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Big Love is an American television drama series that premiered on HBO in 2006 and ran for five seasons until 2011. Created by Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer, the show tells the story of a polygamist family living in suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. At the center of the family is Bill Henrickson, played by Bill Paxton, a successful businessman and devout member of the fundamentalist Mormon church who has three wives- Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Nicki (Chloë Sevigny), and Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin). The show delves into the intricacies of their complex relationships, the struggles of living a polygamous lifestyle in a society that deems it illegal, and the challenges and joys of raising a family in such an environment.

Throughout the series, the Henrickson family must navigate the trials and tribulations of trying to keep their lifestyle hidden from their neighbors and the government, while also dealing with the issues that arise within their own family unit. Each of the wives has their own unique personality, and their relationships with each other and Bill are constantly evolving and changing throughout the show.

In addition to the family dynamics, the show also explores themes such as religion, family values, politics, and sexuality in a nuanced and thought-provoking manner. While the main characters are all members of the fundamentalist Mormon church, the series does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of the religion, such as its patriarchal structure and the sexual abuse that can occur within its communities.

One of the strengths of Big Love is its talented cast of actors, who bring depth and complexity to their roles. Bill Paxton delivers a nuanced performance as Bill Henrickson, portraying him as a well-intentioned man who is dedicated to his family, but also struggling with his own inner demons. Jeanne Tripplehorn is equally compelling as Barb, the first wife, who is fiercely independent and struggles with her own desires outside of her marriage. Chloë Sevigny shines as the manipulative, scheming Nicki, who is constantly vying for Bill's attention and approval. Ginnifer Goodwin rounds out the cast with a charming performance as Margene, the youngest wife who is eager to please and learn from her sister wives.

The show was also notable for its striking visuals, with its depiction of suburban Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah landscapes providing a beautiful backdrop for the story. The show's cinematography and production design were nominated for several awards during its run, and rightfully so.

While Big Love was a groundbreaking show for its time, it was not without its controversies. The depiction of polygamy raised concerns among some viewers, particularly members of the Mormon church, who felt that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about their religion. However, the show's creators were careful to emphasize that the characters on the show were not representative of all Mormons, and that the show was not meant to be an indictment of the religion as a whole.

Overall, Big Love was a captivating drama that explored complex themes and relationships in a thoughtful and engaging way. Its talented cast, stunning visuals, and exploration of taboo subjects made it a groundbreaking show for its time, and it continues to be recognized as an important piece of television history.

Big Love is a series that ran for 5 seasons (53 episodes) between March 12, 2006 and on HBO