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Season 2 – The Handmaid's Tale

Play trailer 1:38 Poster for Season 2 – The Handmaid's Tale Apr 2018 Drama Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 339 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 1,000+ 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 2

The Handmaid's Tale — Season 2

What to Know

Critics Consensus

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.

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Critics Reviews

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Andi Zeisler Bitch Media 03/05/2021
Far more urgent is its reminder that failing to acknowledge a coming storm is a privilege only for those who know they have the power and resources to weather it. If you need to chase each episode with something cheerier, I'm right there with you. Go to Full Review Judy Berman TIME Magazine 12/20/2018
It was mostly an excruciating slog, opening with too many gratuitous scenes of violence against women and culminating in an absurd finale. Go to Full Review Emily Yahr Washington Post 12/19/2018
[It was] a disturbing, gory and riveting second season. Go to Full Review Brian T. Carney Washington Blade 12/07/2022
The strong ensemble cast continues their flawless work. The writing is outstanding and the cinematography is stunning. Go to Full Review Poulomi Das Arré 03/11/2019
The Handmaid's Tale has returned with a searing second season that dwells on how the spirit of Gilead, where women have no control over their bodies, has always been alive in the real world. Go to Full Review Cate Young Nylon 03/10/2019
Once again, The Handmaid's Tale ignores the realities of racial history to tell a colourblind story of struggle that erases the contributions of black and brown women. 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 Benjamin H @RT54005248 Nov 23 Hard-hitting and grim, The Handmaid's Tale continues to provide absorbing and thought-provoking television that looks beautiful, has brilliant performances and develops its rich story and interesting characters in great new ways, even though it does have some issues with flow and certain plot threads. See more A.L.Jude P @judebd 07/27/2025 No doubt, the story sends shivers down the spine, imagining what might happen if religion delves too deeply into life. See more Andrei D @RT74856639 06/11/2025 The novelty of the setting dissipates and the narrative sometime doesn't really work, moving either too fast or too slow, never giving characters quite enough space See more Lane M @RT31121284 06/03/2025 EXCELLENT SERIES- Gets better and better See more Sam G @RT88876806 05/29/2025 Another wonderful season that follows the themes of Margaret Atwood's work. The only reason why I didn't give a perfect score is because of June deciding to stay in Gilead at the end of the season, but the rest is just incredible. See more Read all reviews
The Handmaid's Tale — Season 2

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Bruce Miller

Creator

Elisabeth Moss

Offred

Joseph Fiennes

Commander Waterford

Yvonne Strahovski

Serena Joy

Ann Dowd

Aunt Lydia

Samira Wiley

Moira

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 25, 2018 June Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 25, 2018 Unwomen Offred adjusts to a new way of life; the arrival of an unexpected person disrupts the colonies; a family is torn apart by the rise of Gilead. Details Episode 3 Aired May 2, 2018 Baggage Offred reflects on her relationship with her mother as she navigates her way through Gilead; in Little America, Moira tries to cope with the trauma she endured. Details Episode 4 Aired May 9, 2018 Other Women A baby shower provokes a troubling shift in Offred's relationship with Serena Joy; Offred reckons with the choice she made that led her to become a Handmaid. Details Episode 5 Aired May 16, 2018 Seeds Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick; Janine tries to adjust to life in the colonies, jeopardizing her friendship with Emily. Details Episode 6 Aired May 23, 2018 First Blood Offred finds unexpected allies and obstacles in her search for a way to protect Hannah; the commander prepares for the dedication of a new Red Center. Nick struggles with his new assignment. Details Episode 7 Aired May 30, 2018 After In order to protect her family, Serena Joy makes a dangerous choice; Moira searches for someone from her past. Details Episode 8 Aired Jun 6, 2018 Women's Work A sick baby tests Offred and Serena; Janine finally faces Naomi. Details Episode 9 Aired Jun 13, 2018 Smart Power The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad; Serena faces the temptation of life outside Gilead; Luke and Moira grapple with survivor's guilt; Offred seeks support from allies. Details Episode 10 Aired Jun 20, 2018 The Last Ceremony A frustrated Serena becomes desperate; the Commander tries to make amends with Offred; Nick pushes Eden farther away; Offred is faced with an unexpected reunion. Details Episode 11 Aired Jun 27, 2018 Holly Offred faces a grueling challenge alone as she recalls her life as a mother; Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout of their actions toward Offred. Details Episode 12 Aired Jul 4, 2018 Postpartum Offred is sent to a familiar place; Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house. Details Episode 13 Aired Jul 11, 2018 The Word Serena and the other wives strive to make change; Emily learns more about her new Commander; Offred faces a difficult decision. Details

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The Handmaid's Tale — Season 2

The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Featurette - Score Recording The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Featurette - Score Recording 2:14 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Trailer The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Trailer 1:38 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Teaser The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Teaser 0:27 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 13 Featurette - 'The Word' Script to Screen The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 13 Featurette - 'The Word' Script to Screen 1:51 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 12 Featurette - 'Postpartum' Script to Screen The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 12 Featurette - 'Postpartum' Script to Screen 3:55 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 11 Featurette - 'Holly' From Script to Screen The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 11 Featurette - 'Holly' From Script to Screen 2:29 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 10 Featurette - 'The Last Ceremony' Script to Screen The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 10 Featurette - 'The Last Ceremony' Script to Screen 2:04 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 9 Featurette - 'Smart Power' Script to Screen The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 9 Featurette - 'Smart Power' Script to Screen 3:34 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 9 Featurette - Inside the Episode The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 9 Featurette - Inside the Episode 2:52 The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 8 Featurette - Inside the Episode The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2 Episode 8 Featurette - Inside the Episode 2:24 View more videos
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The Handmaid's Tale — Season 2

The Handmaid's Tale The Handmaid's Tale Photo Credit: Courtesy of HULU Photo Credit: Courtesy of HULU Photo Credit: Courtesy of HULU View more photos

Season Info

Director
Kari Skogland, Mike Barker, Jeremy Podeswa, Daina Reid
Creator
Bruce Miller
Executive Producer
Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, Ilene Chaiken, Elisabeth Moss
Screenwriter
Dorothy Fortenberry, Bruce Miller, Yahlin Chang, Kira Snyder, Eric Tuchman, Lynn Renee Maxcy, Nina Fiore, John Hererra
Network
Hulu
Rating
TV-MA (L|S|V)
Genre
Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 25, 2018