The Big C backdrop
Comedy•Drama

The Best Episodes of The Big C

Every episode of The Big C ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Big C!

Binge this in 20h 11m•Peaking at 9.4/10

A suburban mother faces her cancer diagnosis while trying to find humor and happiness as well.

Airs on
Showtime
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons4

All1234

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    The Big C Season 1 Episode 13 - Taking the Plunge
    9.4/10(472 votes)

    #1 - Taking the Plunge

    S1:E13

    Rebecca reveals a secret to Sean that reconnects them. Dr. Todd tells Paul and Cathy that the bee therapy did not work. Cathy reconsiders her options. Adam finally shows his softer side in an unexpected way.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Big C Season 4 Episode 4 - The Finale
    9.3/10(417 votes)

    #2 - The Finale

    S4:E4

    Adam surprises everyone when he fulfils one of Cathy's wishes. Cathy's estranged Dad visits her. Andrea gets the opportunity of a lifetime. Sean has mixed feelings about his impending kidney surgery.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writers:Jenny Bicks, Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Big C Season 1 Episode 11 - New Beginnings
    8.8/10(287 votes)

    #3 - New Beginnings

    S1:E11

    Paul seeks support from people at his work place, but gets more than he bargained for. Sean pulls away from Rebecca when it appears she's getting too serious. Cathy, Marlene and Rebecca have a girl's lunch at a strip joint -- which unexpectedly influences Cathy's thoughts about her cancer. Adam meets a girl, Mia, at the bus stop.

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:Cara DiPaolo

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Big C Season 2 Episode 13 - Crossing the Line
    8.8/10(330 votes)

    #4 - Crossing the Line

    S2:E13

    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.

    Directors:Craig Zisk, Michael Engler
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Big C Season 1 Episode 3 - There's No C in Team
    8.6/10(362 votes)

    #5 - There's No C in Team

    S1:E3

    When Cathy's attempt to connect to the people closest to her fails, she signs up for a well-meaning but overbearing cancer support group. Adam rebuffs Cathy's attempts to connect with him, so she decides to put together a dinner party with Andrea, Sean and Daphne. Meanwhile, Paul tries to win back his wife's love with an elaborately romantic gesture. Marlene discovers Cathy's cancer secret in a most unusual way.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Jenny Bicks

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Big C Season 1 Episode 8 - Happy Birthday, Cancer
    8.6/10(313 votes)

    #6 - Happy Birthday, Cancer

    S1:E8

    For her birthday, Paul surprises Cathy with a party just when Lenny has invited her to an art opening on the Bahamas. At the party, Cathy's brother begins a fling with Cathy's eccentric college friend Rebecca. Meanwhile, picks up Marlene who is wandering around in the backyard.

    Director:Tricia Brock
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Big C

    READ
  7. The Big C Season 2 Episode 12 - The Darkest Day
    8.6/10(274 votes)

    #7 - The Darkest Day

    S2:E12

    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.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writer:Jenny Bicks

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Big C Season 2 Episode 8 - The Last Thanksgiving
    8.5/10(249 votes)

    #8 - The Last Thanksgiving

    S2:E8

    Cathy invites friends and family to a Thanksgiving dinner, but a long-hidden secret she brings to light causes trouble.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Big C Season 4 Episode 3 - Quality of Death
    8.5/10(262 votes)

    #9 - Quality of Death

    S4:E3

    Dr. Sherman pays a visit to Cathy, who has checked herself into a hospice and is experiencing problems with her new roommate. Adam confronts Paul about his lack of parental guidance. Andrea seeks inspiration from Cathy.

    Director:Richard Heus
    Writer:Jenny Bicks

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Big C Season 1 Episode 4 - Playing the Cancer Car
    8.4/10(340 votes)

    #10 - Playing the Cancer Car

    S1:E4

    Cathy, eager to try on a carefree, impulsive persona, drains her 401K, buys a convertible and imagines what life would be like if she were Dr. Todd's girlfriend. At his therapist's urging, Paul reignites his passion for rugby. Sean goes to great lengths to knock out a tooth without the help of a dentist. Meanwhile, Adam gets caught stealing and is surprised when Marlene comes to his rescue, until he finds out there are strings attached.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writer:Mark Kunerth

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The Big C Season 1 Episode 7 - Two for the Road
    8.4/10(324 votes)

    #11 - Two for the Road

    S1:E7

    Cathy and Sean hit the open road to visit their dad. During the trip, Cathy tells Sean she has cancer. Sean falls apart at the news, so Cathy pretends it was a big joke. Adam gets drunk while under the supervision of Paul. Marlene finds Adam on the front lawn puking. Marlene will keep it a secret, but Adam is in further servitude to her.

    Director:Alan Poul
    Writer:Hilly Hicks Jr.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The Big C Season 1 Episode 10 - Divine Intervention
    8.4/10(287 votes)

    #12 - Divine Intervention

    S1:E10

    Cathy's unexpected visit to Andrea's home yields many surprises. Later, Cathy seeks spiritual advice at church and while helping around the house. Rebecca calls it quits with Sean in order to reconcile her friendship with Cathy. Adam apologizes to Andrea. Paul sleeps with Tina. Cathy reveals to Paul she has cancer.

    Director:Michael Lehmann
    Writer:Mark Kunerth

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The Big C Season 2 Episode 4 - Boo!
    8.4/10(255 votes)

    #13 - Boo!

    S2:E4

    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.

    Director:Miguel Arteta
    Writer:Cara DiPaolo

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The Big C Season 4 Episode 1 - Quality of Life
    8.4/10(295 votes)

    #14 - Quality of Life

    S4:E1

    Cathy plans Adam's sixteenth birthday party. Andrea struggles settling in with her new room-mate at fashion school. Paul brings in a new assistant.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The Big C Season 2 Episode 9 - A Little Death
    8.3/10(248 votes)

    #15 - A Little Death

    S2:E9

    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.

    Directors:Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden
    Writer:Jenny Bicks

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The Big C Season 4 Episode 2 - You Can't Take It with You
    8.3/10(262 votes)

    #16 - You Can't Take It with You

    S4:E2

    Sean feels inspired to donate to charity. Cathy upsets Paul when she signs him up to an online dating service. Andrea struggles to impress her tutor, Isaac Mizrahi.

    Director:Jann Turner
    Writers:Cara DiPaolo, Melanie Marnich

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The Big C Season 1 Episode 5 - Blue-Eyed Iris
    8.2/10(337 votes)

    #17 - Blue-Eyed Iris

    S1:E5

    Cathy meets someone new to feel sexy again. Meanwhile, Cathy's eccentric brother Sean tries to keep his building and Adam is caught while watching pornography.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writer:Cara DiPaolo

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The Big C Season 1 Episode 12 - Everything That Rises
    8.2/10(322 votes)

    #18 - Everything That Rises

    S1:E12

    Dr. Todd and Cathy go to see the Bee Man to seek non-traditional treatment for her cancer. Paul is overly supportive of Cathy around the house. Sean gives Adam relationship advice about Mia.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Jenny Bicks

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. The Big C Season 2 Episode 1 - Losing Patients
    8.2/10(266 votes)

    #19 - Losing Patients

    S2:E1

    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.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. The Big C Season 2 Episode 2 - Musical Chairs
    8.2/10(258 votes)

    #20 - Musical Chairs

    S2:E2

    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.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Jenny Bicks

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. The Big C Season 2 Episode 6 - The Little c
    8.2/10(255 votes)

    #21 - The Little c

    S2:E6

    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.

    Director:Jennifer Getzinger
    Writer:Hilly Hicks Jr.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. The Big C Season 2 Episode 7 - Goldilocks and the Bears
    8.2/10(253 votes)

    #22 - Goldilocks and the Bears

    S2:E7

    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.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Cusi Cram

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. The Big C Season 2 Episode 10 - How Do You Feel?
    8.2/10(238 votes)

    #23 - How Do You Feel?

    S2:E10

    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.

    Directors:Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden
    Writer:Mark Kunerth

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. The Big C Season 2 Episode 11 - Fight or Flight
    8.2/10(231 votes)

    #24 - Fight or Flight

    S2:E11

    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.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writers:Cara DiPaolo, Melanie Marnich

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. The Big C Season 3 Episode 1 - Thin Ice
    8.2/10(278 votes)

    #25 - Thin Ice

    S3:E1

    Cathy receives medical news that gives her reason to hope for recovery; Sean supports Andrea's newfound appreciation for her African heritage; Adam turns to prayer to help his ailing mother.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Darlene Hunt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Taking the Plunge" is the best rated episode of "The Big C". It scored 9.4/10 based on 472 votes. Directed by Michael Engler and written by Darlene Hunt, it aired on 11/15/2010. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Finale".