Hulu’s officially announced The Handmaid’s Tale has been renewed for season six. The streaming service confirmed the critically acclaimed – and, unfortunately, way too timely – drama will end with the sixth season.
Season five is set to premiere on September 14, 2022 with the release of the first two episodes. New episodes arrive on the following Wednesdays.
Elisabeth Moss returns to lead the cast as June Osborne. Season five also stars Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger. Alexis Bledel (“Emily/Ofglen”) left the series after season four.
Hulu also confirmed The Handmaid’s Tale sequel The Testaments is still in development under series creator, executive producer, and showrunner Bruce Miller. Written by Margaret Atwood and released in 2019, The Testaments is narrated by Aunt Lydia and is set 15 years after the events in The Handmaid’s Tale.
“It has been a true honor to tell the story of Margaret Atwood’s groundbreaking novel and chillingly relevant world, and we are thrilled to bring viewers a sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale,” said Miller, commenting on the final season order. “We are grateful to Hulu and MGM for allowing us to tell this story, which unfortunately has remained as relevant as ever throughout its run, and are in awe of our incredible fans for their unwavering support, and without whom we never would have gotten to this point.”
Additional executive producers include series star Elisabeth Moss, Warren Littlefield, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, Eric Tuchman, Yahlin Chang, Rachel Shukert, Sheila Hockin, John Weber, Frank Siracusa, Steve Stark, and Kim Todd.
“Five years ago, almost to the day, The Handmaid’s Tale made history when it became the first show to win an Emmy for a streaming service. In the time since, it has been a privilege and pleasure to work with some of the finest creative talent in our industry on this show – a distinct and exceptional group of people who continue to produce the highest quality television that has made and continues to make significant cultural impact. Bruce, Warren, Lizzie and the entire team at MGM have been amazing partners, and we hope fans enjoy these last two seasons,” said Craig Erwich, President, ABC Entertainment, Hulu & Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals.
The season five plot, courtesy of Hulu:
In the fifth season, June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada. Commander Lawrence works with Nick and Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke, and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah.
