The Handmaid's Tale (TV series)

In a world where fertility rates have collapsed as a result of sexually transmitted diseases and environmental pollution,{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |title='The Handmaid's Tale,' and Ours |last=Douthat |first=Ross |date=May 24, 2017 |work=The New York Times |quote=The first situates the Gilead regime's quest to control the means of reproduction in the context of an enormous fertility collapse, caused by the combination of environmental catastrophe and rampant S.T.D.s. |access-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510212118/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |url-status=live }} the totalitarian, theonomic government of Gilead has established its rule in the former United States in the aftermath of a civil war.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |title='The Handmaid's Tale,' and Ours |last=Douthat |first=Ross |date=May 24, 2017 |work=The New York Times |quote=Now, in the era of the Trump administration, liberal TV watchers find a perverse sort of comfort in the horrific alternate reality of the Republic of Gilead, where a cabal of theonomist Christians have established a totalitarian state that forbids women to read, sets a secret police to watch their every move and deploys them as slave-concubines to childless elites. |access-date=July 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510212118/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://evangelicalfocus.com/blogs/2662/The_handmaids_tale_review_no_balm_in_Atwoods_Gilead_review |title=There is no balm in Atwood's Gilead |last=Segovia |first=José de |editor=Daniel Wickham |date=June 22, 2017 |website=Evangelical Focus |quote=A clear example of Atwood's focus on the Reconstructionism of theonomy is his way of representing the death penalty. |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013064649/http://evangelicalfocus.com/blogs/2662/The_handmaids_tale_review_no_balm_in_Atwoods_Gilead_review |url-status=live }} Society is organized by power-hungry leaders along with a new, militarized, hierarchical theonomy and newly created social classes, in which women are brutally subjugated. By law, women in Gilead are forced to work in severely limited roles, including some as natal slaves, and they are not allowed to own property, have careers, handle money, or even read and write (apart from the Aunts).

Worldwide infertility has led to the enslavement of fertile women in Gilead determined by the new régime to be fallen women, citing an extremist interpretation of the Biblical account of Bilhah. These women often include those who have entered marriages following divorce (termed "adulteresses", as divorce is not recognized under Gileadian law), single or unmarried mothers, lesbians (homosexuals being termed "gender traitors"), non-Christians, adherents of Christian denominations other than the "Sons of Jacob", political dissidents, and academics.

These women, called Handmaids, are assigned to the homes of the ruling elite, where they must submit to ritualized rape (referred to as "the ceremony") by their male masters ("Commanders") in the presence of their wives with the intent of being impregnated and bearing children for them.{{cite web |url=https://sojo.net/articles/margaret-atwood-christianity-handmaid-s-tale-and-what-faithful-activism-looks-today |title=Margaret Atwood on Christianity, 'The Handmaid's Tale,' and What Faithful Activism Looks Like Today |last=Williams |first=Layton E. |date=April 25, 2017 |website=Sojourners |access-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401190558/https://sojo.net/articles/margaret-atwood-christianity-handmaid-s-tale-and-what-faithful-activism-looks-today |url-status=live }} Handmaids are given names created by the addition of the prefix Of- to the first name of the man who has them. When they are transferred, their names are changed.

Along with the Handmaids, much of society is now grouped into classes that dictate their freedoms and duties. Women are divided into a small range of social categories, each one signified by a plain dress in a specific color. A Handmaid’s outfit consists of a long red dress, a red cloak, heavy brown boots, and a white coif, with a larger white bonnet (known as "wings") to be worn outside, which conceals her from the public view and restricts her vision.

June Osborne, renamed Offred, is the Handmaid assigned to the home of the Gileadan Commander Fred Waterford and his wife Serena Joy, key players in the formation and rise of Gilead, who struggle with the realities of the society they helped create. During "the time before", June was married to Luke and had a daughter, Hannah.

At the beginning of the story, while attempting to flee Gilead with her husband and daughter, June was captured and forced to become a Handmaid because of the "adultery" she and her husband committed. June's daughter was taken and given to an upper-class family to raise, and her husband escaped into Canada. Much of the plot revolves around June's desire to be reunited with her husband and daughter and the internal evolution of her strength to its somewhat darker version.

{{main|List of The Handmaid's Tale (TV series) characters}}

• Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne / Offred / Ofjoseph #2, a woman who was captured while attempting to escape to Canada with her husband, Luke, and daughter, Hannah. Because Luke is divorced, their union is considered adulterous in this new society. June is considered an adulteress and their daughter, Hannah, is deemed illegitimate. Due to June's fertility, she is made a Handmaid to Commander Fred Waterford and his wife Serena Joy, and is called "Offred"; later she becomes handmaid to Commander Joseph Lawrence and is called "Ofjoseph".
• Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford (seasons 1–4), a high-ranking government official, and June's first master. Both he and his wife were instrumental in Gilead's founding.
• Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford, Fred's wife, and a former conservative cultural activist and author. She appears to have accepted her new role in a society that she helped create. She is poised and deeply religious, but capable of great cruelty and is often callous to June. She is desperate to become a mother.
• Alexis Bledel as Dr. Emily Malek / Ofglen #1 / Ofsteven / Ofroy / Ofjoseph #1 (seasons 1–4), a former university professor in cellular biology and initially June's shopping partner. Although June is initially wary of her, it is revealed she is not as pious as she seems, and the two become friends. Emily is involved with and first informs June of Mayday, an underground resistance movement. She has a wife and son living in Canada.
• Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo / Ofwarren / Ofdaniel / Ofhoward / Ofjoseph # 3, a Handmaid who entered the Red Center for training at the same time as June, and considers June a friend due to her kind treatment. Initially non-compliant, Janine has her right eye removed as a punishment. She becomes mentally unstable due to her treatment and often behaves in temperamental or childlike ways. Before Gilead, Janine was a waitress and had a son, Caleb, who unbeknownst to her was killed in a car crash after the takeover.
• Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia Clements, a woman in charge of overseeing the Handmaids in their sexual re-education and duties. She is brutal and subjects insubordinate Handmaids to sadistic physical punishment, but she also cares for her charges and believes deeply in the Gileadean mission and doctrine. She appears to have a soft spot for Janine and even goes so far as to address her by her given name on occasion. Before Gilead, she was a family court judge, and afterwards, an elementary school teacher.
• O-T Fagbenle as Luke Bankole, June's husband from before Gilead. Initially, June believes he was killed, but it is later revealed that Luke managed to escape to Canada.
• Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine, Commander Waterford's driver and a former drifter from Michigan who has feelings for June. June and Nick develop an intimate relationship and she eventually discovers that he is an Eye, a spy for Gilead and that he played a significant role in the Gileadean takeover. In season 3, he is promoted to Commander.
• Samira Wiley as Moira Strand, June's best friend since college. She is already at the Red Center when June enters Handmaid training but escapes before being assigned to a home. She is recaptured and becomes "Ruby", a Jezebel. She seems to have given up hope of ever being free, but on meeting June again regains the conviction to escape to Canada.
• Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue (seasons 2–6, recurring season 1), a housekeeper at the Waterford house, who becomes one of June's closest allies. She had a son named Matthew, who died fighting in the civil war when he was 19 years old.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-season-2-amanda-brugel-promoted-series-regular-1030498 |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Promotes Amanda Brugel to Series Regular (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Kate |last=Stanhope |date=August 17, 2017 |access-date=September 19, 2017 |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920213537/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-season-2-amanda-brugel-promoted-series-regular-1030498 |url-status=live }}
• Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence (seasons 3–6, guest season 2), the founder of the Colonies and architect of Gilead's economy. He is on and off with Mayday.{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='The Handmaid's Tale': Bradley Whitford Joins Hulu Drama Series For Season 2 |url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/the-handmaids-tale-bradley-whitford-season-2-hulu-drama-series-elisabeth-moss-1202290779/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=February 16, 2018 |date=February 15, 2018 |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216085026/http://deadline.com/2018/02/the-handmaids-tale-bradley-whitford-season-2-hulu-drama-series-elisabeth-moss-1202290779/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2018/10/05/the-handmaids-tale-bradley-whitford-returning-season-3-commander-lawrence/ |title=Handmaid's Tale Ups Bradley Whitford to Series Regular for Season 3 |website=TVLine |first=Dave |last=Nemetz |date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006065313/https://tvline.com/2018/10/05/the-handmaids-tale-bradley-whitford-returning-season-3-commander-lawrence/ |url-status=live }}
• Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello (seasons 4–6, recurring season 3, guest season 2), an operative of the U.S. Government whom Serena encounters in Canada.{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='The Handmaid's Tale': Mckenna Grace Joins Cast As Season 4 Production Resumes |url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/the-handmaids-tale-mckenna-grace-joins-cast-season-4-production-resumes-1234579246/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=September 18, 2020 |date=September 17, 2020 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929105337/https://deadline.com/2020/09/the-handmaids-tale-mckenna-grace-joins-cast-season-4-production-resumes-1234579246/ |url-status=live }}
• Ever Carradine as Naomi Putnam (season 6, recurring seasons 1–5), Commander Putnam's wife. She has no sympathy for Handmaids and only sees her baby as a status symbol. She later marries Commander Lawrence after a change in circumstances.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/the-handmaids-tale-ever-carradine-promoted-series-regular-season-6-1235927777/ |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Ups Ever Carradine To Series Regular For Sixth & Final Season |website=Deadline |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024}}

• Jordana Blake as Hannah Bankole, June and Luke's daughter. After being taken, she is given a new family and renamed Agnes MacKenzie.
• Stephen Kunken as Commander Warren Putnam (seasons 1–5), a High Commander and the first known Commander of Janine.
• Tattiawna Jones as Lillie Fuller / Ofglen #2 (seasons 1–2), who replaces Emily in the position after Emily is captured by the Eyes. She warns June away from breaking the rules and does not wish to upset the status quo, but this is because she believes her life as a Handmaid is better than the difficult, impoverished life she led prior to Gilead, rather than out of religious piety.
• Nina Kiri as Alma / Ofrobert (seasons 1–4, guest season 5), another Handmaid who trained at the Red Center with June, Moira, and Janine. She is frank and chatty and often trades gossip and news with June. She is also involved with Mayday and becomes one of June's first contacts with the resistance group.
• Bahia Watson as Brianna / Oferic (seasons 1–4, guest season 5), another local Handmaid who is friends with June. She is Dolores's shopping partner.
• Jenessa Grant as Dolores / Ofsamuel (seasons 1–2, guest season 3), a local Handmaid with a friendly and talkative nature. She is Brianna's shopping partner.
• Edie Inksetter as Aunt Elizabeth, a fellow Aunt who works closely with Aunt Lydia at the Red Center.
• Robert Curtis Brown as Commander Andrew Pryce (seasons 1–2), a Commander who is one of the leading members of the Sons of Jacob and is in charge of the Eyes.
• Kristen Gutoskie as Beth (seasons 1 and 3, guest season 4), an award-winning chef before the rise of Gilead, formerly a Martha at Jezebel's, and later a Martha in the Lawrence household.
• Erin Way as Erin (seasons 1–3), a young, apparently mute woman who was being trained to become a Handmaid but managed to escape to Canada with Luke.{{cite web |last1=Grady |first1=Constance |title=The Handmaid's Tale season 1, episode 7: "The Other Side" takes us out of Gilead to check in on a familiar face |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/5/24/15682174/handmaids-tale-episode-7-recap-the-other-side-luke |website=Vox |access-date=January 26, 2018 |date=November 28, 2017 |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127083932/https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/5/24/15682174/handmaids-tale-episode-7-recap-the-other-side-luke |url-status=live }}
• Krista Morin as Rachel Tapping (seasons 1–2, season 4), an official at the United States Consulate in Canada.
• Clea DuVall as Sylvia (season 3, guest seasons 2 and 5), Emily's wife.{{cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=The Handmaid's Tale casts Cherry Jones in key role for season 2 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-season-2-clea-duvall-play-alexis-bledels-wife-1051983 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 26, 2018 |date=October 26, 2017 |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127014433/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-season-2-clea-duvall-play-alexis-bledels-wife-1051983 |url-status=live }}
• Cherry Jones as Holly Maddox (seasons 2–3, season 6), June's mother, an outspoken feminist.{{cite magazine |last1=Heldman |first1=Breanne L. |title=The Handmaid's Tale casts Cherry Jones in key role for season 2 |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/25/the-handmaids-tale-cherry-jones/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=January 26, 2018 |date=January 25, 2018 |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125190618/http://ew.com/tv/2018/01/25/the-handmaids-tale-cherry-jones/ |url-status=live }}
• Sydney Sweeney as Eden Blaine (née Spencer) (season 2), a pious and obedient young girl who is married off to Nick.{{cite news |last1=Dowling |first1=Amber |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2 Taps Sydney Sweeney (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/handmaids-tale-season-2-casting-sydney-sweeney-exclusive-1202623980/ |work=Variety |access-date=January 26, 2018 |date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127004609/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/handmaids-tale-season-2-casting-sydney-sweeney-exclusive-1202623980/ |url-status=live }}
• Greg Bryk as Commander Ray Cushing (season 2), a fellow Commander who later replaces Commander Pryce's position.
• Rohan Mead as Isaac (season 2), a young Guardian assigned to the Waterford home.
• Julie Dretzin as Eleanor Lawrence (seasons 2–3), the mentally unstable wife of Commander Lawrence.
• Amy Landecker as Mrs. Mackenzie (season 5, guest season 3), Hannah's placement mother in Gilead.
• Ashleigh LaThrop as Natalie / Ofmatthew (season 3), a devoted Handmaid whose loyalty to Gilead causes divisive tensions amongst her peers.{{cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |title='Good Girls' Casts Lauren Stamile; Ashleigh LaThrop Joins 'The Handmaid's Tale' |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/good-girls-casts-lauren-stamile-ashleigh-lathrop-the-handmaids-tale-1202492364/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 21, 2018 |date=October 30, 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030230658/https://deadline.com/2018/10/good-girls-casts-lauren-stamile-ashleigh-lathrop-the-handmaids-tale-1202492364/ |url-status=live }}
• Sugenja Sri as Sienna (season 3, guest season 4), a former radiology student and a new Martha in the Lawrence household.
• Jonathan Watton as Commander Matthew Calhoun (seasons 3–6), the assigned Commander of Natalie/Ofmatthew.
• Charlie Zeltzer as Oliver (seasons 3–4), Emily and Sylvia's son.
• Christopher Meloni as High Commander George Winslow (season 3), a High Commander stationed in Washington, D.C.{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2019/01/24/the-handmaids-tale-season-3-christopher-meloni-cast/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale Season 3 Adds Christopher Meloni, Elizabeth Reaser |work=TVLine |first=Ryan |last=Schwartz |date=January 24, 2019 |access-date=January 24, 2019 |archive-date=January 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124224921/https://tvline.com/2019/01/24/the-handmaids-tale-season-3-christopher-meloni-cast/ |url-status=live }}
• Elizabeth Reaser as Olivia Winslow (season 3), the wife of High Commander Winslow.
• Mckenna Grace as Esther Keyes (seasons 4–5), a farmer and the teenage wife of an older Commander.
• Zawe Ashton as Oona (season 4), an aid worker in Toronto and Moira's new girlfriend.{{cite web |last=Wigler |first=Josh |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Boss Looks Toward Season 4 and the Endgame Beyond |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-boss-looks-toward-season-4-and-the-endgame-beyond |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=December 16, 2020 |date=December 11, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215012213/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-boss-looks-toward-season-4-and-the-endgame-beyond |url-status=live }}
• Jeananne Goossen as Aunt Ruth (season 4), a high ranking Aunt who is desperate to replace Aunt Lydia as the leading Aunt in their district.
• Natasha Mumba as Danielle (seasons 4–5), a former handmaid.
• Victoria Sawal as Tyler (seasons 4–5), a former handmaid.
• Amanda Zhou as Vicky (seasons 4–5), a former handmaid.
• Carey Cox as Rose Blaine (seasons 5–6), the daughter of a High Commander in Washington, D.C. and Nick's new wife.
• Jason Butler Harner as Commander Mackenzie (season 5), a High Commander and Hannah's placement father.
• Rossif Sutherland as Ezra Shaw (season 5), Serena's personal Gileadan bodyguard in Canada.
• Genevieve Angelson as Alanis Wheeler (season 5), an affluent Canadian who idolizes Serena and who is a driving force behind the rise of Gilead in Toronto.{{cite web |last=Roots |first=Kimberly |title='The Handmaid's Tale Season 5 Adds New Amsterdam's Genevieve Angelson as [Spoiler]'s Superfan |url=https://tvline.com/2022/07/15/the-handmaids-tale-genevieve-angelson-season-5-cast/ |website=TVLine |access-date=July 17, 2022 |date=April 5, 2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215012213/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hulu-handmaids-tale-christine-ko-season-5-1235125121/ |url-status=live }}
• Lucas Neff as Ryan Wheeler (season 5), Alanis' husband who lives with her in Canada.
• Josh Charles as Commander Wharton (season 6), a High Commander and Nick's father-in-law.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/josh-charles-cast-the-handmaids-tale-season-six-1236018237/ |title=Josh Charles Joins 'The Handmaid's Tale' For Sixth & Final Season |website=Deadline |first=Rosy |last=Cordero |date=July 23, 2024 |access-date=September 7, 2024}}
• Athena Karkanis as Ellen (season 6), a leader in Mayday.
• Timothy Simons as Commander Bell (season 6), a High Commander with important family connections.
• D'Arcy Carden as Aunt Phoebe (season 6), an Aunt stationed at the Red Center who is allied with Mayday.

• Jim Cummings as Burke (season 1), an Eye who interrogates June in the Waterford home.
• Zabryna Guevara as Mrs. Castillo (season 1), an ambassador from Mexico who visits Gilead to see the effectiveness of the regime.
• Christian Barillas as Mr. Flores (season 1), Mrs. Castillo's assistant.
• Rosa Gilmore as Zoe (season 1), the daughter of a US army soldier and the leader of the group of survivors whom Luke encounters after being separated from June and Hannah.
• Tim Ransom as Mr. Whitford (season 1), a friend of June's mother who helps June, Luke, and Hannah attempt to cross the border.
• Marisa Tomei as Mrs. O'Conner (season 2), a Commander's wife who is exiled to the Colonies as punishment for committing a sin of the flesh.{{cite web |last1=de Moraes |first1=Lisa |title=Marisa Tomei To Guest on Hulu's' Dystopian 'The Handmaid's Tale' |url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/marisa-tomei-to-guest-on-hulus-dystopian-the-handmaids-tale-1202242926/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=January 14, 2018 |date=January 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114200234/http://deadline.com/2018/01/marisa-tomei-to-guest-on-hulus-dystopian-the-handmaids-tale-1202242926/ |url-status=live }}
• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Omar (season 2), a man who helps June attempt to escape Gilead.
• John Carroll Lynch as Dan (season 2), Emily's boss at the university where she worked.
• Kelly Jenrette as Annie (season 2), Luke's ex-wife.
• Rebecca Rittenhouse as Odette (season 2), a doctor, and Moira's deceased fiancée.
• Laila Robins as Pamela Joy (season 3), Serena's mother.
• Deidrie Henry as Lori (seasons 3–4), a Martha who Nick uses for intel in Gilead.
• Sarah McVie as Lena (season 3), a Swiss diplomat negotiating the hostile conflict between Gilead and Canada over Nichole.
• Emily Althaus as Noelle (season 3), a young single mother whose son Aunt Lydia taught before the rise of Gilead.
• Laura Vandervoort as Daisy (season 4), a Jezebels worker who aids June.
• Alex Castillo as Dawn Mathis (season 4), the Waterfords' defense attorney.
• Reed Birney as Lieutenant Stans (season 4) a Gilead officer who interrogates June.
• Omar Maskati as Steven (season 4), the leader of a resistance group in Chicago.
• Carly Street as Iris Baker/Aunt Irene (season 4), a former Aunt who attempts to make amends with Emily.
• Christine Ko as Lily (season 5), a former Martha who is now a leader in the Canada-based resistance movement.{{cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Adds Christine Ko for Season 5 (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hulu-handmaids-tale-christine-ko-season-5-1235125121/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=April 10, 2022 |date=April 5, 2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215012213/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hulu-handmaids-tale-christine-ko-season-5-1235125121/ |url-status=live }}
• Naomi Snieckus as Abigail (season 6), the leader of a community for women and children in Canada who takes in Serena.

In the second season, Oprah Winfrey has an uncredited appearance as a newsreader on a car radio.{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/oprah-winfrey-handmaids-tale-season-2-1202855373/ |title=How 'The Handmaid's Tale' Nabbed Oprah Winfrey |work=Variety |first=Danielle |last=Turchiano |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627190439/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/oprah-winfrey-handmaids-tale-season-2-1202855373/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of The Handmaid's Tale episodes}}

{{:List of The Handmaid's Tale episodes}}

Development of The Handmaid's Tale began with Ilene Chaiken at Showtime, but the network passed on the pilot, and Chaiken was hired as showrunner for Empire. MGM's Steve Stark was determined to find a female writer, but after difficulty he hired Bruce Miller for his enthusiasm. The strength of the script attracted star Elisabeth Moss and executive producer Warren Littlefield, which together created a straight-to-series order from Hulu,{{cite web |last1=Littleton |first1=Cynthia |title=How MGM Birthed 'The Handmaid's Tale' for TV |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-bruce-miller-reed-morano-mgm-television-1202493275/ |website=Variety |access-date=July 23, 2023 |date=July 12, 2017 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723084830/https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-bruce-miller-reed-morano-mgm-television-1202493275/ |url-status=live }} which was announced in April 2016.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/elisabeth-moss-star-straight-to-series-drama-handmaids-tale-hulu-1201746822/ |title=Elisabeth Moss To Star in Drama Series The Handmaid's Tale On Hulu |first1=Denise |last1=Petski |first2=Nellie |last2=Andreeva |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 29, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314080602/http://deadline.com/2016/04/elisabeth-moss-star-straight-to-series-drama-handmaids-tale-hulu-1201746822/ |url-status=live }} Based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, the series was created by Bruce Miller, who is also an executive producer with Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Warren Littlefield. Atwood serves as consulting producer, giving feedback on some of the areas where the series expands upon or modernizes the book.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/04/13/what-margaret-atwood-thinks-of-the-new-hulu-adaptation-of-the-handmaids-tale/ |title=What Margaret Atwood thinks of the new Hulu adaptation of 'The Handmaid's Tale' |first=Sadie |last=Dingfelder |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=May 30, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427192448/https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/04/13/what-margaret-atwood-thinks-of-the-new-hulu-adaptation-of-the-handmaids-tale/ |url-status=live }} She also played a small cameo role in the first episode.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/books/review/margaret-atwood-handmaids-tale-age-of-trump.html |title=Margaret Atwood on What The Handmaid's Tale Means in the Age of Trump |work=The New York Times |first=Margaret |last=Atwood |author-link=Margaret Atwood |date=March 10, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315062426/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/books/review/margaret-atwood-handmaids-tale-age-of-trump.html |url-status=live }} Moss is also a producer.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/arts/television/the-handmaids-tale-elisabeth-moss-samira-wiley-margaret-atwood-hulu.html |title=The Handmaid's Tale: A Newly Resonant Dystopia Comes to TV |first=Katrina |last=Onstad |date=April 20, 2017 |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 20, 2017 |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420104516/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/arts/television/the-handmaids-tale-elisabeth-moss-samira-wiley-margaret-atwood-hulu.html |url-status=live }}

In June 2016, Reed Morano was announced as director of the series.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/reed-morano-to-direct-handmaids-tale-elizabeth-moss-margaret-atwood-1201777300/ |title=Reed Morano in Talks To Direct The Handmaid's Tale Starring Elisabeth Moss For Hulu |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Ali |last=Jafaar |date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113170412/http://deadline.com/2016/06/reed-morano-to-direct-handmaids-tale-elizabeth-moss-margaret-atwood-1201777300/ |url-status=live }} Samira Wiley, Max Minghella, and Ann Dowd joined the cast in July 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.variety.com/2016/tv/news/samira-wiley-the-handmaids-tale-hulu-1201822400/|title=Orange Is the New Black{{'s}} Samira Wiley Joins Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale|last=Roshanian|first=Arya|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016|work=Variety|archive-date=July 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726131702/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/samira-wiley-the-handmaids-tale-hulu-1201822400/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/samira-wiley-the-handmaids-tale-hulu-orange-is-the-new-black-1201792362/ |title=Samira Wiley Joins Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Patrick |last=Hipes |date=July 25, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113170824/http://deadline.com/2016/07/samira-wiley-the-handmaids-tale-hulu-orange-is-the-new-black-1201792362/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/max-minghella-ann-dowd-cast-the-handmaids-tale-drama-series-hulu-elisabeth-moss-1201786994/ |title=Max Minghella & Ann Dowd Join The Handmaid's Tale Drama Series on Hulu |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Denise |last=Petski |date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113170546/http://deadline.com/2016/07/max-minghella-ann-dowd-cast-the-handmaids-tale-drama-series-hulu-elisabeth-moss-1201786994/ |url-status=live }} Joseph Fiennes, Madeline Brewer, and Yvonne Strahovski were cast in August 2016,{{cite news |last1=Prudom |first1=Laura |title=Joseph Fiennes to Star in The Handmaid's Tale for Hulu |url=https://www.variety.com/2016/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-hulu-joseph-fiennes-elisabeth-moss-1201842976/ |work=Variety |date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2016 |archive-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824135020/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-hulu-joseph-fiennes-elisabeth-moss-1201842976/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hulus-handmaids-tale-adds-madeline-919779 |title=Hulu's Handmaid's Tale Adds Madeline Brewer |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |date=August 19, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116144018/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hulus-handmaids-tale-adds-madeline-919779 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/yvonne-strahovski-cast-hulu-the-handmaids-tale-joseph-fiennes-elisabeth-moss-1201810313/|title=Yvonne Strahovski To Star in Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2017|archive-date=November 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130073357/http://deadline.com/2016/08/yvonne-strahovski-cast-hulu-the-handmaids-tale-joseph-fiennes-elisabeth-moss-1201810313/|url-status=live}} followed by O-T Fagbenle and Amanda Brugel in September 2016.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/the-handmaids-tale-casts-o-t-fagbenle-sophia-wylie-andi-mack-1201814349/|title=The Handmaid's Tale Casts O-T Fagbenle; Sofia Wylie Joins Andi Mack|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406054834/http://deadline.com/2016/09/the-handmaids-tale-casts-o-t-fagbenle-sophia-wylie-andi-mack-1201814349/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/the-handmaids-tale-cast-amanda-brugel-jemar-michael-dear-white-people-1201826560/|title=The Handmaid's Tale Casts Amanda Brugel; Jemar Michael Joins Dear White People|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=September 28, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2017|archive-date=February 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216105039/http://deadline.com/2016/09/the-handmaids-tale-cast-amanda-brugel-jemar-michael-dear-white-people-1201826560/|url-status=live}} In October 2016, Ever Carradine joined the cast,{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/10/teen-wolf-sibo-mlambo-ever-carradine-handmaids-tale-1201844188/ |title=Ever Carradine Books Role On Handmaid's Tale; Sibo Mlambo To Recur On Teen Wolf |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Erik |last=Pederson |date=October 27, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |archive-date=December 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216145208/http://deadline.com/2016/10/teen-wolf-sibo-mlambo-ever-carradine-handmaids-tale-1201844188/ |url-status=live }} and Alexis Bledel was added in January 2017.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/alexis-bledel-cast-the-handmaids-tale-hulu-recurring-1201879022/ |title=Alexis Bledel Joins New Hulu Series The Handmaid's Tale As Recurring |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=January 5, 2017 |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106011152/http://deadline.com/2017/01/alexis-bledel-cast-the-handmaids-tale-hulu-recurring-1201879022/ |url-status=live }} Filming on the series took place in Toronto, Mississauga, Brantford, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and Cambridge, Ontario, from September 2016 to February 2017.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/secrets-hulus-handmaids-tale-set-revealed-995397 |title=The Secrets From Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' Set Revealed |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Amber |last=Dowling |date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=May 11, 2017 |archive-date=April 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430003649/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/secrets-hulus-handmaids-tale-set-revealed-995397 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://playbackonline.ca/2016/06/07/the-handmaids-tale-to-shoot-in-toronto/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale to shoot in Toronto |work=Playback |first=Katie |last=Bailey |date=June 7, 2016 |access-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043704/http://playbackonline.ca/2016/06/07/the-handmaids-tale-to-shoot-in-toronto/ |url-status=live }} Hulu released the first full trailer of the TV series on YouTube, on March 23, 2017.{{cite web|title=The Handmaid's Tale Trailer (Official)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJTonrzXTJs|website=YouTube|date=May 23, 2017|access-date=March 24, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113222735/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJTonrzXTJs|url-status=live}} The series premiered on April 26, 2017.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/the-handmaids-tale-spring-premiere-date-hulu-elisabeth-moss-joseph-fiennes-1201872214/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale Gets Spring Premiere Date on Hulu |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Denise |last=Petski |date=December 16, 2016 |access-date=December 16, 2016 |archive-date=December 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217105916/http://deadline.com/2016/12/the-handmaids-tale-spring-premiere-date-hulu-elisabeth-moss-joseph-fiennes-1201872214/ |url-status=live }}

On May 3, 2017, The Handmaid's Tale was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 25, 2018.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-hulu-elisabeth-moss-upfront-1202082228/ |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Renewed For Season 2 By Hulu – Upfront |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Denise |last=Petski |date=May 3, 2017 |access-date=May 3, 2017 |archive-date=May 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503162029/http://deadline.com/2017/05/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-hulu-elisabeth-moss-upfront-1202082228/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/14/handmaids-tale-season-2-trailer-premiere-date/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Here's the first trailer for season 2 (and a premiere date!) |first=Sara |last=Vilkomerson |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 14, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114212636/http://ew.com/tv/2018/01/14/handmaids-tale-season-2-trailer-premiere-date/ |url-status=live }} Moss told the news media that the subsequent episodes would cover further developments in the story, filling in some of the unanswered questions and continuing the narrative already "finished" in the book.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-stars-elisabeth-moss-alexis-bledel-talk-trump-season-2-1002578 |title='Handmaid's Tale' Stars, Director on Show's Startling Relevance and Season 2 Plans |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Jackie |last=Strause |date=May 11, 2017 |access-date=June 11, 2017 |archive-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614145439/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-stars-elisabeth-moss-alexis-bledel-talk-trump-season-2-1002578 |url-status=live }} The second season consists of 13 episodes and began filming in the fall of 2017. Alexis Bledel returned as a series regular.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-season-2-alexis-bledel-returning-1015965 |title='Handmaid's Tale': Alexis Bledel Returning as Season 2 Series Regular |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Kate |last=Stanhope |date=June 22, 2017 |access-date=June 29, 2017 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630093214/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/handmaids-tale-season-2-alexis-bledel-returning-1015965 |url-status=live }} Showrunner Bruce Miller stated that he envisioned 10 seasons of the show, stating, "Well, you know, honestly, when I started, I tried to game out in my head what would ten seasons be like? If you hit a home run, you want energy to go around the bases, you want enough story to keep going, if you can hook the audience to care about these people enough that they're actually crying at the finale."{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/18/arts/television/the-handmaids-tale-finale-showrunner-interview.html |title=The Handmaid's Tale Showrunner Bruce Miller on the Season 1 Finale |work=The New York Times |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |date=June 18, 2017 |access-date=July 6, 2017 |archive-date=July 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706195913/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/18/arts/television/the-handmaids-tale-finale-showrunner-interview.html |url-status=live }} Season 2 was filmed in Ontario, primarily in Toronto, but some scenes were shot in Hamilton and Cambridge.{{cite web |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/945194/The-Handmaids-Tale-season-2-filming-location-setting-Canada-Gilead-book |title=The Handmaid's Tale season 2 location: Where is it filmed? Where is it set? |website=Express |first=Emma |last=Nolan |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914165654/https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/945194/The-Handmaids-Tale-season-2-filming-location-setting-Canada-Gilead-book |url-status=live }}

On May 2, 2018, Hulu renewed the series for a third season,{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-hulu-season-3-1202794440/ |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Renewed for Season 3 at Hulu |work=Variety |first=Daniel |last=Holloway |date=May 2, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327235050/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-hulu-season-3-1202794440/ |url-status=live }} which premiered on June 5, 2019.{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2019/02/11/the-handmaids-tale-premiere-date-season-3-hulu/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale Sets Season 3 Premiere Date at Hulu |work=TVLine |first=Kimberly |last=Roots |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011459/https://tvline.com/2019/02/11/the-handmaids-tale-premiere-date-season-3-hulu/ |url-status=live }} Season 3 started production in Toronto in October 2018.{{cite web |url=http://dailyhive.com/toronto/handmaids-tale-spotted-filming-ontario |title=Season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale spotted filming in Ontario |website=Daily Hive |first=Ainsley |last=Smith |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024838/http://dailyhive.com/toronto/handmaids-tale-spotted-filming-ontario |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://yvrshoots.com/whats-filming/action~oneday/exact_date~15-10-2018/ |title=What's Filming Calendar |website=Yvrshoots.com |access-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129031451/http://yvrshoots.com/whats-filming/action~oneday/exact_date~15-10-2018 |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |url-status=dead }} Scenes for season 3 were also filmed in Cambridge and Hamilton, Ontario as well as in Washington, D.C.{{cite web |url=https://www.cambridgetimes.ca/whatson-story/9053353--handmaid-s-tale-back-for-filming-in-downtown-cambridge/ |title='Handmaid's Tale' back for filming in downtown Cambridge |website=Cambridge Times |first=Lisa |last=Rutledge |date=November 27, 2018 |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130112947/https://www.cambridgetimes.ca/whatson-story/9053353--handmaid-s-tale-back-for-filming-in-downtown-cambridge/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/handmaids-tale-season-3-elisabeth-moss-sxsw-1203159666/ |title=SXSW: Elisabeth Moss Talks Filming 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 3 in D.C. |work=Variety |first=Danielle |last=Turchiano |date=March 10, 2019 |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626182121/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/handmaids-tale-season-3-elisabeth-moss-sxsw-1203159666/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://dailyhive.com/toronto/handmaids-tale-spotted-filming-ontario |title=Season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale spotted filming in Ontario |work=Daily Hive |first=Ainsley |last=Smith |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507192444/https://dailyhive.com/toronto/handmaids-tale-spotted-filming-ontario |url-status=live }} Season 3 saw the show's long-serving Director of Photography, Colin Watkinson, make his directorial debut with the episode "Unknown Caller". Cambridge, Ontario was nominated by the Location Managers Guild International for "Outstanding Film Office" for their work on this season. This was the first time that a Canadian Film Office was nominated for this honor.{{Cite web|title=Cambridge film office honoured for work with 'The Handmaid's Tale'|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5672508/cambridge-film-office-handmaids-tale-lmgi/|access-date=October 28, 2020|website=Global News|language=en-US|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031211139/https://globalnews.ca/news/5672508/cambridge-film-office-handmaids-tale-lmgi/|url-status=live}}

On July 26, 2019, the series was renewed for a fourth season.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2019/07/26/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-season-4-hulu/|title=The Handmaid's Tale Renewed for Season 4 at Hulu|website=TVLine|first=Kimberly|last=Roots|date=July 26, 2019|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726163223/https://tvline.com/2019/07/26/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-season-4-hulu/|url-status=live}} Season 4, consisting of 10 episodes, began production in March 2020, with Elisabeth Moss filming her directorial debut, but work had to be halted after only a few weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/the-handmaids-tale-shuts-down-production-coronavirus-1202883760/ |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Also Suspends Production Over Coronavirus |website=Deadline |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=March 15, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2020 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501151909/https://deadline.com/2020/03/the-handmaids-tale-shuts-down-production-coronavirus-1202883760/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a30718752/handmaids-tale-season-4-delay-return/ |title=What's going on with The Handmaid's Tale season 4? |website=Digital Spy |first=Anna |last=Duff |date=February 3, 2020 |access-date=February 11, 2020 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501002614/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a30718752/handmaids-tale-season-4-delay-return/ |url-status=live }} In June 2020, Hulu announced that the fourth season would premiere in 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/handmaids-tale-season-4-premiere-date-2021/ |title='Handmaid's Tale' Season 4 Pushed to 2021 |website=The Wrap |first=Jennifer |last=Maas |date=June 22, 2020 |access-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623093121/https://www.thewrap.com/handmaids-tale-season-4-premiere-date-2021/ |url-status=live }} Production on season 4 resumed in September 2020 and wrapped on February 25, 2021, with Moss having directed three episodes.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/handmaids-tale-coronavirus-series-end-elisabeth-moss-bruce-miller-warren-littlefield-hulu-tca-1234701449/ |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Showrunner Bruce Miller On Covid-19 Challenges & Series Conclusion |website=Deadline |first=Dominic |last=Patten |date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226131438/https://deadline.com/2021/02/handmaids-tale-coronavirus-series-end-elisabeth-moss-bruce-miller-warren-littlefield-hulu-tca-1234701449/ |url-status=live }}

On December 10, 2020, ahead of the fourth season premiere, Hulu renewed the series for a fifth season.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-for-season-5-by-hulu-1234654290/|title='The Handmaid's Tale' Renewed For Season 5 By Hulu|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=December 10, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210231400/https://deadline.com/2020/12/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-for-season-5-by-hulu-1234654290/|url-status=live}} Season 5 started production in Toronto in February 2022 and continued through July 2022.{{cite web |url=https://curiocity.com/handmaids-tale-filming-toronto/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale is filming in Toronto & the stars are posting updates |website=Curiocity |date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523113856/https://curiocity.com/handmaids-tale-filming-toronto/ |url-status=live }} In May 2022, Alexis Bledel departed the series ahead of the fifth season, and stated, "After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid's Tale".{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-alexis-bledel-exit-season-5-1235279668/ |title=Alexis Bledel Exits 'The Handmaid's Tale' Ahead of Season 5 (EXCLUSIVE) |website=Variety |first=Jennifer |last=Maas |date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527235316/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-handmaids-tale-alexis-bledel-exit-season-5-1235279668/ |url-status=live }}

On September 8, 2022, ahead of the fifth-season premiere, Hulu renewed the series for a sixth and final season.{{cite web|title='The Handmaid's Tale' Sets Final Season as Bruce Miller Plots Next Chapter With 'The Testaments' at Hulu|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-final-season-hulu-the-testaments-1235214015/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Strause|first=Jackie|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=September 8, 2022|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203221143/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-handmaids-tale-renewed-final-season-hulu-the-testaments-1235214015/|url-status=live}} In March 2023, it was reported that Miller had stepped down as showrunner of The Handmaid's Tale, in order to focus on adapting The Testaments for television. Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang were named co-showrunners for the sixth and final season, though it was also announced that Miller would remain involved and would write two episodes for the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/handmaids-tale-new-showrunners-final-season-1235361884/ |title='Handmaid's Tale' Showrunner Steps Down to Focus on Sequel 'Testaments' (Exclusive) |website=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010122/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/handmaids-tale-new-showrunners-final-season-1235361884/ |url-status=live }} Production was originally set to begin in 2023, but was delayed due to the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Filming of the final season began in September 2024{{Cite web |last=Campione |first=Katie |date=September 6, 2024 |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Season 6 Officially Starts Production, Hulu Sets Spring Premiere |url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/the-handmaids-tale-season-6-starts-production-spring-premiere-1236080539/ |access-date=September 7, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} and ended in early February 2025.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/the-handmaids-tale-final-season-teaser-release-date/|title=The End Is Near for 'The Handmaid's Tale' With New Teaser and Release Date Announcement|date=February 12, 2025|access-date=February 12, 2025|work=Collider|last=McPherson|first=Chris}}

The first three episodes of the series premiered on April 26, 2017. The subsequent seven episodes were released on a weekly basis.{{cite web |url=https://screencrush.com/hulu-handmaids-tale-full-trailer/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale Gets Disturbing Full Trailer, Three-Episode Premiere |website=ScreenCrush |first=Kevin |last=Fitzpatrick |date=March 23, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328191904/http://screencrush.com/hulu-handmaids-tale-full-trailer/ |url-status=live }} In Canada, the series is broadcast weekly by CTV Drama Channel and the streaming service Crave; the first two episodes premiered on April 30, 2017.{{cite news |title=The Handmaid's Tale finally gets Canadian distributor |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2017/03/27/the-handmaids-tale-finally-gets-canadian-distributor.html |work=Toronto Star |first=Debra |last=Yeo |date=March 27, 2017 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329140945/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2017/03/27/the-handmaids-tale-finally-gets-canadian-distributor.html |url-status=live }} In Scandinavia, the series is available on HBO Nordic.{{cite web |first=Lise |last=Ulrich |title='The Handmaid's Tale': Et overrumplende mesterværk har ramt HBO Nordic |url=http://soundvenue.com/film/2017/04/the-handmaids-tale-et-overrumplende-mestervaerk-har-ramt-hbo-nordic-253779 |website=SoundVenue |access-date=May 5, 2017 |language=da |date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506053603/http://soundvenue.com/film/2017/04/the-handmaids-tale-et-overrumplende-mestervaerk-har-ramt-hbo-nordic-253779 |url-status=live }} In the United Kingdom, the series premiered on May 28, 2017, on Channel 4.{{Cite news |url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2017/05/channel-4-lands-uk-rights-hulus-handmaids-tale/ |title=Channel 4 Lands UK Rights To Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' |date=May 16, 2017 |work=TVWise |first=Patrick |last=Munn |access-date=May 16, 2017 |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519142935/http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2017/05/channel-4-lands-uk-rights-hulus-handmaids-tale/ |url-status=live }}

In New Zealand, the series was released on the subscription video on demand service Lightbox on June 8, 2017.{{cite news |last1=Casey |first1=Alex |title=Huge and true: The Handmaid's Tale is coming exclusively to Lightbox |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/tv/01-06-2017/huge-and-true-the-handmaids-tale-is-coming-exclusively-to-lightbox/ |access-date=June 1, 2017 |work=The Spinoff |date=June 1, 2017 |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801153309/https://thespinoff.co.nz/tv/01-06-2017/huge-and-true-the-handmaids-tale-is-coming-exclusively-to-lightbox/ |url-status=live }} After satellite service provider Sky acquired Lightbox and merged it into its streaming service Neon on July 7, 2020, Neon acquired the distribution rights to the series in New Zealand.{{cite news |last1=Downes |first1=Siobhan |title=The new Neon is here: What does the Neon-Lightbox merger look like? |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/122055159/the-new-neon-is-here-what-does-the-neonlightbox-merger-look-like |access-date=July 7, 2020 |work=Stuff |date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707043333/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/122055159/the-new-neon-is-here-what-does-the-neonlightbox-merger-look-like|archive-date=July 7, 2020}}

In Australia, the series premiered on the TV channel SBS's video streaming service SBS on Demand, on July 6, 2017.{{cite news |title=The Handmaid's Tale is coming to Australia on SBS on Demand |url=http://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2017/05/03/handmaids-tale-coming-australia-sbs-demand |access-date=June 25, 2017 |work=SBS |date=June 23, 2017 |archive-date=June 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620130938/http://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2017/05/03/handmaids-tale-coming-australia-sbs-demand |url-status=live }} The series also released on the subscription video on demand service Stan on December 12, 2018.{{Cite web |title=Watch The Handmaid's Tale {{!}} Seasons 1–4 Now Streaming |url=https://www.stan.com.au/watch/the-handmaids-tale |access-date=May 11, 2022 |website=Stan. |language=en |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524125911/https://www.stan.com.au/watch/the-handmaids-tale |url-status=live }}

In Ireland, the series premiered on February 5, 2018, on RTÉ2, with a showing of the first two episodes.{{cite web |last1=Demolder |first1=Kate |title=One of 2017's most popular shows is coming to RTÉ on Monday night |url=https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/one-2017s-popular-shows-coming-rte-monday-night-614939 |website=JOE |access-date=February 5, 2018 |date=February 3, 2018 |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203184807/https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/one-2017s-popular-shows-coming-rte-monday-night-614939 |url-status=live }} RTÉ also became the first broadcaster in Europe to debut Season 2, Season 3 and Season 4 following its broadcast in the US and Canada.{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0410/953513-rte-first-to-air-handmaids-tale-series-2-of-in-europe/ |title=RTÉ first to air The Handmaid's Tale series 2 in Europe |publisher=RTÉ |date=April 11, 2018 |access-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511080909/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0410/953513-rte-first-to-air-handmaids-tale-series-2-of-in-europe/ |url-status=live }} In Brazil and Latin America, the series premiered on March 7, 2018, on Paramount Channel.{{Cite news |url=https://oglobo.globo.com/cultura/revista-da-tv/premiada-no-globo-de-ouro-handmaids-tale-estreia-no-brasil-pelo-paramount-em-marco-22266623 |title=Premiada no Globo de Ouro, 'Handmaid's tale' estreia no Brasil pelo Paramount em março |date=February 8, 2018 |work=O Globo |access-date=August 3, 2018 |language=pt |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803224050/https://oglobo.globo.com/cultura/revista-da-tv/premiada-no-globo-de-ouro-handmaids-tale-estreia-no-brasil-pelo-paramount-em-marco-22266623 |url-status=live }}

In India, the series premiered on February 5, 2018, on AXN and ran for the first two seasons before moving to Amazon Prime Video for Season 3, which made all three seasons available for viewing on January 31, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Chhibber |first=Mini |date=October 29, 2018 |title='The Handmaid's Tale' season 2: The saga continues |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-handmaids-tale-season-2-the-saga-continues/article25358826.ece |access-date=June 21, 2020 |website=The Hindu |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621154434/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-handmaids-tale-season-2-the-saga-continues/article25358826.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2020 |title=Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy Award winning sci-fi drama The Handmaid's Tale Now Available On Amazon Prime Video |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/golden-globe-bafta-and-emmy-award-winning-sci-fi-drama-the-handmaids-tale-now-available-on-amazon-prime-video-200206 |access-date=June 21, 2020 |website=Indian Television |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806164411/https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/golden-globe-bafta-and-emmy-award-winning-sci-fi-drama-the-handmaids-tale-now-available-on-amazon-prime-video-200206 |url-status=live }}

In Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the series premiered on September 15, 2018, on HBO Asia through HBO Go (now Max).{{cite web |url=https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2018082453275/hbo-asia-prepares-digital-distribution-of-the-handmaid-s-tale.html#axzz7oZOBYcQD |title=HBO Asia prepares digital distribution of The Handmaid's Tale |website=Rapid TV News |first=Rebecca |last=Hawkes |date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226102119/https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2018082453275/hbo-asia-prepares-digital-distribution-of-the-handmaid-s-tale.html#axzz7oZOBYcQD }}

The first season was released on Blu-ray and DVD on March 13, 2018, the second season on December 4, 2018, and the third season on November 19, 2019, by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Handmaids-Tale-Season-1-Press-Release/23945 |title=The Handmaid's Tale – Blessed Be The Fruit! Official 'Season 1' Press Release: Date, Extras, Final Box Art |website=TVShowsOnDVD.com |first=David |last=Lambert |date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=February 9, 2018 |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210003145/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Handmaids-Tale-Season-1-Press-Release/23945 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=24045 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season Two Blu-ray |website=Blu-ray.com |date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003203/https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=24045 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Handmaids-Tale-Season-Three-Blu-ray/253616/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season Three Blu-ray |website=Blu-ray.com |access-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117171004/https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Handmaids-Tale-Season-Three-Blu-ray/253616/ |url-status=live }} The fourth season was released on DVD only (no Blu-ray) on April 5, 2022, by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.{{cite web |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/The-Handmaids-Tale-Season-Four-DVD/250807/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season Four DVD |website=Blu-ray.com |access-date=December 26, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226102121/https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/The-Handmaids-Tale-Season-Four-DVD/250807/ }}

{{Television critical response

| rotten_tomatoes1 = 94% (260 reviews)

| metacritic1 = 92 (41 reviews)

| rotten_tomatoes2 = 89% (341 reviews)

| metacritic2 = 86 (28 reviews)

| rotten_tomatoes3 = 82% (302 reviews)

| metacritic3 = 68 (14 reviews)

| rotten_tomatoes4 = 70% (46 reviews)

| metacritic4 = 62 (18 reviews)

| rotten_tomatoes5 = 80% (31 reviews)

| metacritic5 = 63 (7 reviews)

| rotten_tomatoes6 = 94% (37 reviews)

| metacritic6 = 77 (6 reviews)

}}

The Handmaid's Tale was ranked as the 25th and 38th best TV series of the 21st century by The Guardian and BBC, respectively.{{Cite web |last1=Abbott |first1=Kate |last2=Davies |first2=Hannah J |last3=Mumford |first3=Gwilym |last4=Harrison |first4=Phil |last5=Seale |first5=Jack |date=September 16, 2019 |title=The 100 best TV shows of the 21st century |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/16/100-best-tv-shows-of-the-21st-century |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722195429/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/16/100-best-tv-shows-of-the-21st-century |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=BBC Culture |date=October 19, 2021 |title=The 100 greatest TV series of the 21st Century |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20211015-the-100-greatest-tv-series-of-the-21st-century |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=BBC |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019074309/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20211015-the-100-greatest-tv-series-of-the-21st-century |url-status=live }} On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the overall series has an approval rating of 84%.{{cite web |title=The Handmaid's Tale |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817211431/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} While on Metacritic, another aggregator website, it has an average score of 81 out of 100.{{cite web|title=The Handmaid's Tale|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale|website=Metacritic|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107161657/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale|url-status=live}}

On Rotten Tomatoes, 94% of 260 reviews are positive for the first season, with an average rating of 8.65/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Haunting and vivid, The Handmaid's Tale is an endlessly engrossing adaptation of Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel that's anchored by a terrific central performance from Elisabeth Moss."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaid_s_tale/s01 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 1 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129031952/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaid_s_tale/s01 |url-status=live }} On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 92 out of 100 based on 41 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-1 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 1 |website=Metacritic |access-date=April 24, 2017 |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604015541/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-1 |url-status=live }}

Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter called it "probably the spring's best new show".{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/handmaids-tale-review-991871 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: TV Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Daniel |last=Fienberg |date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414051742/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/handmaids-tale-review-991871 |url-status=live }} Jen Chaney of Vulture gave it a highly positive review, and wrote that it is "A faithful adaptation of the book that also brings new layers to Atwood's totalitarian, sexist world of forced surrogate motherhood" and that "this series is meticulously paced, brutal, visually stunning, and so suspenseful from moment to moment that only at the end of each hour will you feel fully at liberty to exhale".{{cite news |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/04/the-handmaids-tale-hulu-review.html |title=Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale Is Your Must-Watch Show This Spring |work=Vulture |first=Jen |last=Chaney |date=April 13, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-date=April 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414054102/http://www.vulture.com/2017/04/the-handmaids-tale-hulu-review.html |url-status=live }}

On Rotten Tomatoes, 89% of 341 critics have given the season a positive review, and an average rating of 8.35/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Beautifully shot but dishearteningly relevant, The Handmaid's Tale centers its sophomore season tightly around its compelling cast of characters, making room for broader social commentary through more intimate lenses."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaid_s_tale/s02 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129031413/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaid_s_tale/s02 |url-status=live }} Metacritic assigned the season a weighted average score of 86 out of 100 based on 28 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-2 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 |website=Metacritic |access-date=April 19, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418192743/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-2 |url-status=live }}

Some critics perceived the second season's depictions of violence as excessive. The Atlantic{{'}}s Sophie Gilbert wrote: "There came a point during the first episode where, for me, it became too much."{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/04/the-handmaids-tale-season-two/558809/ |title='The Handmaid's Tale' and the Suffering of Women |last=Gilbert |first=Sophie |date=April 25, 2018 |work=The Atlantic |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726041001/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/04/the-handmaids-tale-season-two/558809/ |url-status=live }} Lisa Miller of The Cut wrote: "I have pressed mute and fast forward so often this season, I am forced to wonder: 'Why am I watching this'? It all feels so gratuitous, like a beating that never ends."{{cite web |url=https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/the-handmaids-tale-season-2-review.html |title=The Relentless Torture of The Handmaid's Tale |last=Miller |first=Lisa |work=The Cut |date=May 2, 2018 |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726041535/https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/the-handmaids-tale-season-2-review.html |url-status=live }} The Daily Telegraph{{'}}s Rebecca Reid admitted she had an anxiety attack watching an episode of the show.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/turning-handmaids-tale-needless-torture-porn/ |title=Why I'm turning off the Handmaid's Tale and its needless torture porn |last=Reid |first=Rebecca |date=May 29, 2018 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726091944/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/turning-handmaids-tale-needless-torture-porn/ |url-status=live }}

For the third season, Rotten Tomatoes reports that 82% of 302 reviews are positive, and the average rating is 6.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "The Handmaid's Tale{{'}}s third season reins in its horrors and inspires hope that revolution really is possible – if only the story would stop spinning its wheels and get to it already."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaid_s_tale/s03 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 3 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-date=June 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619230541/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaid_s_tale/s03/ |url-status=live }} Metacritic compiled 14 critic reviews and an average score of 68 out of 100, signifying "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-3 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 3 |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 5, 2019 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603044217/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-3 |url-status=live }}

Kelly Lawler of USA Today gave it a positive review, scoring it three out of four stars. She claimed it is an improvement over the second season, "that rights many – though definitely not all – of Season 2's wrongs." Overall, she wrote, "The new season is more propulsive and watchable, although it doesn't quite reach the heights of that first moving season. But Handmaid's regains its footing by setting off on a new path".{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/05/29/the-handmaids-tale-season-3-review-elisabeth-moss-hulu/1259775001/ |title=Review: 'The Handmaid's Tale' bounces back for a rousing Season 3 |work=USA Today |first=Kelly |last=Lawler |date=May 29, 2019 |access-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531142129/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/05/29/the-handmaids-tale-season-3-review-elisabeth-moss-hulu/1259775001/ |url-status=live }} Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter wrote a generally positive review, praising Elisabeth Moss's performance and the cinematography, but criticized the plot "that has become frustratingly repetitive". Overall, he wrote, "Still occasionally powerful, but rarely as provocative".{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/handmaids-tale-review-1214023 |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Season 3: TV Review |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Daniel |last=Fienberg |date=May 29, 2019 |access-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531142128/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/handmaids-tale-review-1214023 |url-status=live }}

On Rotten Tomatoes, the fourth season earned positive reviews from 70% of 46 critics, with an average rating of 7/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Elisabeth Moss is better than ever, but scattershot plotting and an overbearing sense of doom may prove too grim for some viewers to really enjoy The Handmaid's Tale{{'}}s fourth season."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale/s04 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 4 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427201550/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale/s04 |url-status=live }} According to Metacritic, which collected 18 reviews and calculated an average score of 62, the season received "generally positive reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-4 |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 4 |website=Metacritic |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509222530/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-4 |url-status=live }}

Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly gave it a "C+" grade and wrote that the series "delivers on some long-delayed promises, but ultimately it's too little, too late."{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-handmaids-tale-season-4-review/ |title=The Handmaid's Tale season 4 review: Guys, just end it already |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Kristen |last=Baldwin |date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427131256/https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-handmaids-tale-season-4-review/ |url-status=live }} Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe wrote, "the dystopian drama has exceeded the natural lifespan of its story, as it plows forward with nothing new to say, tinkling cymbals and sounding brass."{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/22/arts/remember-when-handmaids-tale-used-be-great/ |title=Remember when 'The Handmaid's Tale' used to be great? |website=The Boston Globe |first=Matthew |last=Gilbert |date=April 22, 2021 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426135516/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/22/arts/remember-when-handmaids-tale-used-be-great/ |url-status=live }} In a more positive review from Jen Chaney of Vulture, she wrote, "Thankfully, season four finally regains some momentum and forward motion. Based on the eight out of ten total episodes made available to critics, this is the best The Handmaid's Tale has been since its first season."{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/the-handmaids-tale-season-4-review-hulu.html |title=The Handmaid's Tale Gets Its Mojo Back |website=Vulture |first=Jen |last=Chaney |date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427163101/https://www.vulture.com/article/the-handmaids-tale-season-4-review-hulu.html |url-status=live }}

On Rotten Tomatoes, the fifth season earned positive reviews from 80% of 31 critics, with an average rating of 7.55/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "The Handmaid's Tale has lost its urgency after spreading its once-arresting premise thin in a season focused on vengeance's consequences, but the women of Gilead are still played with compelling exactitude."{{Cite web |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 5 (2022) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale/s05 |url-status=live |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124054518/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale/s05 }} On Metacritic, it received an average score of 63 out of 100, based on 7 reviews, indicating "generally positive reviews".{{Cite web |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 5 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-5 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |website=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911130900/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-5 }}

Critics were given the first eight episodes of the season to review. Writing for IGN, Tara Bennett gave it a "good" score of 7 out of 10 and wrote in her verdict: "The Handmaid's Tale remains the canary in the coalmine of TV shows [...]. Elisabeth Moss continues to give a livewire performance as former handmaid/now Canadian refugee June Osborne. [...] But overall, the series continues to suffer with very measured storylines that can't seem to recapture the kinetic energy of the first two seasons."{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Tara |date=September 13, 2022 |title=The Handmaid's Tale Season 5 Review – Episodes 1–8 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-handmaids-tale-season-5-review-episodes-1-8 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=IGN |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913192028/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-handmaids-tale-season-5-review-episodes-1-8 |url-status=live }} Abby Cavenaugh of Collider graded it with a "B-" and said, "Season 5 is full of scarce highs and really low lows, lots of heavy-hitting drama, and emotional scenes. Some of the biggest events of this season lead to some pretty uncomfortable viewing, but viewers who stick with it will be rewarded with some huge moments that will have repercussions for the final season."{{Cite web |last=Cavenaugh |first=Abby |date=September 9, 2022 |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Season 5 Review: The Dystopian Drama Returns With a Glimmer of Hope |url=https://collider.com/the-handmaids-tale-season-5-review-elisabeth-moss-hulu/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914104738/https://collider.com/the-handmaids-tale-season-5-review-elisabeth-moss-hulu/ |url-status=live }}

On Rotten Tomatoes, the sixth and final season earned positive reviews from 94% of 37 critics, with an average rating of 7.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Setting its characters on a crash course with their own personal reckonings amid a desperate push against fascism, The Handmaid's Tale concludes on a high note."{{Cite web |title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 6 (2025) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale/s06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411221741/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_handmaids_tale/s06 |archive-date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 77 out of 100 based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-handmaids-tale/season-6/|title=The Handmaid's Tale: Season 6 |website=Metacritic |access-date=April 7, 2025}}

Writing for TheWrap, Lauren Thoman stated: "The Handmaid's Tale Season 6 delivers on the promises it's been making since the beginning, for better and for worse. Buckle up for a furious and frenzied ride. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum."{{Cite web |last=Thoman |first=Lauren |date=April 3, 2025 |title=‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 6 Review: Hulu Series Ends With More of the Same Missed Opportunities |url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-handmaids-tale-season-6-review-elisabeth-moss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403163222/https://www.thewrap.com/the-handmaids-tale-season-6-review-elisabeth-moss/ |archive-date=April 3, 2025 |access-date=April 6, 2025 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}} Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "The Handmaid's Tale is still more than capable of nightmarish images and emotionally potent sequences. Moss has become perhaps the series' finest director (albeit one in need of an editor willing to trim five to 10 minutes per episode) in addition to anchoring a still powerful cast."{{Cite web |last=Fienberg |first=Daniel |date=April 3, 2025 |title=Critic’s Notebook: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and Trump, Reunited |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-handmaids-tale-final-season-trump-elisabeth-moss-1236177856/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404103054/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-handmaids-tale-final-season-trump-elisabeth-moss-1236177856/ |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

There was much debate on whether parallels could be drawn between the series (and by extension, the book it is based on) and American society during the Presidency of Donald Trump.For articles that attempt to draw parallels between The Handmaid's Tale and Trump's election as President of the United States, see:

• {{cite news |last1=Nally |first1=Claire |title=How The Handmaid's Tale is being transformed from fantasy into fact |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/the-handmaids-tale-elizabeth-moss-channel-4-margaret-atwood-donald-trump-feminism-abortion-a7763646.html |access-date=June 18, 2017 |work=The Independent |date=May 31, 2017 |archive-date=June 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603141023/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/the-handmaids-tale-elizabeth-moss-channel-4-margaret-atwood-donald-trump-feminism-abortion-a7763646.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Katherine |title=How 'The Handmaid's Tale' Villains Were Inspired By Trump |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/-handmaids-tale-villains-inspired-by-trump_us_5925bf4ce4b0ec129d31a7b3 |access-date=June 18, 2017 |work=Huffington Post |date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=June 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616013125/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/-handmaids-tale-villains-inspired-by-trump_us_5925bf4ce4b0ec129d31a7b3 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=Adi |title=In Trump's America, The Handmaid's Tale matters more than ever |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/12/20/7424951/does-the-handmaids-tale-hold-up-dystopia-feminism-fiction |access-date=July 29, 2017 |work=The Verge |date=November 9, 2016 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729131609/https://www.theverge.com/2014/12/20/7424951/does-the-handmaids-tale-hold-up-dystopia-feminism-fiction |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Gage |first1=John |title='This is happening': Producer and actress with 'The Handmaid's Tale' think the show is turning into real life |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/this-is-happening-producer-and-actress-with-the-handmaids-tale-crew-think-the-show-is-turning-into-real-life |access-date=June 9, 2019 |work=Washington Examiner |date=June 2, 2019 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603063342/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/this-is-happening-producer-and-actress-with-the-handmaids-tale-crew-think-the-show-is-turning-into-real-life |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Lifshutz |first1=Hannah |title=The 'Handmaid's Tale' Season 3 Illustrates Parallels Between Gilead and Trump's America |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2019/06/handmaids-tale-season-3-illustrates-parallels-between-gilead-trump-america |access-date=June 9, 2019 |work=Complex |date=June 6, 2019 |archive-date=June 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609173927/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2019/06/handmaids-tale-season-3-illustrates-parallels-between-gilead-trump-america |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Brede |first1=Scott |title=Handmaid's Tale And Trump's America: Comparisons Frightening Or Overblown? |url=https://www.wnpr.org/post/handmaids-tale-and-trumps-america-comparisons-frightening-or-overblown |access-date=June 9, 2019 |work=Connecticut Public Radio |date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609173940/https://www.wnpr.org/post/handmaids-tale-and-trumps-america-comparisons-frightening-or-overblown |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Cardona |first1=Maria |title=We cannot allow 'The Handmaid's Tale' to become reality TV |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/444054-we-cannot-allow-the-handmaids-tale-to-become-reality-tv |access-date=June 9, 2019 |work=The Hill |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609173927/https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/444054-we-cannot-allow-the-handmaids-tale-to-become-reality-tv |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Chasmar |first1=Jessica |title=Elisabeth Moss compares 'Handmaid's Tale' to Trump's America: 'We're losing' our country |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/apr/8/elisabeth-moss-compares-handmaids-tale-trumps-amer/ |access-date=August 26, 2019 |work=The Washington Times |date=April 8, 2019 |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826174836/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/apr/8/elisabeth-moss-compares-handmaids-tale-trumps-amer/ |url-status=live }}For articles that disagree with attempts to draw parallels between The Handmaid's Tale and Trump's election as President of the United States, see:
• {{cite news |last1=Crispin |first1=Jessa |title=The Handmaid's Tale is just like Trump's America? Not so fast |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/02/handmaids-tale-donald-trump-america |access-date=June 18, 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=May 2, 2017 |archive-date=June 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616015314/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/02/handmaids-tale-donald-trump-america |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Kyle |title=Sorry: 'Handmaid's Tale' tells us nothing about Trump's America |url=https://nypost.com/2017/04/28/sorry-handmaids-tale-tells-us-nothing-about-trumps-america/ |access-date=June 18, 2017 |work=New York Post |date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617152501/http://nypost.com/2017/04/28/sorry-handmaids-tale-tells-us-nothing-about-trumps-america/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Ariel |title=Stop comparing 'The Handmaid's Tale' to Trump's America |url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/stop-comparing-the-handmaids-tale-to-trumps-america/article/2621863 |access-date=July 29, 2017 |work=Washington Examiner |date=May 2, 2017 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729095221/http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/stop-comparing-the-handmaids-tale-to-trumps-america/article/2621863 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Douthat |first1=Ross |title=The Handmaid's Tale, and Ours |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |access-date=July 28, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510212118/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Geraghty |first1=Jim |title='What Fans of The Handmaid's Tale Prefer To Ignore |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/what-fans-handmaids-tale-prefer-ignore/ |access-date=July 7, 2018 |work=National Review |date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129031634/https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/what-fans-handmaids-tale-prefer-ignore/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Lowry |first1=Rich |title=The 'Handmaid's Tale' Lunacy |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/09/handmaids-tale-2017-emmys-no-show-not-like-modern-america/ |access-date=July 7, 2018 |work=National Review |date=September 19, 2017 |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129031800/https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/09/handmaids-tale-2017-emmys-no-show-not-like-modern-america/ |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Wilhelm |first1=Heather |title=Making sense of 'The Handmaid's Tale' hysteria |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-handmaids-tale-feminists-hysteria-perspec-0428-jm-20170427-story.html# |access-date=July 7, 2018 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708020128/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-handmaids-tale-feminists-hysteria-perspec-0428-jm-20170427-story.html |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |last1=Given |first1=Casey |title='The Handmaid's Tale' is profiting off anti-Trump hysteria |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/the-handmaids-tale-is-profiting-off-anti-trump-hysteria |access-date=July 7, 2018 |work=The Washington Examiner |date=May 2, 2017 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074345/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/the-handmaids-tale-is-profiting-off-anti-trump-hysteria |url-status=live }} Comparisons were also made to the practices implemented by the Islamic State, such as throwing homosexuals from rooftops, as well as the policies of the Christian reconstructionist movement of the 1970s and 1980s that sought to expel women from the workforce.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/30/handmaids-tale-can-tell-us-islamic-extremism/ |title=What The Handmaid's Tale can tell us about Islamic extremism |work=The Telegraph |first=Tim |last=Stanley |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017 |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203041753/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/30/handmaids-tale-can-tell-us-islamic-extremism/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jun/12/the-handmaids-tale-hate-crimes-gender-treachery |title=Hate crimes, honour killings and FGM: how The Handmaid's Tale captures our age of fear |first=Rebecca |last=Nicholson |work=The Guardian |date=June 12, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017 |archive-date=November 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129093817/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jun/12/the-handmaids-tale-hate-crimes-gender-treachery |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Douthat |first1=Ross |title=The Handmaid's Tale, and Ours |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |access-date=July 28, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510212118/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/24/opinion/handmaids-tale-and-ours.html |url-status=live }}

Several protests around the world, especially related to women's rights, have made use of the red handmaid uniforms from the TV series.{{cite news |last1=Beaumont |first1=Peter |last2=Holpuch |first2=Amanda |title=How The Handmaid's Tale dressed protests across the world |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/03/how-the-handmaids-tale-dressed-protests-across-the-world |website=The Guardian |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628162806/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/03/how-the-handmaids-tale-dressed-protests-across-the-world |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Liptak |first=Andrew |title=How The Handmaid's Tale inspired a protest movement |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/31/15799882/handmaids-tale-costumes-cosplay-protest |website=The Verge |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629114642/https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/31/15799882/handmaids-tale-costumes-cosplay-protest |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first1=Isaac |last1=Scharf |first2=Tia |last2=Goldenberg |title=In Israel, protesters in Handmaid's Tale costumes have become a fixture |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-in-israel-protesters-in-handmaids-tale-costumes-have-become-a-fixture/ |website=The Globe and Mail |date=March 19, 2019 |access-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629114642/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-in-israel-protesters-in-handmaids-tale-costumes-have-become-a-fixture/ |url-status=live }}

In 2018, online retailer Yandy.com sparked controversy by marketing a sexualized version of the handmaid costume for Halloween. The retailer subsequently pulled the costume in response to widespread criticism.{{cite news |title=Retailer drops sexy 'Handmaid's Tale' costume following outcry |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/21/us/handmaids-tale-halloween-costume-trnd/index.html |website=CNN |first1=Alaa |last1=Elassar |first2=Nadeem |last2=Muadd |date=September 21, 2018 |access-date=February 21, 2024}}

In 2017, The Handmaid's Tale made history as the first streaming series to win the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/09/the-handmaids-tale-wins-emmy-best-drama-series-hulu-streaming-service-1202171581/ |title=Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' Win Marks First Best Series Emmy for a Streaming Service |first1=Patrick |last1=Hipes |first2=Amanda |last2=N'Duka |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=September 17, 2017 |access-date=September 19, 2017 |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002002658/http://deadline.com/2017/09/the-handmaids-tale-wins-emmy-best-drama-series-hulu-streaming-service-1202171581/ |url-status=live }} However, in 2021, despite receiving 21 nominations, it did not secure any wins, setting a record for Emmy losses.{{cite web |title='The Handmaid's Tale' Breaks the Record for Most Emmy Losses in a Season |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/09/the-handmaids-tale-breaks-record-for-most-emmy-losses-in-a-season-awards-insider |website=Vanity Fair |first=Savannah |last=Walsh |access-date=July 23, 2023 |date=September 20, 2021 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326040459/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/09/the-handmaids-tale-breaks-record-for-most-emmy-losses-in-a-season-awards-insider |url-status=live }}

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