It varies. There are acts that are directly drawn from real-life experiences, while others just take a hint of reality and build a fictional narrative around it. You really need to look closely at the context and the creators' statements to determine if it's truly a real story.
The story behind 'The Act' on Hulu is a very dark and complex one from real life. Gypsy Rose Blanchard was subjected to her mother Dee Dee's false claims of her being ill. Dee Dee received a lot of sympathy and support because of this, but in reality, she was harming Gypsy. Eventually, Gypsy took drastic measures which led to the death of her mother. This real - life story is full of psychological abuse, misinformation, and ultimately, a very sad outcome for both parties involved.
One characteristic is authenticity. Since it's based on real events, it gives a sense of real - world connection. For example, in 'The King's Speech', the real - life struggle of King George VI with his stutter is shown, making it very relatable.
One characteristic is authenticity. It often has real - life details that make it more believable. For example, in movies like 'Apollo 13', the accurate portrayal of the space mission based on the real events gives it a sense of realism.
It's hard to say for sure. The act might have some roots in reality, or it could be a total work of imagination. You'd have to do some research or ask the creator to know for sure.