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

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

View all cast

Characters

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)

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
NCIS
Running

NCIS

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it's a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant, whose skills as an investigator are unmatched, leads this troupe of colorful personalities. Rounding out the team are Anthony DiNozzo, an ex-homicide detective whose instincts in the field are unparalleled and whose quick wit and humorous take on life make him a team favorite; the youthful and energetic forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, a talented scientist whose sharp mind matches her Goth style and eclectic tastes; Caitlin Todd, an ex-Secret Service Agent; and Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate whose brilliance with computers far overshadows his insecurities in the field; Assisting the team is medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who knows it all because he's seen it all, and he's not afraid to let you know. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

Landman
Running

Landman

Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Landman is a modern day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. The series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it's reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.

GenreDrama
The Creep Tapes
Running

The Creep Tapes

Based on a collection of videotapes in the secret vault of the world's deadliest and most socially uncomfortable serial killer, who hires his victims to film him for the day under false pretenses, each episode exposes a new victim from one of the fabled 'Creep Tapes'.

GenreHorror
America's Funniest Home Videos
Running

America's Funniest Home Videos

ABC's longest-running primetime entertainment show, America's Funniest Home Videos, returns for season 36 this fall with the same mission -- giving families something genuinely funny to enjoy together on Sunday nights.

"AFV," the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, returns for season 36 with the same mission - to provide viewers with hysterical moments that fly by at a dizzying pace.

The Real Housewives of Potomac
Running

The Real Housewives of Potomac

Just up the river from our nation's capital lies a hidden gem—Potomac, Maryland. Its rolling hills, gated mansions, sophisticated prep schools, and exclusive country clubs all serve to keep the area invitation-only. Sprinkled throughout this community are a handful of old-line, wealthy African-American families who have historically broken racial barriers to provide a life of privilege for their children. The Real Housewives of Potomac follows the upscale lives of six intriguing, well-to-do women: Gizelle Bryant, Katie Rost, Karen Huger, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Robyn Dixon, and Ashley Darby, all of whom have fought for their places in this society by way of legacy or marriage. In a town where entry is granted only through class, pedigree, and lineage, how far will these ladies go to secure their spot at the top of this prestigious circle?