Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature topics, death, sex in moving, funny cancer dramedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Big C
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 a 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, The Big C offers leading lady and executive producer Linney—a multiple Emmy winner, three-time Oscar nominee, and acclaimed stage actor—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. Fans of The Night Agent will enjoy seeing Gabriel Basso in a meaty role as Cathy's teen son.
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 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Big C'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? Any downsides?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 16, 2010
- Cast : Gabourey Sidibe , Laura Linney , Oliver Platt
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Moms ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 18, 2025
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