The Handmaid's Tale will officially return for a fifth season, and it may be the series' final installment, according to Hulu.
Here is everything you need to know about the new season, including when it's expected to arrive, who might come back to reprise their roles, and more. There's also a teaser at the bottom of this feature.
Handmaid's Tale season 5: What to know
There are spoilers below.
Season five will likely follow in the aftermath of [spoiler] June murdering Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) in season four's finale and her life in Canada. Having said that, while June may have escaped Gilead at the end of the last season, there are still others trying to leave the totalitarian country who may become a narrative focus.
It seems like teen handmaid Esther Keyes (McKenna Grace) might have a large role. The actress hinted as much to Hollywood Reporter: "I feel like there's only one June. But there is the whole rebellion and there are all of these other girls. So, there's one June and I supposed there's one Esther as well! We'll see what she gets up to into the next season", said Grace.
"I have no clue, but I have hopes . . . I think she [Esther] definitely can be part of this rebellion and the new generation of Handmaids. She will cause quite a stir".
Handmaid's Tale season 5: Final season?
Season five could be the final season. A Hulu executive suggested to Deadline that talks were underway about how to end the dystopian show:
"The success of The Handmaid's Tale remains paramount for us", said Hulu's head of originals Jordan Hellman. "That said, what is also most important to us is that we close out that show in [a] creative fashion that feels organic so we are in constant communication, literally right now, talking with Bruce [Miller], Lizzie [Moss] and Warren [Littlefield], about what the best way to end The Handmaid's Tale ... We haven't landed on an answer . . . I imagine we're going to be able to answer that question in the coming months".
Handmaid's Tale season 5: Release date
- Release date: Wednesday 14 September 2022 in US
The fifth season of The Handmaid's Tale is released with the first two episodes on 14 September 2022 in the US. One episode will be released weekly following this date.
Currently, there is no word on when The Handmaid's Tale might be be released in the UK, though season 4 arrived around two months in the UK after the US so we could see it appear in mid-November.
Handmaid's Tale season 5: Where to stream
US
The Handmaid's Tale returns to Hulu. Like the first four seasons, you can watch the fifth season on the Disney-owned video streaming service.
UK
The Handmaid's Tale will come to Channel 4 when it arrives in the UK.
Handmaid's Tale season 5: Cast and crew
You can expect the following cast and crew for season 5:
- Elisabeth Moss as June Osbourne
- Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
- Alexis Bledel as Dr Emily Malek
- Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia Clements
- OT Fagbenle as Luke Bankole
- Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine
- Samira Wiley as Moira Strand
- Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue
- Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence
- Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello
- McKenna Grace as Esther Keyes
- Zawe Ashton as Moira's girlfriend Oona
- Clea DuVall as Emily's wife, Sylvia
- Charlie Zeltzer as their son Oliver
- Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine Sophie Giraud
- Genevieve Angelson as Mrs Wheeler
Reportedly, Christine Klo has been cast in the new season as a new character named Lily. According to Deadline, Lily is "a Gilead refugee who now is a leader in the Canada-based resistance movement". Lily will "enter the story as a leader in the resistance who's no stranger to perilous situations". She has been described as a former Martha.
Handmaid's Tale season 5: Trailers
There is a trailer for season five of The Handmaid's Tale, as well as a teaser for the show. You can watch the trailer below.
Below is the teaser.
Handmaid's Tale season 5: How to catch up
To truly be prepared for season five of The Handmaid's Tale, you need to watch seasons one through four. Sorry, there's no skipping those and being able to understand and enjoy the new season. You can watch the first four seasons on Hulu in the US. It starts at $6.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.
In the UK, you can stream the first four seasons on Prime Video.
You can also buy the seasons on Amazon:
The Handmaid's Tale
What is the best streaming device for your TV? Our top recommendation is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Also excellent are the Google Chromecast with Google TV, the Roku Express 4K, the Apple TV 4K and the Amazon Fire TV Stick.