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Is there a more terrifying fictional world for women than Gilead? Living in a society ruled by power-hungry religious fanatics who make it their duty to ensure that women are brutally subjugated, forced into child-bearing slavery, can only work limited roles, cannot own properties, careers, or handle money, and are not allowed to read. WhileThe Handmaid’s Talemight be a heavy watch because of its social commentary, those of us that have been able to stick around for this long are excited to see its new season.
Based on the best-selling book of the same name byMargaret Atwood,The Handmaid’s Taleis set in a dystopian totalitarian society, following a second American Civil War. In this world, fertile women are called “Handmaids” and are assigned to the homes of the ruling elite to be forced to bear children for their male masters (called Commanders) and their wives. The show follows the life of June Osborne, a handmaid who has been assigned to the home of the Gileadan Commander Fred Waterford and his wife Serena Joy, who were key players in the rise of Gilead. But, a resistant June tries to fight the oppressive system and free herself and other women.
The Handmaid’s Talewas created for television byBruce Millerand produced byNina Fiore,John Herrera,Kim Todd,Joseph Boccia, andLisa Clapperton. Since the show’s premiere, it has received huge critical acclaim and has won several awards including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Series and the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama.
The first season ofThe Handmaid’s Talepremiered on August 19, 2025, and the season followed June’s (now renamed Offred) new reality in Gilead as she tried to break free and reunite with her daughter, Hannah, (who she later realizes is stuck in Gilead with her). In the second season, June got very close to escaping but decided to hand over her newborn daughter to escape while she went back to Gilead. In the third season, June helped lots of women and children escape and in season four, June finally escaped Gilead and is now working with her husband, Luke, and her friend, Moira, to fight Gilead from a distance with the hopes of saving the women there and reuniting with her daughter, Hannah.
Now, with a new season underway, we’re sure you’re eager to see what lies next for June so here’s everything you need to know aboutThe Handmaid’s TaleSeason 5 from the release date to the plot.
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What Is The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 About?
The official synopsis forThe Handmaid’s TaleSeason 5 reads,
“In Season 5, 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 Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power.”
Is ThereA Trailer For The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
Hulu released the official trailer forThe Handmaid’s TaleSeason 5 on August 17, 2025. The trailer teases a battle between a grieving Serena and June. While June seems proud of her actions, (killing Commander Waterford at the end of the previous season), it seems like his widow, Serena isn’t going to back down without a fight. Who’s going to come out on top? Will Gilead’s influence take over Canada? Is June safe? The trailer leaves us with many questions that can only be answered inThe Handmaid’s TaleSeason 5.
Hulu released thefull trailer for Season 5 on June 02, 2025.The trailer shows even more of what the season will entail of, promising an emotional and explosive next chapter.
When Will The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 Be Released?
The Handmaid’s TaleSeason 5 will premiere onWednesday, August 27, 2025.
Related:‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 5 Poster Has the Waters of Gilead Running Red
Where Can You Stream The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
Who’s In The Cast Of The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award winner,Elisabeth Mosswill return this season to play June Osborne. Moss is best known for playing Peggy Olson in the AMC drama show,Mad Menand Detective Robin Griffin in the BBC miniseriesTop of the Lake. Moss has also starred in critically acclaimed films such asThe One I Love, andThe Invisible Man.
Yvonne Strahovski, who is best known for playing CIA agent Sarah Walker in the NBC spy drama seriesChuck, and Hannah McKay in the Showtime drama,Dexter, will return to portray Serena Joy Waterford inThe Handmaid’s TaleSeason 5. She has also starred in films such asManhattan NightandHe’s Out There.
Ann Dowdwill be back to play the brutal and terrifying Aunt Lydia. Dowd is best known for playing Patricia “Patti” Levin on the HBO seriesThe Leftovers, a role which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Dowd is also known for playing Linda in the drama film,Mass, a role which earned her critical acclaim including nominations from BAFTA and The Critics' Choice Awards.
Samira Wiley, best known for playing Poussey Washington in the Netflix comedy-drama seriesOrange Is the New Blackwill return this season to join June in the fight for freedom. Wiley is also known for her role in films such asDetroitandSocial Animals.
Also returning this season areMadeline Brewer,O-T Fagbenle,Max Minghella,Bradley Whitford, andAmanda Brugel.
One cast member who won’t be returning this season isAlexis Bledel, who portrayed Emily across the previous four seasons of the show. In May 2022, the actress announced that after much thought, she has decided to step away from the show at this time. It is currently unknown if her character will be replaced with another actress or written off the show.
