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
Adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel, "The Handmaid's Tale" presents a dystopian future where women are subjugated. The narrative explores themes of feminism, religion, and totalitarianism within a speculative science fiction framework. The series, set in a world grappling with infertility, depicts fertile women forced into roles as surrogate mothers, highlighting the severe consequences of a theocratic regime.
The show has garnered attention for its intense portrayal of a society built on repression. Its exploration of slavery and torture within an alternative reality aims to provoke thought about contemporary and historical societal structures. The series features a strong dramatic core, supported by its genre classification in drama and sci-fi & fantasy.
"The Handmaid's Tale" has run for multiple seasons, indicating ongoing critical and audience engagement with its themes and narrative. The consistent focus on the resilience of individuals under tyranny is a central aspect of its storytelling.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaid's Tale
People search for "The Handmaid's Tale" due to its provocative themes, particularly its depiction of a dystopian society with extreme control over women. The show's graphic content, including scenes of sexual violence and female subjugation, often leads to searches trying to recall specific, unsettling plot points or to understand the show's controversial elements.
What reviewers are saying
One viewer found the first season felt drawn out, like a mid-season finale, and did not offer a satisfying conclusion, despite enjoying the overall experience.
Read the full reviewA reviewer admitted initial skepticism but quickly became engrossed in the show, cautioning that its confronting nature might not suit all viewers.
Read the full reviewThis series is seen as a powerful adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel, transplanting aspects of historical and contemporary theocratic societies into a futuristic setting to explore the hypocrisy of intolerance.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described the show as a "messed up" depiction of a misogynistic American government, though they praised Elizabeth Moss's performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream all seasons of The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu. Hulu also offers bundle options with Disney+ and ESPN+ or Max.
The Handmaid's Tale is not based on a true story but is a work of speculative fiction by Margaret Atwood. Atwood has stated that all scenarios in the novel have occurred in real life or are based on existing trends.
There are six seasons of The Handmaid's Tale. The sixth season premiered on April 8, 2025, and is the final season.
The Handmaid's Tale has generally received positive reviews, with an overall approval rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and an average score of 80 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics have praised its pacing, visual appeal, and Elisabeth Moss's performance.