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
The Handmaid's Tale is a drama and science fiction series that premiered in 2017. It takes place in a dystopian future where a totalitarian, theocratic government forces fertile women into sexual servitude. The narrative explores themes of feminism, slavery, and religious fundamentalism, drawing directly from Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name.
The series has an average vote of 8 out of 10 from over 2800 votes and maintains an IMDb rating of 8.3 based on over 294,000 votes. Its six seasons feature a total of 66 episodes, with the series currently classified as a 'Returning Series.' The show delves into the life of a woman compelled to live as a concubine within this oppressive regime, navigating a society marked by infertility, torture, and a rigid social hierarchy.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaid's Tale
Search queries for "The Handmaid's Tale" often involve specifics about dystopian societies, themes of women's subjugation, or shows based on classic novels. People also look for content related to themes of totalitarianism and rebellion, or series that feature intense, thought-provoking narratives about societal control.
What reviewers are saying
One viewer expressed initial hesitation about another dystopian story, but found themselves enjoying the series despite feeling the first season was a bit drawn out, particularly with its finale feeling more like a mid-season break.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described being skeptical at first but quickly became engrossed in the show, recommending it to others, while also noting its potentially confronting nature.
Read the full reviewThis series is seen by one reviewer as a significant production, effectively translating the novel's premise into a futuristic setting that explores the hypocrisy of intolerance, not just for women, but for any individual diverging from the rigid societal script.
Read the full reviewA viewer characterized the show as "messed up" due to its depiction of a misogynistic government, yet praised Elizabeth Moss's performance and the show's overall impact.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream all six seasons of "The Handmaid's Tale" on Hulu in the United States. In Canada, it's available on CTV Drama Channel and Crave, and in Scandinavia, it's on HBO Nordic.
"The Handmaid's Tale" is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel of the same name. Atwood has stated that every aspect of her fictional society was drawn from things that existed in the past or present, such as Puritanism in New England.
There are 6 seasons of "The Handmaid's Tale." The series concluded with its sixth season, which premiered on April 8, 2025.
Yes, "The Handmaid's Tale" has been well-received by critics. The first season earned "universal acclaim" with a Metacritic score of 92 out of 100, and the overall series holds an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The final season also received "generally favorable reviews" with an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score.