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The Handmaid’s Tale is Margaret Atwood’s landmark 1985 dystopian novel—and Hulu’s acclaimed series adaptation (2017–2025) that turned Gilead into one of modern TV’s most recognizable fictional regimes. The story follows June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) as she fights to survive and resist a theocratic society that enslaves fertile women as “handmaids.”
This post updates the most verifiable Handmaid’s Tale statistics—seasons, episodes, premiere timeline, awards, and ratings—using Hulu and major industry sources. (No guesswork, no fan math.)
The Handmaid’s Tale by the Numbers (2026)
- Seasons: 6
- Total episodes: 66
- Network / streamer: Hulu
- Season 1 premiere: April 26, 2017
- Final season: Season 6 (10 episodes)
- Emmys: 77 nominations, 15 wins
- Rotten Tomatoes (critics) by season: S1 94%, S2 90%, S3 82%, S4 69%, S5 80%, S6 87%
- What’s next: Sequel series The Testaments (Hulu) premieres April 2026
Sources:
Hulu series page |
Rotten Tomatoes |
Television Academy |
Hulu press: The Testaments
Key Metrics Table
| Metric | Value | Year / As-of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seasons | 6 | As listed on Hulu | Hulu |
| Total episodes | 66 | As listed on Hulu | Hulu |
| Season 1 premiere | April 26, 2017 | Series start | Hulu |
| Season 6 episode count | 10 episodes | Final season | Hulu guide |
| Emmy performance | 77 nominations / 15 wins | Lifetime total (as listed) | Television Academy |
| Rotten Tomatoes season scores (critics) | S1 94% • S2 90% • S3 82% • S4 69% • S5 80% • S6 87% | As currently displayed | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Sequel series | The Testaments (premieres April 2026) | Upcoming | Hulu press |
The Handmaid’s Tale Facts
- Based on: The Handmaid’s Tale (novel, 1985) by Margaret Atwood
- Series creator: Bruce Miller
- Streaming on: Hulu (U.S.)
- Setting: Gilead (in what used to be the United States)
- Genre: Drama / dystopian fiction
Source:
Hulu series page
Main Cast (Core Roles)
- Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne
- Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
- Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence
- Max Minghella as Nick Blaine
- O-T Fagbenle as Luke Bankole
Source: Series overview cast list
Release Timeline (All Seasons)
- Season 1: April 2017
- Season 2: April 2018
- Season 3: June 2019
- Season 4: April 2021
- Season 5: September 2022
- Season 6: April 2025 (final season)
Source: Rotten Tomatoes season listing
Rotten Tomatoes Scores by Season (Critics)
- Season 1: 94%
- Season 2: 90%
- Season 3: 82%
- Season 4: 69%
- Season 5: 80%
- Season 6: 87%
Awards Snapshot
The Handmaid’s Tale has earned 77 Emmy nominations and won 15 Emmys, according to the Television Academy.
What’s Next: The Testaments (Sequel Series)
Hulu is continuing the story world with The Testaments, based on Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel (published in 2019). Hulu’s press site lists the series as premiering in April 2026, and industry outlets have reported a drop date of April 8, 2026 for the first episodes.
- Series: The Testaments
- Premiere: April 2026 (Hulu); reported April 8, 2026 (trades)
Sources:
Hulu press |
Variety (Jan 26, 2026) |
The Hollywood Reporter (Jan 26, 2026)
FAQ
How many seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale are there?
Hulu lists 6 seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale. Source
How many episodes are there total?
Hulu lists 66 total episodes. Source
Is The Handmaid’s Tale finished?
Yes—Season 6 is the final season, and Hulu notes the last episode has been available since May 27, 2025. Source
Where can I watch The Handmaid’s Tale?
Rotten Tomatoes lists the series as streaming on Hulu (and also available via other storefronts depending on region). Source
What is The Testaments?
The Testaments is Hulu’s sequel series based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel, set years after The Handmaid’s Tale. Hulu lists it as premiering in April 2026. Source
