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Season 1 – The Handmaid's Tale

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Handmaid's Tale Apr 2017 Drama Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 260 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, this series is set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what used to be part of the United States. Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state, and is faced with environmental disasters and a plummeting birth rate. In a desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world, the few remaining fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. One of these women, Offred, is determined to survive the terrifying world she lives in, and find the daughter that was taken from her.
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The Handmaid's Tale — Season 1

The Handmaid's Tale — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

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.

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Critics Reviews

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Riese Bernard Autostraddle 10/05/2021
It was so close, too real, impossible, familiar, not enough, and everything, all at once. Go to Full Review Dorothy Snarker Autostraddle 10/05/2021
What makes The Handmaid's Tale so striking isn't just this world where all the pretense of female equality has been stripped away, but the ordinariness of such oppression even today. Go to Full Review Lauren Carroll Harris Guardian 07/26/2019
For many, the anguish of watching won't be worth it. But the vision of a totalitarian society is realised so fully that the story remains gripping and its message vital. Go to Full Review Brian T. Carney Washington Blade 12/07/2022
Start with season one to savor all of the details in this great series. Binge-watching is not recommended. The emotional and intellectual impact of each episode can be overwhelming... Go to Full Review Mirelle Tinker Mediaversity Reviews 09/19/2020
B-
A well-crafted dystopia, women are multi-faceted and far from helpless despite an oppressive regime. Unfortunately, the show does not grasp the language of racial inclusion. Go to Full Review John Tones Espinof 08/15/2019
'The Handmaid's Tale' has understood the tone and message of the original novel, perfectly replacing pure reflection for emotion. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Craig B @Boundsy Jun 17 A very solid series - intriguing storylines and a great cast. See more Jordan S @RT92213205 Jun 2 Man this show is insane!! This show has made me laugh, cry, and so mad I wanted to break my tv!! This is probably the best show I've ever seen! Every season. I even love the spin off season the testaments. Every episode leaves you wanting more. Just one more episode. June (Elizabeth Moss) plays this role so f'ing good!! This is a must see!! You should also check out the books. This is one I wish I could erase from my memory just so I could watch it all over again. ITS THAT GOOD!! If I could give it more stars I would of See more Benjamin H @RT54005248 Oct 30 With Elizabeth Moss giving a phenomenal lead performance as June Osborne, The Handmaid's Tale season 1 merely sets the pieces in place for the later seasons but it is a haunting, somber and emotional piece of television that hits hard with its ambience and layered storytelling making it an impactful watch. See more Peter F @RT73333219 Sep 14 What all dystopian TV should aspire to. This and season 2 are some of the best TV I've ever watched. See more Andy H @RT88833051 Aug 22 Outstanding first series. Really powerful acting, leaves you wanting more See more Steph J. @StardewSteph 07/30/2025 BEAUTIFUL 💙🩵 Beautiful and simply haunting! See more Read all reviews
The Handmaid's Tale — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Bruce Miller

Creator

Elisabeth Moss

Offred

Joseph Fiennes

Commander Waterford

Yvonne Strahovski

Serena Joy

Alexis Bledel

Ofglen

Madeline Brewer

Janine

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 26, 2017 Offred Offred struggles to survive as a reproductive surrogate for a powerful figure and his resentful wife. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 26, 2017 Birth Day When Offred and her fellow handmaids assist with the delivery of Janine's baby, Offred remembers her own daughter's birth; Offred and Ofglen grow closer. Details Episode 3 Aired Apr 26, 2017 Late Offred visits Janine's baby and recalls the early days of the revolution before Gilead; Ofglen is faced with a challenge. Details Episode 4 Aired May 3, 2017 Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum During her punishment, Offred starts to unravel, and remembers her time with Moira at the Red Center; a complication threatens Offred's future with the Commander and Serena Joy. Details Episode 5 Aired May 10, 2017 Faithful Offred receives a surprising proposition from Serena Joy; Offred recalls the start of her relationship with her husband. Details Episode 6 Aired May 17, 2017 A Woman's Place Offred is questioned about her life as a handmaid; Serena Joy reflects on her marriage and her role in Gilead's inception. Details Episode 7 Aired May 24, 2017 The Other Side Offred remembers her family's escape attempt, revealing details about life before Gilead. Details Episode 8 Aired May 31, 2017 Jezebels The Commander surprises Offred with an adventure in Gilead; trouble in Nick's past leads to his recruitment by the Sons of Jacob. Details Episode 9 Aired Jun 7, 2017 The Bridge Offred goes on a dangerous mission for the resistance; Janine receives a new posting; Serena Joy has suspicions about the Commander's fidelity. Details Episode 10 Aired Jun 14, 2017 Night Serena Joy confronts Offred, who struggles with a life-altering revelation; the handmaids are faced with a brutal decision. Details

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The Handmaid's Tale — Season 1

The Handmaid's Tale The Handmaid's Tale View more photos

Season Info

Director
Reed Morano, Kate Dennis, Mike Barker
Creator
Bruce Miller
Executive Producer
Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, Ilene Chaiken
Screenwriter
Bruce Miller
Network
Hulu
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 26, 2017