Showtime Adds New Original Series

LOS ANGELES: Showtime is adding a new half-hour original dark comedy to its slate, tentatively titled The Big ‘C’, starring and executive produced by Laura Linney.

Linney plays a reserved suburban wife and mother who is diagnosed with cancer. While her life is shaken up, she manages to find hope, humor and a light side to the dark situation. Shooting for the 13 episodes will begin later this spring, and the series is set for a fall debut. Oliver Platt has signed on to play Linney’s husband on the series.

"Laura Linney is the consummate actor and producer, and we’re thrilled she has chosen to come to Showtime in this extraordinary series," said Robert Greenblatt, Showtime’s president of entertainment. "The character and her journey are complex, requiring layered nuances of comedy and drama which I believe no one else could do better than Laura. And she’s surrounded by a gifted ensemble of actors who will bring this show vividly to life."

The Big ‘C’ is produced by Original Film in association with Sony Pictures Television.