The Handmaid's Tale

:

Season 1
  • Network: Hulu
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 26, 2017
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 529 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 429 out of 529
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 529
  3. Negative: 70 out of 529
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  1. DukeCumberjack
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    Don't believe the low user ratings. Excellent distopian drama. Leave politics aside while you watch--it has been an incredibly well done series so far after three episodes.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Holy **** this was powerful!
    This adaptation had alot going for it even before it's release from the big name cast to the exceptional source material. But with the stark prospect of a Trump presidency which would've meant a tightening on many rights sich as those of lgbtqia folkx (specifically trans) and on women. The right has been especially vocal in it's religious leanings or it's    Holy **** this was powerful!
    This adaptation had alot going for it even before it's release from the big name cast to the exceptional source material. But with the stark prospect of a Trump presidency which would've meant a tightening on many rights sich as those of lgbtqia folkx (specifically trans) and on women. The right has been especially vocal in it's religious leanings or it's opinions on reproductive rights and this is placed centerfold. A horrifyingly possible "what if church was state" dystopia that rather than reaching for sci-fi or extra-terrestial threats our own zealous opposes us. Offred who is given a name in this adaptation is relentlessly compelling. Her asides are just as stunning as the scenes Elizabeth Moss dominates. Extremly nuanced political drama in the sense it's says alot with it's realities to how we behave in ours,the flashbacks giving difficult epiphanies to all the things we take for granted as freedoms or even how powerlessness can become an easier choice. Unflinching writing that honestly improves on the source material. You are constantly uncomfortable, anxious and scared. You ask yourself the credibility of this only to realize the roots of these nightmares exist around you.the ache of June's separation or the other handmaids exploitation. It's disingenuous to say rarely is a show this visceral when television is as great as it is but to not acknowledge how monumental this reason is in comparison cannot go unsaid. A master of tension,emotion and storytelling you can tell not a single piece of this vision hasn't been laboured over,from the crystalline cinematography to the award worthy music choices&scoring.irrespevtive of the rest of the show trajectory after this it's sure to say it started with a bang, landmark television    … Expand
  3. MMCD
    May 21, 2017
    10
    Amazing story, this blows away anything on Netflix. Profound, amazing acting, incredible, I can't recommend this enough, its thought provoking. Its TV for smart people. Its powerful writing
  4. AnnieBitencourt
    Jun 12, 2017
    10
    Está aí uma série que eu praticamente esnobei acreditando se tratar a respeito de freiras. Fui positivamente surpreendida e a cada episódio que passa fico assustada com os acontecimentos da série que não estão tão distantes assim de acontecer na vida real
  5. Glic2003
    Feb 27, 2019
    10
    This is probably the most perfect realization of Atwood's terrifying novel imaginable. Everything hits the right notes: the cast, the performances, the production. Even the (admittedly very slow) pacing seems right on point. It's still a horrible premise, but it's an excellent adaptation.
  6. Hua
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    My newest tv obsession. For anyone worried about the politics or "feminism" or all that stuff we argue about - leave all your personal baggage/feelings aside - This is simply quality television! POWERFUL, well-written/acted, thought-provoking, harrowing, completely engrossing. Only 2 episodes in and it's already one of my fav. shows of all time, Haven't even read the book (honestly neverMy newest tv obsession. For anyone worried about the politics or "feminism" or all that stuff we argue about - leave all your personal baggage/feelings aside - This is simply quality television! POWERFUL, well-written/acted, thought-provoking, harrowing, completely engrossing. Only 2 episodes in and it's already one of my fav. shows of all time, Haven't even read the book (honestly never heard of it till I saw the trailer some months back, and even then I wasn't sure about it) and I'm just completely floored, shocked, horrified, captivated and in awe of this gem of a show. The first episode alone had me completely hooked, I couldn't believe what I was watching. 10/10… Expand
  7. JorgeLestre
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    'The Handmaid's Tale' is scarrier than previously thought as it resembles a dystopian world which could be our very own right now. Elisabeth Moss is outstanding and the mystery is amazingly well written.
  8. cmac
    Jul 27, 2017
    10
    This show is one of the most striking shows that I have ever seen.
    No point to comparing to the seminal shows like The Wire, Sopranos, BB because it is so different.
    The bleakness is abnormally haunting, the acting especially by the leads is terrific and the overall atmosphere is incredibly scary. I love it but look forward to the end as I wake up with this show still in my bones.    This show is one of the most striking shows that I have ever seen.
    No point to comparing to the seminal shows like The Wire, Sopranos, BB because it is so different.
    The bleakness is abnormally haunting, the acting especially by the leads is terrific and the overall atmosphere is incredibly scary.
    I love it but look forward to the end as I wake up with this show still in my bones.
    Extraordinary.    … Expand
  9. dhoskins
    Jun 15, 2017
    10
    I wasn't as drawn to this premise as other recent dramas like WestWorld, Vikings, House of Cards, or Man in the High Castle, but I think this show is better than all of those.
    A world where most women cannot reproduce, and the women who can become worth fighting over, even enslaving. The number of directions from which this concept is fleshed out and explored continues to surprise me,    I wasn't as drawn to this premise as other recent dramas like WestWorld, Vikings, House of Cards, or Man in the High Castle, but I think this show is better than all of those.
    A world where most women cannot reproduce, and the women who can become worth fighting over, even enslaving. The number of directions from which this concept is fleshed out and explored continues to surprise me, and every episode has some surprises and nuances that I haven't seen in any other show.
    The writing is tight and characters' actions are well-justified, and the progressive, careful world-building has been great to experience.    … Expand
  10. j1train
    Jun 14, 2017
    8
    It starts out brilliantly, it really does. But the "big moments" go a beat too far much too often in the second half of the season. It's easy to think that the expansion of the book (which at first seemed welcome) has thrown out all the subtly of the source material. But for the most part, it's captivating, wonderfully acted, and gorgeous to look at.
  11. Drealgrin
    May 24, 2017
    9
    Incredible, Republicans and right minded people will be infuriated by the accurate reflection of the ultimate cohesion of their beliefs .

    At a perfect time to be had, with # 45 inching us closer to this reality at every opportunity. It's a fearless imagining of what this country could easily become if Christians and Republicans had their way, it won't pull any punches either, from    Incredible, Republicans and right minded people will be infuriated by the accurate reflection of the ultimate cohesion of their beliefs .

    At a perfect time to be had, with # 45 inching us closer to this reality at every opportunity.

    It's a fearless imagining of what this country could easily become if Christians and Republicans had their way, it won't pull any punches either, from the idea that a woman's true value being the viability of her reproductive organs. To death being a reasonable punishment for anyone who opposes their beliefs or lives life a little differently.

    The book that this world is based on is entirely covered by episode 3, but the setting has a lot of opportunity here.

    A timely, cerebral warning of what an American Sharia Law would look like. Don't miss this show.    … Expand
  12. Xander81
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    sjdetails I take it has never read Margaret Attwood (the queen of feminist dystopian fiction). Too much "dystopian garbage" is the comment indicative of someone who didn't know what they were about to get themselves in for. I wonder what they must make of Philip K. Dick. The dystopia is probably too understated than perhaps what Attwood was visioning, which is perhaps the only downsidesjdetails I take it has never read Margaret Attwood (the queen of feminist dystopian fiction). Too much "dystopian garbage" is the comment indicative of someone who didn't know what they were about to get themselves in for. I wonder what they must make of Philip K. Dick. The dystopia is probably too understated than perhaps what Attwood was visioning, which is perhaps the only downside of this series. That being said the acting in the film is captivating and compelling, which is perhaps where The Man in High Castle fails. Both are of similar pacing but the wooden acting of High Castle makes it feel as like a dirge than the triumph it could have been (given the current political climate the world currently finds itself in). The only other qualm that remained by season's end was that Attwood's depiction of Offred is of a compliant and brainwashed girl who has more or less given in and given given over to the rituals that she must perform; rather than the passive-aggressive obstinate girl that the viewer is presented with. If you never got in to Twin Peaks and/or have become bored of superheroes, anti-heroes, dragons, and conspiratorial political dramas this your new must see TV. Probably 2017's best TV.… Expand
  13. ALgenaro
    Jun 14, 2017
    9
    Despite Hulu's colorblind take on the dystopian future (which feels like it could be a few years down the road in some instances) which ignores race, class, disability, etc. I'm in love with this series and am not sure how to wait until 2018 for Season 2... granted, this type of storyline is something I think a lot about and I have limited taste. I've never read the book, but I recentlyDespite Hulu's colorblind take on the dystopian future (which feels like it could be a few years down the road in some instances) which ignores race, class, disability, etc. I'm in love with this series and am not sure how to wait until 2018 for Season 2... granted, this type of storyline is something I think a lot about and I have limited taste. I've never read the book, but I recently bought it with special features on Audible. I also have Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents waiting for me in the same genre. I would recommend this to anyone, but I'd be sure to slap a huge content warning on every episode. Seriously, go watch this with a friend and then cry about the GOP-ruled future we have before us and pray something changes... Praise be.… Expand
  14. Colokat5
    Jun 28, 2017
    7
    I find The Handmaid's Tale a great story line. However, I do Not like the way the Biblical verses are Taken soooo Literally! That is not the way the Bible is Supposed to be taken-it was written at a time when language was still evolving and thus Literal meanings do not translate to todays written language. That said, the story line is great, the actors entertaining, the science fiction ofI find The Handmaid's Tale a great story line. However, I do Not like the way the Biblical verses are Taken soooo Literally! That is not the way the Bible is Supposed to be taken-it was written at a time when language was still evolving and thus Literal meanings do not translate to todays written language. That said, the story line is great, the actors entertaining, the science fiction of the basis-all good. Will continue to watch! Hope that the going forward, going backward telling of the story continues-much enjoy that!… Expand
  15. Skeletor71
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    This is exactly what I wanted and more. Just the kind of story I like and with great acting and production values. They use a lot of close-ups and Elisabeth Moss' expressions are worth the price of admission alone.
  16. katezoe
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    Best new show on television. Everything is perfect. The first episode was slow. Have patience, harrowing dystopian world. Incredible performances. by everyone and Elizabeth Moss is spectacular. Can not wait for Season 2.
  17. truerock
    May 3, 2017
    7
    An interesting story plot will draw a lot of individuals to watch this drama. I found it was worth watching - but, it was held back by a lack of an important element of successful video drama. Elisabeth Moss was not an appropriate selection to fill the main character. To compound the problem, the writing did not fit Moss' skill-set as an actress. Curiously, many of the other roles wereAn interesting story plot will draw a lot of individuals to watch this drama. I found it was worth watching - but, it was held back by a lack of an important element of successful video drama. Elisabeth Moss was not an appropriate selection to fill the main character. To compound the problem, the writing did not fit Moss' skill-set as an actress. Curiously, many of the other roles were very well cast. For example, Amanda Brugel does an excellent job portraying her minor role as Rita a housekeeper.

    So, I do recommend viewing this drama - but, I was disappointed that it was not done as well as I had hoped. I have only watched the first episode. Perhaps my opinion will change after I have watched more.    … Expand
  18. playdead
    May 3, 2017
    9
    Having read the source material, I was really looking forward to this and I am not disappointed. While initially being put off by a younger Serena Joy and other changes or added material, this show adds and builds on the book, making it more up-to-date and relevant. Artistically, it is superbly done with strong performances all around. May not be suitable for the alpha male crowd out thereHaving read the source material, I was really looking forward to this and I am not disappointed. While initially being put off by a younger Serena Joy and other changes or added material, this show adds and builds on the book, making it more up-to-date and relevant. Artistically, it is superbly done with strong performances all around. May not be suitable for the alpha male crowd out there as some ideologies about feminism, female sexuality or LGBT relationships might burst some of the tougher bubbles.… Expand
  19. JLuis_001
    Sep 6, 2017
    8
    A sad but crude and surprisingly close portrait of a future in which we can fall.
    It is not easy to observe and even several times you will feel impotent, but when a series like this gets an emotional response from you, you know that it is very good and did its job well.
  20. Quietlionmusic
    Nov 18, 2017
    7
    This was an enticing series that really makes you think about the current state of events and what could easily be a reality given the right circumstances. While I found this show to have very amazing production value and meaningful writing, I found the material to be very heavy stuff without much relief. I felt as though I needed to cleanse my palette after watching, just because it wasThis was an enticing series that really makes you think about the current state of events and what could easily be a reality given the right circumstances. While I found this show to have very amazing production value and meaningful writing, I found the material to be very heavy stuff without much relief. I felt as though I needed to cleanse my palette after watching, just because it was so depressing. I know the source material is meant to be heavy, but it is hard for viewers to keep watching when it seems as though each episode gets worse and/or the characters have no hope. I had similar problems with Breaking Bad. I have hopes next season will be a little easier to digest.… Expand
  21. jaasieljunior
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    The Handmaid's Tale é a melhor série de 2017. a série trata diversos temas com tanta naturalidade que sentimos o desconforto dos personagens em diversas situações. Isso se deve graças às grandes atuações dos atores envolvidos,seja esses a protagonista ou até mesmo os coadjuvantes.É uma série para se debater sobre os temas envolvidos, questionar nossos costumes e nossas hipocrisias.
  22. msml
    Sep 1, 2017
    9
    This shook me!! All i could think of while watching this was; Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia... Sad story, amazing plot growth, Elizabeth Moss in all her glorious weirdness..... 9/10
  23. tsebben
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    A série tem um andamento lento e elegante. Acredito que a primeira temporada seja apenas introdutória e que grande ação irá desenrolar-se da segunda temporada em diante.

    A fotografia é esplêndida e as atuações são marcantes
  24. LeZee
    Sep 16, 2017
    7
    From June to Offred: A 21st century slave tale!

    SEASON 01: I was not sure to give it a try, in the end I just went on. The reason was, another dystopian theme. It was a short season with the 10 episodes, and I've got a mixed feeling. It was based on the 30 year old novel of the same name. I mean 3 decades old source is very old in the present trend. Since that book there were plenty    From June to Offred: A 21st century slave tale!

    SEASON 01:

    I was not sure to give it a try, in the end I just went on. The reason was, another dystopian theme. It was a short season with the 10 episodes, and I've got a mixed feeling. It was based on the 30 year old novel of the same name. I mean 3 decades old source is very old in the present trend. Since that book there were plenty of films, series were made similar to that theme, including one feature film adaptation. I don't know the screenplay was highly borrowed from its original source, but all I expected was alterable.

    Even though I felt familiarity, I enjoyed watching it. My issue was the drag. The whole season was a drag. Dragged to have one more season, or maybe more in the future. Especially I was very disappointed with the season finale. It only felt like a mid-season finale and yet a lot more to come in the same season. But that was only my assumption, this season ended at the halfway. They had held back too much to have some of it in the upcoming seasons. That's very intense move from the production perspective, but for the viewers, it left with unsatisfying.

    The plus points were the casting and production. Elisabeth Moss was very good. Her expressions saved in parts of the earlier episodes. Particularly, her smile during those circus were going on, instead of being tensed and confused. That reveals the character, who wants to stay alive for a reason. As the story progresses in the next episodes, you would know more reasons why. Alexis' part was short, as well as many others. The overall the characters design was good. But I anticipated more from the story side to reveal.

    In the near future, the humans had lost fertility capacity, excluding a very few men and women. Those who are capable of having babies are taken as slave surrogate mothers, after separating from their husbands and kids, to assign them those who desire to have children. This tale follows Offred, who is one of the maids. Her struggle against the couple who took her in, and overall society, how it treated her and others like her. The American dreams are gone. Many fled to Canada and yet some are trying to make it there. But Offred is not concerned about that. She now has to find her daughter before planning anything.

    Each epidoe was decent, but only a couple of them were top class. At least now we know what to expect from the follow-up season. Also the perspective of the story was very restricted like everything was from Offred. The episode like 'The Other Side' really made it interesting. We need more those kind of explanation of what's going on on the other side. Especially for a television series, they have all the time to detail out from all the angle. That's what I like in the series, otherwise I'm always a film fanatic, love to watch short and sweet tales. So I'm waiting for the season 2.

    7/10    … Expand
  25. Debbiecape
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    Fantastic dystopian tale based on the equally fantastic book by Margaret Atwood . Very very scary given the reality of our current world situation and government leaders. The acting is superb, the direction is measured and unflinching. I love it!
  26. exorcista17
    Jul 6, 2017
    10
    Es de las mejores series, por no decir la mejor serie que he visto en los últimos años. La historia, su atmósfera, la fotografía, la música y sus actrices son de lo mejorcito. Recomendadísima.
  27. gerry6992
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Such an incredible show. The Handmaid's tale feels real: it has so many strong narrative points. This dystopia could actually happen. The characters are incredible: I loved Elizabeth Moss.
  28. mikerbyrne
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    Fascinating dystopian tale that gives some insight into the the possible future of America if religious radicals were to take over. Well directed with fascinating insight into the dreary world.
  29. DiogoOliveira
    May 25, 2018
    10
    incrível, única, realista, fora do padrão, uma serie que vai além do esperado, num ritmo que te prende, num ritmo que te faz refleti, ate onde iria a humanidade com a infertilidade, choca, e incrível.
  30. Aloxb3
    Aug 12, 2017
    8
    Top! Essa é uma série bem cabeça, que traz discussões sérias e atuais sobre o comportamento humano. O primeiro episódio é um "live action" da sinopse e do segundo episodio em diante, tudo pode acontecer. O elenco inteiro manda muito bem, destaque para a Elisabeth Moss, que pegou a personagem mais complexa da história da televisão e a interpreta de maneira clara e simples, já que, a estóriaTop! Essa é uma série bem cabeça, que traz discussões sérias e atuais sobre o comportamento humano. O primeiro episódio é um "live action" da sinopse e do segundo episodio em diante, tudo pode acontecer. O elenco inteiro manda muito bem, destaque para a Elisabeth Moss, que pegou a personagem mais complexa da história da televisão e a interpreta de maneira clara e simples, já que, a estória não é linear e a personagem passa por mudanças bruscas de personalidade, que acaba alterando a sua forma física e isso, é muito bem captado na obra, visto que, em alguns momentos, a atriz principal é uma bela loira divertida e descontraída e, em outros, ela é simplesmente feia .O Diretor resolveu deixar a cargo da trilha sonora os momentos de tensão e comédia, o que deu muito certo. De todo o elenco, eu, só conheço uma atriz e, acredito que isso seja bom pois, fica muito mais fácil de "enxergar" o(a) ator/atriz como o personagem. O enredo é complexo e trabalhado, afinal, esta série é uma adaptação de um livro, não que isso seja desculpa para que algo seja bem feito, mas já é um belo começo. O final da 1ª temporada deixa tudo aberto e não dá pra saber exatamente onde, como, quando...é...não dá pra saber muito, mesmo tendo acontecido muita coisa, ou seja, CADE A SEGUNDA TEMPORADA? ;)… Expand
  31. mrharrybeck
    Sep 25, 2018
    9
    Timely. Will be for a long time. The Handmaid's Tale is a tale that needed to be told. Not only does it manage to capture the pain & sorrow of every entity it's presenting but also expose a greater side of what's going on behind closed doors.
  32. Ozwit
    Oct 1, 2017
    9
    A gripping story. Well acted and well directed. Packed with mini dramas. Elizabeth Moss shines again with her authentic portrayal of the subservient handmaid in search of a way out of oppression.
  33. Nikolarizanovic
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    It's interesting how many of the negative reviews are based only on the first three episodes. This show is amazing, but it's not for everyone. I had a friend who made me turn it off when I was watching it because it was disturbing her too much. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
  34. Masquic
    Jul 11, 2018
    9
    Is it too late to rate this season? I think not. It's a brilliant story with powerful characters, all the roles and aspects are promising and it will be one of the bests tv shows ever.
  35. jmart1963
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    Outstanding. One of best series ever produced for television. Clearly not everyone’s cup of tea, but neither were The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, The Wire, and many other acclaimed series. Keep up the good work Hulu!
  36. WildnOutAdvntr
    Apr 30, 2018
    10
    This series has left me speechless on several occasions. You never know which direction it's going to go in and I love it! It is very relevant for the times. It is epically good!
  37. GrantD243
    Aug 6, 2018
    8
    The first season of The Handmaid's Tale sets up a world in which birthrates have dropped to dangerously low numbers, so all of the fertile women are gathered up and forced to serve powerful men in the new society. Their sole purpose is to get pregnant. It's a scary, but rather realistic, portrayal of what life would be like if an extremist group seized control of the United States. EveryThe first season of The Handmaid's Tale sets up a world in which birthrates have dropped to dangerously low numbers, so all of the fertile women are gathered up and forced to serve powerful men in the new society. Their sole purpose is to get pregnant. It's a scary, but rather realistic, portrayal of what life would be like if an extremist group seized control of the United States. Every episode is jam packed with revelations and critical story points, and it never drags. I did find it interesting that it really is hard to care for any of the characters in this show. They are all frustrating at times, but that doesn't take away from the quality of the show at all. It's well worth the watch.… Expand
  38. Lpenn
    Jun 20, 2018
    9
    Handmaid's Season 2 has the ability to over-promise and under-deliver unlike I've ever seen. Flawless execution on that front. Save yourself time and assume the end of season 1 was the end of the series.
  39. Cyanurea
    Jul 5, 2018
    8
    Good, but cheaper than the novel. Like the source material, it's angry and feminist, but while the source material was filled with poignant despair and a study of the way power remains powerful, the TV show takes a leaf, seemingly from YA dystopian works, to bring flashy promises of revolution from solidarity. The updates to bring modern relevance are sometimes compelling, sometimesGood, but cheaper than the novel. Like the source material, it's angry and feminist, but while the source material was filled with poignant despair and a study of the way power remains powerful, the TV show takes a leaf, seemingly from YA dystopian works, to bring flashy promises of revolution from solidarity. The updates to bring modern relevance are sometimes compelling, sometimes cringeworthy; mostly leaves me feeling like this is a leftist version of the conservative "the future liberals want" meme. Color work is beautiful but there are far too many lingering shots of Elizabeth Moss staring blankly into the camera with her mouth half-open. However, random Girl Power moments aside, it is basically faithful to the spirit of the novel in a good way.… Expand
  40. echorley
    Jul 26, 2018
    10
    Excellent series. Each episode is gripping and the plot develops well, never seeming to 'tread water' for the sake of filling time. Well acted, filmed and directed. The story explores issues of prejudice and bigotry that resonate all too sadly in the twenty first century.
  41. drlowdon
    Apr 27, 2022
    8
    In the near future, where fertility rates have dropped dramatically, a Second American Civil War leads to the establishment of a theocratic society in which fertile women (Handmaids) are forced into child bearing slavery.

    The Handmaid’s Tale is a tough watch, especially during the early episodes, but the fantastic cast and well-written script means it is worth sticking with.
  42. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    9
    I liked everything on 'The Handmaid's Tale' first season, i have nothing to argument about.
  43. carlossolrac
    Nov 16, 2018
    8
    The dystopian feel is there but doesn't feel like Boston at all. To all those who think this is timely and some sort of criticism of current men and their power well....eh.
  44. Bianca9
    Mar 21, 2019
    10
    It´s must-watch show. So deep and wonder. It´s very hard to watch sometimes but realy worth.
  45. DrollPony
    May 27, 2019
    10
    An excellent adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic novel. I always appreciate seeing something that's not dumbed down for the audience. Not in the choice of source material, nor in the way it's brought to us. This requires a bit of brainwork by the viewer, and that's refreshing.

    The series treats the source material respectfully, while hitting all the right notes for a TV series. The    An excellent adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic novel. I always appreciate seeing something that's not dumbed down for the audience. Not in the choice of source material, nor in the way it's brought to us. This requires a bit of brainwork by the viewer, and that's refreshing.

    The series treats the source material respectfully, while hitting all the right notes for a TV series. The pacing works; there is time to let everything sink in and create a tangible feel of dread, yet the story moves along relentlessly. The cinematography, soundscape and overall design is exquisite. So is the cast, led by the astonishing Elizabeth Moss.

    There are some small updates made in the series, but they just make it all the more chilling. It's depressing how timeless the novel is: how things can go really wrong at any time, when there are ruthless people with a zealot ideology (regardless of which one), good manipulation skills and weapons at their disposal.    … Expand
  46. nichholast
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    I felt so much pain and sorrow . I cried the whole time . A masterpiece ! Excellent
  47. geewah
    Jul 21, 2021
    10
    A disturbing dystopian tale that cuts close to the bone.
    Atmospheric, complex and brilliantly constructed this is an excellent adaption of Atwood's classic novel.
    One of the best shows of 2017.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best TV Season of 2017
13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
3
#3 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Vanity Fair
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Apr 25, 2018
    85
    Beyond those deeper themes, there’s just enough B-movie sensibility in The Handmaid’s Tale to really thrill, from its visceral horror to its clever plotting.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    May 16, 2017
    70
    The icky, idiosyncratic force of Morano’s early episodes dims slightly, as the show hints at a more conventional path: “Escape from Gilead.” Maybe this move is inevitable; it might succeed. But there’s something lost along the way--the special beauty of a bleak ending.
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  3. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Zach Hollwedel
    Apr 28, 2017
    85
    Moss is stellar in the role, perfectly able to convey simultaneous resistance and forced acceptance of the bleak social structure. It's in the show's writing, though, that the true genius lies. There's not a single dull moment the whole series. Even when it starts to feel a little too close to home, it's impossible to look away.
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