Laura Linney fans have something special to celebrate this November. The Golden Globe-winning Showtime dramedy “The Big C” is making its global Netflix debut, bringing all four seasons of this critically acclaimed dark comedy to streaming audiences worldwide. If you loved Linney’s gripping performance in “Ozark,” prepare to discover the role that showcased her incredible range over a decade ago.
The Big C Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Netflix Release Date | November 14, 2025 |
| Total Seasons | 4 (40 episodes) |
| Original Network | Showtime (2010-2013) |
| Available Regions | US, UK, Australia, Latin America, France, Italy |
| Genre | Dark Comedy-Drama (Dramedy) |
| Episode Runtime | 27 minutes (Seasons 1-3), 60 minutes (Season 4) |
| Awards | Golden Globe Winner, Multiple Emmy Nominations |
| First Time on Netflix | Yes, globally |
What Is The Big C About?
The series follows Cathy Jamison, a reserved suburban high school teacher in her forties who is diagnosed with terminal Stage IV melanoma. Cathy chooses to keep her illness a secret from her immature but well-meaning husband Paul and her teenage son Adam.
Instead of surrendering to her diagnosis, Cathy decides to live life on her own terms—recklessly, unapologetically, and with newfound freedom. The show brilliantly balances humor and heartbreak, exploring how one woman transforms her structured existence into an adventure filled with unexpected choices and genuine self-discovery.
When and Where Can You Watch?
The complete series arrives on Netflix on November 14, 2025, available in the United States, Latin America, Australia, and the United Kingdom, as well as several European territories including France and Italy. Canada is notably absent from the release, but most major markets will have access.
This marks the series’ first-ever global streaming availability on Netflix, making it easier than ever for new audiences to discover this hidden gem. For more entertainment news and streaming updates, check out our TV shows section.
Meet the Stellar Cast
Laura Linney leads as Cathy Jamison, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner whose notable film work includes The Truman Show, Mystic River, Love Actually, and Oscar nominations for You Can Count on Me and The Savages.
Main Cast:
- Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison (also seen in Netflix’s “Ozark”)
- Oliver Platt as Paul Jamison (NBC’s “Chicago Med”)
- Gabriel Basso as Adam Jamison (“Super 8”)
- John Benjamin Hickey as Sean Tolkey
- Gabourey Sidibe as Andrea Jackson
- Phyllis Somerville as Marlene
The ensemble cast delivers performances that perfectly balance comedic timing with genuine emotional depth, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
The Big C received significant recognition during its original run. The series earned multiple Emmy nominations and won Laura Linney a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Critics praised the show’s honest approach to terminal illness, avoiding sentimentality while finding humor in life’s darkest moments.
The pilot episode drew Showtime’s largest audience for an original series premiere at the time, proving audiences were hungry for stories that tackled difficult subjects with intelligence and wit.
Why You Should Watch
If you appreciated Laura Linney’s transformation into the calculating Wendy Byrde in “Ozark,” you’ll be fascinated to see her earlier work exploring mortality, family dysfunction, and personal reinvention. The Big C offers a masterclass in dark comedy—it’ll make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about how we choose to spend our limited time.
Stream all four seasons starting November 14, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. Discover more streaming recommendations and entertainment coverage at TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: What is The Big C about and is it worth watching?
The Big C is a critically acclaimed dark comedy-drama about Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney), a reserved high school teacher who receives a terminal Stage IV melanoma diagnosis and decides to live life completely on her own terms. Instead of becoming a conventional “disease-of-the-week” drama, the show brilliantly balances humor with heartbreak as Cathy keeps her diagnosis secret and begins making reckless, liberating choices. With a Golden Globe win, multiple Emmy nominations, and Laura Linney’s phenomenal performance, it’s absolutely worth watching for fans of intelligent dramedies that tackle difficult subjects with wit and authenticity.
Q: When does The Big C come to Netflix and which countries can watch it?
The complete four-season series of The Big C launches on Netflix on November 14, 2025. It will be available in multiple regions including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America, France, and Italy. This marks the series’ first-ever appearance on Netflix globally. However, Canada is notably absent from the release. The show originally aired on Showtime from 2010 to 2013, and this Netflix release makes it more accessible than ever for new audiences to discover this hidden gem featuring Laura Linney before her Emmy-winning role in “Ozark.”
