Netflix has quietly locked in one of its most significant catalogue pickups of the year — and surprisingly, it wasn’t included in the streamer’s official November lineup announcement. The Big C, Showtime’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning dramedy starring Laura Linney, is officially heading to Netflix worldwide next month. The entire four-season run will be available for the first time on Netflix globally, marking a major expansion of the platform’s licensed premium TV slate.

The series, which originally aired from 2010 to 2013, spans 40 episodes and one concluding four-episode miniseries season. Distributed by Sony Pictures Television, The Big C has spent years unavailable on any major streaming platform in several regions. Now, Netflix is giving the acclaimed dark comedy-drama a long-awaited new streaming home — and potentially a much broader audience.

Below is everything you need to know about the show, its cast, its legacy, and where The Big C will be available starting November 14, 2025.

The Big C' EPs: It Was Important to Give the Show a 'Proper Ending'

What Is The Big C About?

At its core, The Big C is a fearless blend of dark humor, emotional honesty, and intimate character study. The series follows Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney), a quiet, suburban high school teacher in her 40s whose life is upended when she is diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. Instead of telling her family — or crumbling under the weight of the diagnosis — Cathy chooses to transform her life in a dramatic, sometimes reckless bid to take control of her final years.

Cathy hides the truth from her well-meaning but immature husband, Paul (Oliver Platt), and her teenage son, Adam (Gabriel Basso). In a burst of impulsive self-liberation, she begins making decisions that are bold, selfish, hilarious, and at times heartbreaking. From forming unexpected friendships to pursuing desires she once repressed, Cathy’s attempts to “feel alive” begin to reshape every relationship she has.

Throughout its four seasons, The Big C balances the weight of terminal illness with a uniquely sharp comedic voice. The show paints a vivid picture of suburban middle age, exploring themes of mortality, marriage, identity, and the blurred line between personal freedom and self-destruction. Cathy’s journey forces both her and her family to confront uncomfortable truths — about love, fear, and what it really means to live fully.

Why the Series Still Resonates in 2025

More than a decade after the show first aired, The Big C remains one of Showtime’s most emotionally impactful series. Its tonal tightrope — a mix of dark humor, earnest humanity, and philosophical reflection — paved the way for modern dramedies like Dead to Me, After Life, and Fleishman Is in Trouble.

Three key elements continue to give The Big C its enduring power:

1. Laura Linney’s Masterful Lead Performance

Linney’s portrayal of Cathy was widely praised for its nuance, courage, and emotional complexity. She presents Cathy not as a saintly victim or a flawless hero, but as a flawed, vibrant woman determined to reclaim her life. Her ability to shift effortlessly between levity and devastation remains one of the show’s greatest strengths.

2. A Sharp, Character-Driven Script

Created by Darlene Hunt, the series infuses intimate, grounded storytelling with moments of surreal humor and pointed social commentary. The writing never shies away from the discomfort of death or the chaos caused by hidden truths, yet it consistently finds warmth and relatability in everyday moments.

3. A Bold, Memorable Conclusion

The show’s fourth and final season, told as a self-contained miniseries titled The Big C: Hereafter, provided one of the most emotionally satisfying endings of any Showtime series. Netflix’s release marks the first time this arc will be readily accessible to a wide global audience.

When Will The Big C Be Released on Netflix?

The full series — all four seasons — will hit Netflix on:

📅 Friday, November 14, 2025

This date marks a simultaneous rollout across a wide list of international regions. Based on internal distribution listings and release schedule data, the countries set to receive the complete series include:

United States

United Kingdom

Latin America (majority of territories)

Australia & New Zealand

France

Italy

Germany

Spain

The Netherlands

Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark)

One notable exception is Canada, which will not receive the series at launch — likely due to existing licensing arrangements with competing platforms.

Despite being over a decade old, The Big C has never previously been available on Netflix in any region. This November release marks the show’s global Netflix debut.

Who Stars in The Big C?

The series features a rich ensemble of award-winning actors, rising talents, and memorable recurring characters.

⭐ Laura Linney — Cathy Jamison

A three-time Oscar nominee and four-time Emmy winner, Linney delivers one of her most beloved TV performances in this role. Netflix subscribers may also recognize her from her acclaimed work as Wendy Byrde in Ozark.

⭐ Oliver Platt — Paul Jamison

Platt plays Cathy’s husband Paul, whose immaturity and emotional fragility often clash with Cathy’s new approach to life. Platt is widely known for Chicago Med, The West Wing, Frost/Nixon, and numerous film roles.

⭐ John Benjamin Hickey — Sean Tolke

As Cathy’s outspoken, unpredictable brother, Hickey brings humor and depth to nearly every scene he’s in. His long-running stage and screen career includes The Good Wife and The Normal Heart.

⭐ Gabriel Basso — Adam Jamison

Long before he starred in Netflix’s hit action series The Night Agent, Basso gave a breakout performance as Cathy’s teenage son grappling with adolescence and the unknown chaos coming for his family.

⭐ Gabourey Sidibe — Andrea Jackson

The Oscar-nominated Precious star joins the cast as a sharp, bold student who forms a meaningful connection with Cathy. Sidibe’s presence adds levity and emotional force to several of the show’s most memorable arcs.

⭐ Phyllis Somerville — Marlene

As Cathy’s eccentric and occasionally volatile neighbor, Somerville delivers a standout performance that adds humor, heartbreak, and unexpected wisdom to the series.

Why Netflix’s Pickup Matters

Netflix’s acquisition of The Big C signals a continued strategic push into premium cable catalog titles — a trend accelerated in recent years as the streamer seeks to broaden its library amid intensifying competition. Shows like Six Feet Under, Nurse Jackie, In Treatment, and Boardwalk Empire have all found renewed popularity after landing on Netflix.

Three reasons this pickup is significant:

1. Cross-Generational Discovery

Millions of younger Netflix subscribers have never been exposed to Showtime’s early-2010s era of prestige dramedy. The Big C could easily become a rediscovered gem — much like Suits did in 2023 and Mad Men did in 2021.

2. Increased Visibility for Linney’s Work

Linney’s acclaimed performance on Ozark has earned her a new wave of fans. Netflix now has the opportunity to spotlight her earlier, but equally powerful, character work.

3. Strong Appeal to Fans of Dark Comedy and Emotional Dramas

With modern audiences gravitating toward character-driven, emotionally complex series (Beef, After Life, Baby Reindeer, A Man on the Inside), The Big C fits naturally into Netflix’s evolving brand.

Will the Series Stream in 4K or Remastered Format?

As of October 2025, Netflix has not announced any remaster or resolution upgrade for The Big C.
Industry sources indicate the series will stream in HD, consistent with its original Showtime broadcast format.

If Netflix pursues a remaster in the future — similar to its upgraded releases of Breaking Bad and Gilmore Girls — we will update this article with further details.

Is a Revival or Reunion Possible?

There are currently no confirmed plans for a sequel, revival, or reunion special. Given the show’s definitive and emotionally complete ending, a continuation would be challenging — though not impossible, given modern industry trends.

Laura Linney has spoken fondly of her time on the series, but has also emphasized that Cathy’s story was told fully and authentically. Any potential revisit would likely take the form of a retrospective documentary or cast sit-down rather than new scripted episodes.

Where Else Can You Watch The Big C?

Before the Netflix release, the series was primarily available:

For digital purchase on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play

On DVD box sets

On scattered regional streaming platforms in limited territories

The November 2025 release marks the first unified global streaming availability of the complete series.

Will All Four Seasons Be Released at Once?

Yes — all 40 episodes, including the final miniseries season The Big C: Hereafter, will drop on Netflix simultaneously on November 14.

Our Verdict: Is The Big C Worth Watching in 2025?

Absolutely.

The Big C remains one of the boldest, funniest, and most emotionally resonant dramedies of the past 15 years. Laura Linney delivers a career-best performance, the writing is sharp and humane, and the series strikes a rare balance between confronting death and celebrating life.

For viewers who enjoy:

emotionally rich character dramas

bittersweet comedy

stories about reinvention, resilience, and imperfect families

— this series is an essential watch.

Netflix subscribers looking for something heartfelt yet daring will likely find The Big C a standout addition to the platform’s November catalog.