The Handmaid's Tale (2017)
Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship. A TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel.
Details
First Air Date
4/26/2017
Last Air Date
11/9/2022
Network
Hulu
Rating
8/10 (2812 votes)
Status
Returning Series
Production Companies
MGM Television, White Oak Pictures, Daniel Wilson Productions, MGM/UA Television
About The Handmaid's Tale
Set in a dystopian future, "The Handmaid's Tale" explores a society where women are subjugated. The series adapts Margaret Atwood's novel, depicting a world where a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship forces women into roles like concubines. This narrative examines themes of feminism, slavery, and totalitarianism within an alternative reality.
The series, which premiered in 2017, has run for six seasons and comprises 66 episodes. It holds an average vote of 8 out of 10 from over 2,800 votes on TMDB and an IMDb rating of 8.3 based on over 294,000 votes. Its ongoing status as a "Returning Series" suggests continued engagement with its core themes and characters.
The keywords associated with "The Handmaid's Tale" highlight its focus on challenging subjects, including rape, infertility, and torture. The adaptation's portrayal of a society built on aggressive control and tyranny resonates with audiences, exploring human resilience in oppressive conditions. Its foundation in a well-known novel provides a literary depth to its science fiction and fantasy elements.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaid's Tale
Many viewers search for details related to the show's intense and often disturbing depiction of its dystopian setting, particularly scenes involving the mistreatment of women or graphic situations. The search queries also indicate curiosity about specific plot points, character interactions, and the general unsettling atmosphere of the series, including its visual style.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted the first season felt drawn out, expressing disappointment with the finale feeling like a mid-season conclusion rather than a complete arc, though they appreciated the casting.
Read the full reviewA viewer initially skeptical was quickly captivated by the show, recommending it despite its confronting nature which might not suit all audiences.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praised the series as a remarkable production, drawing parallels between the fictional society's treatment of women and real-world historical and contemporary theocratic societies.
Read the full reviewOne person described the show as "messed up" due to its portrayal of a dystopian America ruled by a misogynistic government, yet still complimented Elizabeth Moss's performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream all available seasons of The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu. New episodes of the final season are released on Tuesdays.
No, The Handmaid's Tale is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel, set in a fictional totalitarian society.
There are six seasons of The Handmaid's Tale. The sixth season is the final one.
The Handmaid's Tale is widely regarded as a thought-provoking series, with critics praising its strong performances and powerful narrative, especially in its earlier seasons. However, some viewers have found later seasons to be slow-paced and repetitive.