The Big C

Review

Common Sense Media says

Cancer dramedy is well made but full of mature content.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

AGE
14
QUALITY
 

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this edgy, adult-oriented dramedy centers on a middle-aged woman dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis. The main character has a teenage son and spends a lot of time helping a troubled high school girl, which may attract older teens. If they do watch, they'll see some sexual content (including nudity) and hear some strong, unbleeped language (including "motherf---er" and "c--t"). There are also a few semi-violent incidents involving fake blood, as well as some characters (including teens) who smoke.

  • Positive messages0
    On one hand, the series promotes living honestly in the face of a serious illness and having the courage to make changes in your life. On the other hand, dishonesty and recklessness play a major role in the plot and the characters' actions.
  • Positive role models0
    Most of the show's characters are complex, which makes them overwhelmingly human. For example, the main character keeps her cancer a secret from her family and shirks her responsibilities as a teacher, surfing the Internet during class to shop for couches and swearing at her students. But also fiercely loves her son and takes a genuine interest in a troubled girl in her class.
  • Violence2
    Some arguing and verbal sparring between characters, plus a few instances of "fake" violence (i.e., a boy pretends to cut off his finger, a woman pretends to have slit her wrists by sitting in a tub filled with red water, etc.).
  • Sex4
    Kissing and sexual banter. Occasional nudity, including bare buttocks and a distant shot of a completely naked woman.
  • Language5
    Both adult and teen chracters use strong, unbleeped language, including "motherf---er," "f--k," "s--t," and "c--t." You'll also hear words like "damn," "crap," "a--hole," and "bitch," along with sexually charged terms like "rack," "boobs," and "tap."
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Some social drinking. A few characters also smoke (including the main character and one of her teenage students).
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

When suburban teacher Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) finds out from her doctor (Reid Scott) that she's got Stage IV melanoma, she makes a conscious decision to keep THE BIG C a secret from her errant husband (Oliver Platt), her teenage son (Gabriel Basso), and her free-spirited brother (John Benjamin Hickey), convinced that they can't handle the news. But her strange behavior leaves them all scratching their heads. In the meantime, she takes an overweight student (Gabourey Sidibe) under her wing and forges a tentative friendship with a reclusive neighbor (Phyllis Somerville).

Is it any good?

 

If there were an upside to cancer, this exceptionally acted dramedy would be it. Above all, it offers leading lady and executive producer Linney -- a multiple Emmy winner, three-time Oscar nominee, and acclaimed stage actress -- smart material that she can really sink her teeth into. But it also surrounds her with a talented ensemble cast, including Oscar nominee Sidibe (who proves she has range beyond Precious) and guest stars like Brian Cox, Cynthia Nixon, and Liam Neeson.

Cathy's unconventional approach to her cancer diagnosis might not be for everyone, and some parents could decide that The Big C is better left to adults. After all, impending death or not, it's downright jarring to hear Cathy call her elderly neighbor "a f---ing c--t" or tell Sidibe, "You can't be fat and mean. ... You can either be fat and jolly or a skinny bitch. It's up to you." But for those who don't mind the shock value, The Big C is A-level entertainment.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about the show's tone. Is this meant to be a drama or a comedy? How can you tell? Does it work to have a show about cancer be funny?

  • How realistic are the teen and adult characters you see on screen? Is the strong language they use reflective of reality, or has it been amped up for the sake of entertainment? What would the consequences of their behavior be in real life?

  • Do you agree with Cathy's decision to keep her disease a secret from her immediate family? What are the pitfalls of having secrets of that magnitude? What are the benefits of being honest and open with those you love?

This review of The Big C was written by
Kid, 12 years old
August 30, 2010
AGE
12
 
Maturity - It's The Key To LIFE :) Cwazy Porcupine.
A fantastic show full of postive messages, namely "Live life to the fullest". I'm 12 and watch it with my parents who don't really mind any of the content. I mean, with the swearing, they are just words and sexual content? Well it's not real so who really cares? I put drugs etc in as a concern because it probably with be a problem for some parents who watch future episodes altough there hasn't been any serious drug related issues on the show yet. Parents should watch this before letting their kids see it but I think it's fine for mature children.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (8) | Had useful details (6) | Read my mind (14)
Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 13 years old
August 26, 2012
AGE
16
 
Too much language
My parents watch this show. It's not good for kids
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review of The Big C was written by
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:Showtime
Cast:Gabourey Sidibe, Laura Linney, Oliver Platt
Genre:Comedy
This review of The Big C was written by
 
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.

Learning Products Quick Finder

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other shows with strong female leads
For kids who love drama and comedy
Browse more TV
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Visite nuestro sitio en español