I didn’t get much sleep last night. After throwing my back out the night before, and things worsening throughout the day, I couldn’t find a position that would make the pain go away.

At six this morning, I decided to throw in the towel. I’ll get out of bed and make some coffee, I thought. But as I tried to sit up, an excruciating surge of pain went through my back. I knew right away I’d need to see a professional. But where to find one? I didn’t know. That’s when Facebook came to mind.

Premiering on SHOWTIME Monday, August 16th at 10:30pm ET/PT is “The Big C”, a series about a woman whose world is turned upside down after receiving a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. The role of Cathy Jamison, “a reserved, stifled Minneapolis schoolteacher”, is played by none other than Laura Linney, a formidable actress with extensive stage, television, and film credits. She’s supported in the series by Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, who received an Academy Award nomination for best actress for her role in Precious, and Oliver Platt, known for his roles in The Three Musketeers, A Time To Kill, and the television series, Huff. I believe The Big C is the first U.S. television show whose storyline is premised on the lead actor having a cancer diagnosis. [Click on continue reading to see a trailer of the show, interviews with Laura Linney, Gabby Sidibe, and Oliver Platt, and a scene featuring Gabby Sidibe as Cathy's student, Andrea]