Maria del Mar’s unfiltered audition secured her the lead role, which she found emotionally challenging as the demands of her character pushed her into intense and vulnerable territory.

Maria del Mar's portrayal of Katie Sampson has been universally celebrated for its charisma and authenticity, while Gil Bellows' performance as her supportive husband has been noted for its depth and emotional resonance.

"[4] Andrew Johnston of Timeout gave it five stars, found it compelling, and said the show "prominently counts reality TV among its subjects, but its chief concerns—marriage, family and mortality—are timeless ones that are given fresh urgency by the way screenwriter Angus Fraser approaches them from odd angles."

"[5] In her review published in the The Ottawa Citizen, Allison Cunningham highlights Terminal City as a bold and emotionally charged drama driven by exceptional performances from Maria del Mar and Gil Bellows.

Del Mar captivates as Katie Sampson, a woman facing a cancer diagnosis with humor, strength, and vulnerability, making even the audacious premise of flashing her tumored breast on live TV feel authentic.

He highlights the standout performances, particularly Maria del Mar’s nuanced portrayal of Katie, and praises the series for its ability to balance dark themes with moments of whimsy.

Unlike similar shows, Terminal City avoids smugness, offering a refreshingly genuine and engaging take on complex family dynamics and personal challenges.

He highlights Maria del Mar’s commanding performance as Katie Sampson, praising her ability to convey strength and wit amidst life’s cruel ironies.

Gil Bellows also earns praise for his nuanced portrayal of Katie’s supportive husband, making Terminal City a standout blend of humor, humanity, and heartbreak.

[9] In his review for The Boston Globe, Matthew Gilbert praises Terminal City for its bold mix of humor and emotional depth in tackling the weighty subject of cancer.

He commends the show’s ability to balance absurdist moments, like Katie Sampson’s backyard golf outbursts, with poignant family dynamics and sharp satire on reality TV culture.

Gilbert highlights the nuanced portrayal of the Sampson family’s psychological chaos and the show’s gradual exploration of Katie’s reality TV involvement, calling it a droll, touching, and refreshingly unconventional drama.