The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale (2017-2025)

EndedScripted showDrama, Science-Fiction

The Handmaid's Tale is the story of life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States. Facing environmental disasters and a plunging birthrate, Gilead is ruled by a twisted fundamentalism in its militarized ‘return to traditional values'. As one of the few remaining fertile women, Offred is a Handmaid in the Commander's household, one of the caste of women forced into sexual servitude as a last desperate attempt to repopulate the world. In this terrifying society, Offred must navigate between Commanders, their cruel Wives, domestic Marthas, and her fellow Handmaids – where anyone could be a spy for Gilead – all with one goal: to survive and find the daughter that was taken from her.

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday

Last Episode

The Handmaid's Tale
Season 6Episode 1055 min

The Handmaid's Tale

June reflects on her experiences in Gilead and decides what to do next.

May 27, 2025

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S06E10The Handmaid's TaleMay 27, 2025
S06E09ExecutionMay 20, 2025
S06E08ExodusMay 13, 2025
S06E07ShatteredMay 6, 2025
S06E06SurpriseApr 29, 2025
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did The Handmaid's Tale premiere?

The Handmaid's Tale premiered on April 26, 2017.

Who wrote the novel on which The Handmaid's Tale is based?

The novel on which The Handmaid's Tale is based was written by Margaret Atwood.

In the TV show, what is the name of the oppressive regime that has taken over the United States?

In the TV show, the oppressive regime that has taken over the United States is called Gilead.

What is the main character's name?

The main character's name is Offred.

What is the role of the Handmaids in Gilead?

The role of the Handmaids in Gilead is to bear children for upper-class families who are unable to have children themselves.

Who plays the role of Offred in the TV show?

Elisabeth Moss plays the role of Offred in the TV show.

Who plays the role of Commander Fred Waterford in the TV show?

Joseph Fiennes plays the role of Commander Fred Waterford in the TV show.

Who plays the role of Serena Joy Waterford in the TV show?

Yvonne Strahovski plays the role of Serena Joy Waterford in the TV show.

Who plays the role of Moira in the TV show?

Samira Wiley plays the role of Moira in the TV show.

Who plays the role of Ofglen in the TV show?

Alexis Bledel plays the role of Ofglen in the TV show.

What is the Handmaid's real name?

The Handmaid's real name is never revealed in the TV show.

Cast

Ann Dowd

Ann Dowd

plays Aunt Lydia
Ever Carradine

Ever Carradine

plays Naomi Putnam
Joseph Fiennes

Joseph Fiennes

plays Commander Fred Waterford
Max Minghella

Max Minghella

plays Nick Blaine
Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley

plays Moira Strand
Sam Jaeger

Sam Jaeger

plays Mark Tuello
Genevieve Angelson

Genevieve Angelson

plays Alanis Wheeler
Bradley Whitford

Bradley Whitford

plays Commander Joseph Lawrence
View all cast

Characters

Aunt Lydia

Aunt Lydia

played by Ann Dowd
Naomi Putnam

Naomi Putnam

played by Ever Carradine
Commander Fred Waterford

Commander Fred Waterford

played by Joseph Fiennes
Nick Blaine

Nick Blaine

played by Max Minghella
Moira Strand

Moira Strand

played by Samira Wiley
Mark Tuello

Mark Tuello

played by Sam Jaeger
Alanis Wheeler

Alanis Wheeler

played by Genevieve Angelson
Commander Joseph Lawrence

Commander Joseph Lawrence

played by Bradley Whitford
View all characters

Also known as

  • O Conto da Aia (Brazil)
  • Историята на прислужницата (Bulgaria)
  • A szolgálólány meséje (Hungary)
  • Povestea slujitoarei (Romania)
  • Рассказ служанки (Russian Federation)
  • El cuento de la criada (Spain)
  • Розповідь служниці (Ukraine)

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