment • TV Series

The Big C

The Big C is an American comedy-drama television series created by Darlene Hunt and starring Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison, a Minneapolis schoolteacher diagnosed with terminal melanoma.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Big C is an American comedy-drama television series created by Darlene Hunt and starring Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison, a Minneapolis schoolteacher diagnosed with terminal melanoma. The series follows Cathy as she keeps her diagnosis from her family and tries to live more freely. It originally aired on Showtime from 2010 to 2013 and ran for four seasons.

Premise

The series follows Cathy Jamison after she learns she has terminal cancer. Instead of telling her family at first, she begins making impulsive choices and rethinking her life and relationships.

Production

The Big C was created by Darlene Hunt and produced as an American English-language series. IMDb lists filming in Stamford, Connecticut, and identifies several production companies involved in the series.

Broadcast history

The show aired on Showtime for four seasons from 2010 to 2013. It has also been distributed on streaming services including Netflix. In Canada, the series aired on Super Channel.

Reception and awards

The series received awards recognition, including multiple nominations and wins listed by IMDb. It is also described by streaming and review services as a comedy-drama or dark comedy.

Key facts

  • The series centres on Cathy Jamison, a Minneapolis schoolteacher diagnosed with terminal melanoma.
  • Cathy initially hides her diagnosis from her husband, son, and brother.
  • The show combines comedy and drama, with a focus on Cathy’s changing priorities after her diagnosis.
  • It premiered on Showtime on August 16, 2010, and ended on May 20, 2013.
  • The series was created by Darlene Hunt and stars Laura Linney in the lead role.
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Canadian context

The series aired in Canada on Super Channel, according to the French-language Wikipedia entry, making it familiar to Canadian viewers through premium television and later streaming availability.[7][12]

Frequently asked questions

What is The Big C about?
It follows Cathy Jamison, a Minneapolis teacher diagnosed with terminal melanoma, as she keeps the diagnosis from her family and reorders her life.
Who created The Big C?
The series was created by Darlene Hunt.
Who stars in The Big C?
Laura Linney stars as Cathy Jamison, alongside Oliver Platt, Gabriel Basso, John Benjamin Hickey, and Gabourey Sidibe.
How many seasons does The Big C have?
The series has four seasons.
When did The Big C first air?
It premiered on August 16, 2010.
Is The Big C based on a true story?
No. Netflix describes it as fictional, not based on a true story.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_C_(TV_series)
    Supports: Plot, setting, and main characters
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515193/
    Supports: Creator, premiere date, country, language, filming location, seasons, episodes
  3. Netflixhttps://www.netflix.com/ss/title/70180085
    Supports: Series description, cast, fictional status, and four-season run
  4. Netflix Tudumhttps://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-big-c-release-date-news
    Supports: Premise, creator, setting, and four-season Showtime run
  5. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the-big-c
    Supports: Genre description and premise
  6. Amazon Prime Videohttps://www.amazon.com/The-Big-C-Season-1/dp/B003ZXSNYY
    Supports: Brief premise and character setup
  7. Wikipedia (French)https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_C
    Supports: Canadian broadcast on Super Channel, episode and season counts
  8. IMDb FAQhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515193/faq/
    Supports: Seasons, episodes, premiere/end dates, theme song, awards count