The Handmaid's Tale
Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, the drama series The Handmaid's Tale takes place in a dystopian society where fertile women, "handmaids," are subjected to child-bearing slavery.
The totalitarian government of Gilead establishes control in the United States after a Second American Civil War and due to environmental pollution and STDs, fertility rates collapsed, leading to handmaids being assigned to the homes of the elite and given the names of their "commanders" with the prefix Of- and the first name of their male master.
The Handmaid's Tale follows Offred (June Osborne), who is assigned to Gileadan Commander Fred Waterford and his wife Serena Joy. June was trying to escape to Canada with her husband and daughter but was captured and forced to become a handmaid. However, she is determined to be reunited with her family.
Network: Hulu
First Episode Date: April 26, 2017
Cast:
- Elisabeth Moss (June Osborne / Offred / Ofjoseph)
- Joseph Fiennes (Commander Fred Waterford)
- Yvonne Strahovski (Serena Joy Waterford)
- Alexis Bledel (Dr. Emily Malek Ph.D. / Ofglen #1 / Ofsteven / Ofroy / Ofjoseph #1)
- Madeline Brewer (Janine Lindo / Ofwarren / Ofdaniel / Ofhoward)
- Ann Dowd ( Aunt Lydia / Lydia Clements)
- O.T. Fagbenle (Luke Bankole)
- Max Minghella (Commander Nick Blaine)
- Samira Wiley (Moira Strand)
- Amanda Brugel (Rita)
- Bradley Whitford (Commander Joseph Lawrence)
- Sam Jaeger (Mark Tuello)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Latest The Handmaid's Tale News and Updates
Some Viewers Were Disappointed by 'The Handmaid’s' Tale Ending
"It’s hard to not feel let down."
'The Handmaid’s Tale' Is Getting a Spinoff, and Aunt Lydia Will Be In It
Don't be too quick to say goodbye to Gilead... the story isn't over.
What Happened to Emily in 'Handmaid’s Tale'? Fans Hope for Closure in Final Season
Will 'Handmaid’s Tale' reveal the fate of Emily as the series comes to an end?
Commander Lawrence's Shocking Decision In 'The Handmaid's Tale' Has Fans Reeling
Lawrence's sacrifice could be the thing that breaks Gilead.
Does Nick Die in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale'? Shocking Season 6 Development (SPOILERS)
‘The Handmaid’s Tale, starring Emmy-winning actress Elisabeth Moss, is a dystopian drama series following the second American Civil War.
Why Does Aunt Lydia Like Janine in Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale'? A Closer Look
Fans often wonder why Aunt Lydia had such a soft spot for Janine in Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' as the series progressed.
What Happened to the Character Eleanor Lawrence on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale'?
Portrayed by actor Julie Dretzin, Eleanor Lawrence was a polarizing figure during Seasons 2 and 3 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’
Why Did Nick Betray June on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale'? Inside the Shocking Twist (SPOILERS)
Portrayed by Max Minghella and Elisabeth Moss, Nick and June’s relationship has been a constant in the dystopian thriller.
Was Elisabeth Moss Pregnant While Filming Season 6 of 'The Handmaid’s Tale'? Details
We’ve got the scoop on where Elisabeth was in her motherhood journey when filming for Season 6 began.
What Happened to Mckenna Grace? Fans Praise 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Star After Scary Surgery
What happened to Mckenna Grace? Fans are shocked by the star’s rawly honest Instagram post about her recent surgery. Here's what we know.
'The Handmaid's Tale' Book Ending Is Very Different Than the Show
Now in its fifth season, 'The Handmaid's Tale' has long since outstripped the book it's based on, but many want to know how the book ends.
'The Handmaid’s Tale's' Season 5 Finale Sets Things Up for the End (SPOILERS)
'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5 ending may need to be explained for fans who are still reeling after everything that went down in the end.
June Is Targeted by Multiple Groups in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5 (SPOILERS)
Who shot at June in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? She's the target of a lot of people's rage right now and there are multiple groups who want her dead.
It Looks Like Commander Putnam's Wife Will Be Remarrying in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
What happens to Putnam's wife in 'The Handmaid's Tale' now that the commander is dead? Gilead isn't exactly a place for unwed mothers.
Hannah Is a Rebel Like Her Mom in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
What happens to 'The Handmaid's Tale's Hannah? The penultimate episode of Season 5 gives viewers clues about what she remembers.
June's Life Mission on 'The Handmaid's Tale' Is to Rescue Hannah — Will She Succeed?
Does June get Hannah back in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? She has been trying to save her oldest daughter from Gilead since the beginning.
Here's What the Color Red Represents in Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Why do the handmaids on 'The Handmaid's Tale' wear red? Plus, why the wives on 'The Handmaid's Tale' wear blue. Read on to find out!
The Fate of Esther's Baby Is Revealed in Season 5 of 'The Handmaid's Tale'
What happens to Esther's baby in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? Actress Mckenna Grace stars as Esther Keyes — a wife-turned-handmaid.
'The Handmaid's Tale's Penultimate Season Has Been Wild — Here's When It Ends
When is 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5 finale? It's the second to last season of the series and will likely set things up for how everything ends.
June Could Return to a Version of Gilead in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Does June go to New Bethlehem? 'The Handmaid's Tale' introduces a new side of Gilead that might entice her enough to return.
Serena's Fate In Toronto Could Be Worse Than Her Future In Gilead On 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Why does Luke turn in Serena? 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5 is coming to an end and there are still plenty of questions.
Serena Is Separated From Her Son in 'The Handmaid's Tale' — What Happens Next?
What happens to Serena's baby in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5? After being taken into custody, Serena is separated from her son.
Gilead May Be Getting Desperate for Fertile Women in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Uterus harvesting exists in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' but what is it and is it something they do in the book too? It's a disturbing concept for handmaids.
Esther Gives 'The Handmaid's Tale' Viewers a Chance to See Another Side of Aunt Lydia (SPOILERS)
Esther is revealed to be pregnant in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' but how did it happen and when did Esther get pregnant in the Season 5 timeline?
June and Serena Have a Complicated and Dysfunctional Relationship in 'The Handmaid's Tale' (SPOILERS)
Does Serena kill June in Season 5 of 'The Handmaid's Tale'? Things between them are complicated and Serena has the chance to get rid of her former handmaid.
June and Luke Need a Miracle To Get Out of No Man's Land Alive on 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Who captured June and Luke in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? Both of their lives are in danger right now and fans worried someone might kill June.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Wheeler Are the New Fred and Serena on 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Who is Ryan Wheeler in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? Season 5 introduces new characters who may have some seriously sinister motives.
Some 'Handmaid's Tale' Fans Want Serena To Have a Fate Worse Than Death (SPOILERS)
Will Serena be a handmaid in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? Season 5 might not go her way, even if she survives June's rage and the commanders in Gilead.
Here Are 'The Handmaid's Tale' Characters We'll See Again in 'The Testaments'
Which characters from 'The Handmaid's Tale' are in 'The Testaments' spinoff and the book version? Fans are ready for the next story.
June's Time in Canada Might Be Short-Lived on 'The Handmaid's Tale'
June finally escaped Gilead and made it to Canada safely on 'The Handmaid's Tale,' but will she eventually be sent back to Gilead?
Hannah Is Growing Up in 'The Handmaid's Tale' — Here's What Her New Dress Color Means (SPOILERS)
What does the color purple mean in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? June and Luke need to save Hannah from Gilead before it's too late for her.
Praise Be — A Sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' Is Coming to Hulu
Now that 'The Handmaid's Tale' is in its fifth season, we're pleased to announce the world of Gilead isn't done with us yet. Here's what we know about Hulu's 'The Testaments'.
Praise Be, 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5 Has Finally Arrived! Here's Your Official Episode Guide
Hulu's dystopian drama series 'The Handmaid's Tale' unveiled its first two Season 5 episodes; here's a guide for the rest of the season's schedule.
How Long Will Serena Stay in Gilead in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? (SPOILERS)
Is Serena back in Gilead to stay in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5? She's there to bury Fred and see if she has a place in the government by herself.
A Certain Character's Death in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Would Be Too Much for Some Fans (SPOILERS)
Is Janine dead in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5? Her life is in danger early on, but she has already been through so much on the show.
Meet Nick’s Wife From 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5
Who is Nick married to in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5? Viewers finally meet his wife and learn more about who she is and what she knows.
Why Is Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' Ending After Such Fruitful Success?
Blessed be, fellow 'Handmaid's Tale' fans. Considering it was revealed that Season 6 will be the Hulu series' last, we can't help but wonder why.
Blessed Be the Fruit of More ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Seasons — How Many Total Seasons Will There Be?
Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel of the same name, Season 5 of Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' is just around the corner. How many more seasons?
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Fans React to Alexis Bledel’s Surprise Exit From the Hulu Show
Why did Alexis Bledel leave ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’? Fans are scrambling for answers after the actress announced her decision on Friday, May 27.
The 2021 Emmys Did a Disservice to Joseph Fiennes and His Last 'Handmaid's Tale' Season
A ton of stars from 'The Handmaid's Tale' were given Emmy nominations for 2021, except Joseph Fiennes, whom some fans feel was snubbed.
"Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum" Is Still Important on 'The Handmaid's Tale'
The Latin phrase "nolite te bastardes carborundorum" is still used in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' but what does it mean? Here's where it comes from.
Is [SPOILER] Really Dead in 'The Handmaid's Tale'? The Shocking Ending Leaves No Room for Interpretation
If you watched the Season 4 finale of 'The Handmaid's Tale' and need to know for sure if Fred Waterford is really dead, we have all the answers here.
June's Future Looks Pretty Grim in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4 Finale
June's relationship with Luke is beyond repair in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4 finale. Now that she appears to be leaving, where will she go?
That 'Handmaid's Tale' Scene With June and Luke Is Still a Hot Topic Among Fans
June appears to have raped her husband Luke in a Season 4 episode of 'The Handmaid's Tale,' but there is a lot of discussion over what happened.
Emily Finally Got Closure After Her Reunion With an Aunt on 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Aunt Irene showed back up in Emily's life on 'The Handmaid's Tale,' but some viewers are unclear about who she is exactly.
There's a Wild Theory About Serena Becoming a Handmaid on 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Serena now knows she can have children on 'The Handmaid's Tale,' and there's a theory going around that she could be turned into a handmaid. Details!
Luke's First Wife in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Is a Big Part of His and June's Past
Some 'Handmaid's Tale' fans can't remember what happened to Luke's first wife before he and June got together — so where is she now?
What Happened to Esther Keyes on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’? [SPOILERS]
What happened to Esther Keyes on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’? The Mckenna Grace character, introduced in the Season 4 premiere, is currently M.I.A.
'The Handmaid's Tale' Has More Stories From Gilead to Tell
'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4 shows more of the fall of Gilead, as does the second book in the series, but will there be a third book from Margaret Atwood?
Serena's "Pregnancy" in 'The Handmaid's Tale' Could Shift the Focus of Season 4
After the Season 4 trailer was released for 'The Handmaid's Tale,' people think Serena might be pregnant. If she is, what does that mean for her future?