Hulu is a multi-faceted streaming service with several strengths You can watch the latest episodes of your favorite TV shows, check out original movies and programs, or watch a variety of animated series One of its most exciting new features is a tasty new drama that both critics and viewers alike will appreciate: Black Cake

The series is still airing weekly on Hulu, with only four episodes available at the time of this writing However, "Black Cake" received an astounding 100% rating from 13 critics on Rotten Tomatoes shortly after it appeared on the streaming platform But don't let its decadent name fool you Much of what happens in this series is not what its sweet name would suggest

The family drama just debuted on November 1 and will run for eight episodes It is likely to leave a strong impression on viewers before it finishes airing With that in mind, should you see if it lives up to the hype, here's what you need to know before diving into this top-rated series on Rotten Tomatoes

Based on the 2022 New York Times bestselling novel by Charmaine Wilkerson, "Black Cake" is a harrowing family drama with murder mystery elements It follows estranged siblings Benny (Adrian Warren) and Byron Ashley Thomas), who are left searching for answers after the death of their mother Eleanor (Chipo Chung) [They inherit a mysterious flash drive that contains a wealth of shocking secrets she kept from her children, including how she escaped spousal abuse and escaped Jamaica when she was only 16 years old

The series spans multiple time periods, from present-day California to the 1960s, and travels back and forth around the world While Eleanor herself tells the story of a young woman named Covey (Mia Isaacs), her children continue to unravel their mother's hidden secrets

Slow-burn drama, but a satisfying mix of storytelling and cultural exploration, including an explanation of what the "black cake" of the title actually is

Critics from Time magazine, CNN, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter have praised "Black Cake" for its storytelling ability, dramatic pedigree, and exploration of maternal identity

Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter called it "widely acceptable" and "an unquestionably bona fide idea" Variety's Alamide Tinubu praised it as "a beautiful, gut-wrenching mystery drama"

Time's Judy Berman noted that the series' "gorgeous, emotional tone serves the story" despite its obvious melodrama

Hannah Giorgis of The Atlantic summed it up nicely: "'Black Cake' is not perfect, but it comes together beautifully"

"Black Cake" just debuted on Netflix on November 1, so it is still airing as of this writing A total of eight episodes are planned, and it is unclear how the series will end Given that, it is likely that the series will be a one-off story, but Hulu has yet to confirm that

If there is a second season or additional episodes, they will be available exclusively on Hulu The season finale will premiere on December 6

There is no "yes" or "no" on additional episodes of "Black Cake," but given the overwhelming public and critical interest and Rotten Tomatoes scores, that could change in the coming weeks