This 4-Part Showtime Series That Divided Critics Is A Must-Watch For Ozark Fans

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The tension and unpredictability in Ozark really escalated when Wendy Byrde, played by Laura Linney, became deeply involved in the criminal activity. Wendy’s ability to be both intensely emotional and ruthlessly pragmatic propelled the Byrde family’s illegal business further than her husband, Marty, ever could have alone. Linney’s performance throughout the series continues to showcase her incredible talent as an actress.

This isn’t the first time Linney has captivated audiences with her acting. She previously starred in The Big C, a Showtime series that debuted in 2010. Her portrayal of the character shares a similar, surprising boldness with her role as Wendy Byrde. While reviews for The Big C were mixed, everyone agreed on one thing: Linney’s performance was unforgettable.

The Big C Is A 10/10 Dramedy

I have to say, The Big C really surprised me. It manages to be darkly funny, brutally honest, and genuinely touching all at once. The show, as you might guess from the title, centers around Cathy Jamison, played brilliantly by Linney, who receives a cancer diagnosis. What makes this series special is how she deals with it. Cathy isn’t your typical patient, and her reactions – things like impulsively burning her couch or deciding she needs a pool – are often baffling to those around her, simply because they can’t fathom what she’s going through. Linney is fantastic; she’s the emotional core of the show and completely carries it.

What truly makes The Big C special isn’t just the main character, Cathy, but the supporting characters and how they react to her. The show is more compelling when we learn Cathy was already separated from her husband before her diagnosis, and that her brother, Sean, is homeless. Oliver Platt gives a performance that’s just as strong as Laura Linney’s, playing Cathy’s eccentric husband, Paul, who faces a health scare of his own.

The show The Big C is like Breaking Bad, but focuses on a high school teacher battling cancer instead. It explores a compelling ‘what if’ scenario and is a path worth pursuing in storytelling.

Why The Big C Divided Critics During Its 4 Seasons

Everyone was curious about The Big C because it tackled the difficult topic of death head-on. Shows often touch on death and cancer, but it’s unusual for it to be the main focus. For example, Breaking Bad is primarily about a man making drugs, and while a character in The Sopranos dies of cancer, that show is really about the mafia.

I remember when The Big C first came out, critics described it pretty simply: a high school teacher finds out she has incurable cancer, and that’s the core of the show. It was actually a really interesting thing about it – that simplicity was both its biggest strength and what some people struggled with. The show clearly wanted to connect with anyone who’d faced cancer, to show those raw emotions, but sometimes Cathy’s journey felt a little too specific and didn’t quite resonate with everyone who was going through something similar.

I remember when The Big C first came out, a lot of people, including Deborah Orr from The Guardian, were a bit frustrated with how the show handled Cathy’s cancer. Orr, who was actually going through cancer treatment herself, felt like the comedy wasn’t about cancer at all. There was this hope that the show would really tackle the difficult stuff and break down some of the stigmas around the disease, but honestly, it seemed more interested in just being quirky and focusing on the characters’ weirdness.

Ozark’s Laura Linney Shines In The Big C

Despite some criticisms, The Big C succeeded largely because of its characters, especially Laura Linney’s performance. Alexandra Stanley of The New York Times noted that Linney made her character, Cathy, increasingly endearing even as she became more eccentric. While the show’s premise wasn’t groundbreaking, Linney’s captivating portrayal brought it to life.

Watching Cathy blossom and find her confidence is a real treat, and her personality is wonderfully unique. She perfectly embodies the role of a flawed but loving mother, balancing humor with genuine affection for her son. For those who enjoy the complex family dynamics of Ozark, Linney delivers a similar brand of quirky dysfunction in The Big C, but with a warmer, more heartfelt touch.

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2026-02-07 18:38