TV series
A suburban mother faces her cancer diagnosis while trying to find humor and happiness as well.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 3, 2026
The Big C is available to stream on Netflix, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
A suburban mother faces her cancer diagnosis while trying to find humor and happiness as well.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Cathy seeks a second opinion, causing a strain on her relationship with Dr. Todd; Sean learns about his sister's cancer while adjusting to life with a pregnant Rebecca; Adam sees a therapist against his will.
Directed by Michael EnglerWritten by Darlene HuntGuest stars Phyllis Somerville, Cynthia Nixon, Reid Scott, Ned Eisenberg, Ann Harada, Jessica Cummings, John Hillner, Anne Senelly Kyle
Episode 2
Frustrated at not being able to land a spot in the clinical trial of a new treatment by a respected oncologist, Cathy resorts to supernatural aid; Sean becomes assertive around the house; Adam capitalizes on his classmates' sympathy about his mother's illness.
Directed by Michael EnglerWritten by Jenny BicksGuest stars Emily Kinney
Episode 3
Cathy and Paul experience frustrations in bed and with the help of their new house mate Andrea, realize they need to set some patient-caregiver limits; Rebecca is put off by the newly medicated Sean; unsatisfied by his physical relationship with Mia, Adam turns to another girl, Emily.
Directed by Miguel ArtetaWritten by Mark KunerthGuest stars Emily Kinney
Episode 4
Cathy is intrigued by Lee, a fellow cancer patient she meets on the first day of her clinical trial; Adam's downward spiral continues with a fight at school and refusal to take responsibility for his actions with Emily; Sean is worried that his new house is haunted.
Directed by Miguel ArtetaWritten by Cara DiPaoloGuest stars Emily Kinney
Episode 5
Due to Paul's layoff, Cathy starts to pawn her jewelry and meets Lee there as well. Adam gets into a situation that he may need help with to get out of. Sean is kicked out of a mother's group when he tests out his homemade sling at the park
Directed by Jennifer GetzingerWritten by Melanie Marnich
Episode 6
Adam's shocking indiscretion threatens Cathy's new job as a swim coach; sparks fly between Andrea and Myk, a Ukrainian coworker that Paul is mentoring; Sean seeks advice on taking the "next step" with Rebecca.
Directed by Jennifer GetzingerWritten by Hilly Hicks Jr.
Episode 7
Lee takes Cathy to a Tibetan doctor to deal with her high blood pressure. Feeling jealousy of Lee, Paul takes Cathy and Lee out for an evening, while Adam interfere with Andrea's date.
Directed by Michael EnglerWritten by Cusi Cram
Episode 8
Cathy invites friends and family to a Thanksgiving dinner, but a long-hidden secret she brings to light causes trouble.
Directed by Michael EnglerWritten by Darlene Hunt
Episode 9
Rebecca deals with the grief over her miscarriage in an unexpected way which leads Cathy to reconnect with old friends; Andrea's relationship with Myk heats up; Adam is taken by surprise when he finally meets the girl he's been chatting with in an online cancer support group.
Directed by Ryan Fleck, Anna BodenWritten by Jenny Bicks
Episode 10
Cathy helps Lee check a few items off his "bucket list;" Poppy takes Adam to her high school reunion; a distraught Sean takes issue with his new neighbors.
Directed by Ryan Fleck, Anna BodenWritten by Mark Kunerth
Episode 11
After an argument with Lee and a revealing dinner with Dr. Sherman, Cathy (Laura Linney) comes to a major crossroads. Elsewhere, Adam searches for his AWOL uncle and an impulsive Andrea makes a decision about Myk.
Directed by Craig ZiskWritten by Cara DiPaolo, Melanie Marnich
Episode 12
As Cathy prepares for her trip to Italy, she receives an amicable call from Lee. Elsewhere, Paul uncovers a secret about Myk while Adam discovers one about Poppy.
Directed by Craig ZiskWritten by Jenny Bicks
Episode 13
Cathy is inspired by Lee's passing to ring in the New Year in an unexpected way; burdened by financial issues, Paul tries a new tactic with the insurance agency; Adam makes a surprising connection with Dr. Todd.
Directed by Craig Zisk, Michael EnglerWritten by Darlene Hunt
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Laura LinneyCathy Jamison
John Benjamin HickeySean Tolkey
Oliver PlattPaul Jamison
Phyllis SomervilleMarlene
Gabourey SidibeAndrea Jackson
Gabriel BassoAdam Jamison
Phill LewisCool pool boss
Emily KinneyEmily
ShowtimeUnited States
Original FilmUnited States
Sony Pictures TelevisionUnited States
