The Big C

In the Season 3 premiere, Cathy receives medical news that gives her reason to hope for recovery; Sean supports Andrea's appreciation for her African heritage; Adam turns to prayer to help his mother.

Sean discovers a new way to generate income; Andrea starts an African-American interest club; Adam becomes increasingly devoted to his faith and joins a Bible study group at school.

As Cathy (Laura Linney) treats a skeptical Paul (Oliver Platt) to a cancer survivor’s personal growth seminar, a Valentine’s Day concert causes Adam (Gabriel Basso) to rethink his relationship with his girlfriend.

When Cathy’s (Laura Linney) health problems become a roadblock to their chances for adoption, Paul’s (Oliver Platt) inspiring blog posts could provide a solution. Meanwhile, Sean’s (John Benjamin Hickey) ownership of a gay sex phone line is disputed, and Adam’s (Gabriel Basso) new girlfriend challenges his faith in God.

Cathy goes to great lengths to impress the parents of the baby she hopes to adopt; Joy encourages Paul to share his near-death experience with a live audience; Jessie encourages Adam to deepen his relationship with God.

Cathy and Paul receive a once-in-a-lifetime offer from Joy's famous friend Rita; Sean befriends Tim, one of his phone-sex customers; now living with his uncle, Adam asserts his independence.

As Paul (Oliver Platt) discovers that life on the road with Joy (Susan Sarandon) will require much more from him than he thought, and Cathy (Laura Linney) uses the nursery renovation to help the Coopers, Adam (Gabriel Basso) makes a surprise donation to a church charity bazaar.

Season 3. Cathy confronts Joy about Paul; Sean discovers the pros and cons of his relationship with Tim and Giselle; Paul learns something new about Cathy.

Season 3. Cathy trains for a scuba dive in Puerto Rico; Paul holds it together for a speaking engagement despite the news about Joy; Sean takes a break from dating.

Season 3 finale. Cathy spends time with a stranger; Paul is flattered by the attentions of an American tourist; Sean is distraught when his sister doesn't return from her dive.