What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Big Sick
Michael Showalter · Film · 2017
If you loved The Big Sick, start with The Big C (Darlene Hunt, 2010) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Big Sick across media.
What hooked you in The Big Sick was the delicate balance between life-altering illness and the messy, authentic evolution of modern relationships.
Books on the same thread
Love Story
Erich Segal · Book · 1970
Explores: Forbidden Love, Class Differences, Terminal Illness.
Just as in The Big Sick, this story explores how a sudden, devastating terminal illness forces two people from different worlds to confront the true depth of their commitment.
Romantic Comedy
Curtis Sittenfeld · Book
Explores: imposter syndrome, creative collaboration, power dynamics.
If you enjoyed the way The Big Sick blended professional comedy struggles with a burgeoning romance, you will appreciate this sharp look at the intersection of work and intimacy.
Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy)
Kevin Kwan · Book · 2018
Explores: Wealth and Privilege, Culture Clash, Family Dynamics.
This novel mirrors the cultural friction found in The Big Sick, focusing on the inevitable tension that arises when family expectations and high-stakes social traditions collide with personal happiness.
The Bell Jar
Sylvia Plath · Book · 1972
Explores: Mental Illness, Depression, Suicide.
Much like the emotional weight of Emily's health crisis in The Big Sick, this narrative dives deep into the isolating reality of a mental health breakdown and identity crisis.
Series on the same thread
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Park Shin-woo · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with The Big Sick: Romantic Comedy Drama.
The Big Sick masterfully uses a medical situation to spark emotional growth, a theme echoed here as two characters rely on one another to heal their deep-seated psychological baggage.
The Big C
Darlene Hunt · Series · 2010
Explores: Terminal Illness, Existential Crisis, Finding Joy in Suffering.
If you appreciated the dark humor used to navigate a health crisis in The Big Sick, you will find this series equally adept at balancing terminal illness with life-affirming joy.
Schitt's Creek
Eugene Levy · Series · 2015
Explores: Fish-out-of-water, Family dynamics, Class differences.
The Big Sick excels at portraying family dynamics under pressure, and this series provides a similar comedic yet heartfelt look at how people navigate sudden, life-changing shifts in their environment.
Master of None
Alan Yang · Series · 2015
Explores: Dating in the modern age, Existential crisis, Career aspirations.
This series captures the same millennial search for identity and romantic stability that defined Kumail's journey in The Big Sick, highlighting the struggle to balance career and cultural expectations.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Big Picture
Podcast
Explores: Hollywood, Awards Season, Film Criticism.
For fans of the creative process behind The Big Sick, this podcast provides an essential look at the film industry, offering the same sharp analysis found in comedy circles.
A New Untold Story
Podcast
Explores: Small-town life, Overcoming adversity, Single motherhood.
This podcast explores themes of overcoming adversity and personal history, echoing the intimate, biographical storytelling style that made the narrative arc of The Big Sick so uniquely resonant.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Big Sick based on a true story?
The Big Sick is a 2017 film directed by Michael Showalter that follows the real-life experiences of comedian Kumail Nanjiani. The plot depicts his relationship with Emily Gardner, their cultural clashes, and the challenges he faces when she falls into a mysterious illness.
What is the primary conflict in The Big Sick?
The primary conflict in The Big Sick involves Kumail Nanjiani navigating the tension between his family's cultural expectations and his feelings for Emily Gardner. This pressure intensifies when Emily becomes ill, forcing Kumail to interact with her parents while balancing his own heritage.
How does Emily Gardner's illness affect the plot of The Big Sick?
In The Big Sick, Emily Gardner's mysterious illness serves as the catalyst that forces Kumail Nanjiani to confront his true feelings. Her condition shifts the narrative focus from their initial romantic struggles to Kumail managing his relationship with her feisty parents during a difficult time.
Does The Big Sick feature themes of cultural clashing?
Yes, The Big Sick centers on the cultural clashes between Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his partner, Emily Gardner. The film explores how these differences, alongside the expectations of Kumail's family, complicate their relationship as they navigate life together.