The Act (2019)
A gripping true crime anthology from Hulu that unravels one of America's most disturbing mother-daughter stories through riveting performances and unsettling detail.
The Act - Series Information
- Original Title: The Act
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Nick Antosca, Michelle Dean
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 20, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), March 20, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), March 20, 2019 (Germany - 16), March 20, 2019 (France - 18), March 20, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+), March 20, 2019 (Brazil - 16), March 20, 2019 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: Hulu
- Production Companies: UCP, Eat the Cat, Writ Large
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: האקט (IL), تظاهر (IR), Притворство (UA)
The Act - Plot
A seasonal anthology series that tells startling, stranger-than-fiction true crime stories with the first season following Gypsy Blanchard, a girl trying to escape the toxic relationship she has with her overprotective mother.
The Act - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chilling story of Gypsy and Dee Dee Blanchard unfold:
Seeing is deceiving.
Where to Watch The Act
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The Act - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nick Antosca
- Michelle Dean
Main Cast
- Patricia Arquette
- Joey King
- AnnaSophia Robb
- Chloë Sevigny
- Calum Worthy
- Denitra Isler
- Rachel Ticotin
- Steve Coulter
- Justin Miles
- Sawyer Schultz
Writers
- Michelle Dean
- Nick Antosca
- Lisa Long
- Robin Veith
- Dan Dietz
Executive Producers
- Gregory Shephard
- Michelle Dean
- Britton Rizzio
- Nick Antosca
The Act - FAQs
Is The Act based on a true story?
Absolutely. The Act dramatizes the real-life case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose mother Dee Dee subjected her to years of medical abuse through Munchausen syndrome by proxy. The story gained national attention after Dee Dee's murder in 2015 and Gypsy's subsequent arrest and conviction.
What happened to Gypsy Rose Blanchard in real life?
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was convicted of second-degree murder for her role in her mother Dee Dee's 2015 killing, carried out by her then-boyfriend Nick Godejohn. She was sentenced to ten years in prison and was released on parole in December 2023 after serving about eight years.
Where can you stream The Act?
The Act is available to stream on Hulu. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home for those who prefer to own or rent individual episodes.
Who plays Dee Dee and Gypsy in The Act?
Patricia Arquette portrays the manipulative and controlling Dee Dee Blanchard, while Joey King plays her daughter Gypsy Rose. Both performances earned widespread critical praise, with Arquette winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series.
Did The Act win any awards?
The Act earned significant awards recognition. Patricia Arquette won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie in 2019. Joey King also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Gypsy Rose Blanchard.
How many episodes does The Act have?
The Act consists of 8 episodes, all released as part of its first and only season on Hulu in 2019. The series functions as a self-contained miniseries, telling the complete story of Gypsy and Dee Dee Blanchard from beginning to its devastating conclusion.
What is the content rating for The Act?
The Act is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains disturbing depictions of medical abuse, psychological manipulation, and violence that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Is The Act worth watching for true crime fans?
For true crime enthusiasts, The Act is essential viewing. Critics praised its unflinching portrayal of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and its powerhouse performances. It holds strong scores on Rotten Tomatoes and stands out as one of the most compelling limited series of 2019.
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