TV Jots

She’s Got The Big C

So, what do you do when you’re known as a good girl but suddenly learn you have a life-changing — and possibly life-ending — disease, such as cancer? Showtime comedy fans will have the opportunity to explore various possibilities when the network’s new original series The Big C premieres tonight, August 16, at 10:30pm ET.

Promoted as a worthy companion to long-running Showtime dark comedy Weeds, The Big C stars three-time Emmy winner (John Adams, Frasier, Wild Iris) and Oscar nominee (The Savages, Kinsey, You Can Count on Me) Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison. When the married teacher and mother receives the sobering news that she has terminal melanoma, Cathy decides to take a new, bolder approach to her previously predictable life. Unexpected results are sure to follow.

Also starring in the newcomer are Oliver Platt (Huff, The West Wing) as Cathy’s maturity-challenged husband Paul, Precious best-actress Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe as one of Cathy’s more problematic students, and current My Boys regular Scott Reid as Cathy’s cute oncologist Dr. Todd.

Preview two scenes from the pilot premiere of The Big C in the sneak peeks below. Weeds launches its sixth season right before the big debut at 10pm.