In a media culture that is saturated with true crime television at the moment, it takes a special show to stand out from the crowd. Hulu’s new television series The Act, which just finished its first season, is that kind of special show. Based on a Buzzfeed newspiece written by co-showrunner, producer, and writer Michelle Dean, The Act follows the tragic story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee.

Read the Buzzfeed article to get the details of the case. Then watch Mommy Dead and Dearest for even more shocking details. If you’re anything like Mary and Emily, you’ll still be fascinated by this fictionalized account of this unbelievable story. Here’s why…