Ahead of its September 26th season finale, The Big C has been renewed for a third season. Set to air in the second quarter (i.e. sometime in April through June), the third season of The Big C will consist of 10 episodes, down from this year's 13.

The Big C quickly garnered awards attention after its successful first season last summer, most notably for its star Laura Linney. The respected film actress, thrice nominated for the Academy Award, has so far picked up a Satellite Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Cathy Jamison, a woman battling Stage 4 melanoma. Linney will have a chance to add to another award to her mantle, as she received an Emmy nomination earlier this summer.

The Big C also stars Oliver Platt as Cathy's child-like husband Paul, Tony winner John Benjamin Hickey as Cathy's eccentric brother Sean, and Gabriel Basso as Cathy's teenage son Adam. Guest stars this season have included Alan Alda, Hugh Dancy, and Parker Posey.

The most intriguing question that has been raised from The Big C's renewal is about the fate of companion series Weeds. The two have aired together for the last two seasons and if one gets a renewal while the other is still in limbo, it makes you wonder about the fate of the one sans renewal. Weeds could either be ironing out contracts for its main players and producers, as they run out at the end of this season, or this could be the final act for Nancy Botwin and company.

When The Big C returns for a third season, what show would you like to see it paired with? (Maybe Nurse Jackie?) How do you think the second season has been in comparison to season one? Are you pulling for Laura Linney to take home the Emmy this year?