‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 6: Everything You Need to Know About the Final Season
April 15, 2025
The Handmaid’s Tale is back for its sixth and final season.
If you’re a fan of Hulu’s most acclaimed original series, you probably have some questions about what’s to come. And if you’re new to Gilead, it’s time to join the resistance once and for all.
We’re breaking down The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 with episode recaps, streaming info, and more.
Watch: The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Release Date
You’ve been patiently waiting and wondering, “When will The Handmaid’s Tale return?”
The series’ final season premiered on Tuesday, April 8 with the first three episodes. Hulu subscribers can watch new episodes as they premiere every Tuesday throughout the rest of the season.
Is This the Final Season of The Handmaid’s Tale?
Yes, Season 6 will be the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6: Your Burning Questions Answered
**WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW**
Let’s dive into your Handmaid’s Tale questions for Season 6.
Who Is Commander Wharton?
High Commander Wharton — Rose Blaine’s father and Nick Blaine’s father-in-law — has been an unseen character until this season. Portrayed by actor Josh Charles, Wharton is emerging as a potential replacement for the villainous Fred Waterford, especially as a romantic connection seems to develop with Serena Joy.
Does June Go Back to Gilead?
With June, Luke, and Moira working alongside rebels, a return to Gilead may be on the horizon. Their plan is to infiltrate Jezebel’s and kill unsuspecting high commanders — can they pull off the mission without being caught or endangering innocent Jezebel workers, like Janine, in the process?
What Happened to Luke?
In the final moments of Season 5, we see June and Luke at the train station, desperate to get out of Toronto because it is no longer a safe place for Gilead refugees. While waiting to board, Luke makes the difficult choice to sacrifice himself to authorities for the death of the Canadian citizen that committed a hate crime against June. Luke’s act of bravery allows June to sneak away from the chaos and board the train with Nichole.
Her heartbreaking last words to Luke at that moment? “Come find me.”
What Is New Bethlehem?
Season 5 introduced Commander Lawrence’s concept of New Bethlehem — a reformed version of Gilead that treats its residents more humanely by eliminating the Handmaid role, along with most of Gilead’s other oppressive practices.
It’s no secret that Lawrence has long despised what Gilead has become — especially after the death of his wife, Eleanor — but his motivation to make New Bethlehem a success seems to be multifaceted. Not only does moving to New Bethlehem physically separate him from Gilead and create an opportunity for economic gain, but this new community might just give Lawrence the redemption arc he seems to want deep down.
Though New Bethlehem’s location is still unknown at this point, the new community plays a major role in Season 6 as it begins to pick up traction and global recognition.
What Is No Man’s Land?
No Man’s Land played a significant role in the Season 4 finale, when Nick helped June and the other Handmaids take down Commander Lawrence in the lawless, unoccupied territory between Gilead and Canada.
In Season 6, Luke and Moira find themselves stuck in an abandoned waterpark located within No Man’s Land while working with Mayday and their plan to execute the most powerful commanders.
What Happened to Janine?
Though every season has been turbulent for Janine, Season 5 was especially heartbreaking for the beloved character. Despite Aunt Lydia’s best efforts to keep her in the same house as her daughter, Janine was separated from Angela last season and left with no place to go.
This season, Aunt Lydia learns Janine has found some freedom and liberation as a Jezebel — which seems to dull some of the color from Lydia’s rose-colored view of Gilead.
Will June Get Hannah Back?
If the past five seasons have shown us anything, it’s that June will never stop fighting to get Hannah out of Gilead — no matter the cost. But, as we learned in Season 4, rescuing Hannah is only half the battle. Even if June does get her eldest daughter out of Gilead, will Hannah feel like a prisoner or will her pre-Gilead memories return to her?
The Handmaid’s Tale Recap: Seasons 1-5
So much has happened since The Handmaid’s Tale premiered in 2017. Need a refresher? Stream these key episodes of the Golden Globe® and Emmy Award®-winning series.
S1, E1: “Offred”
Watch how a hardworking wife, mother, and copy editor named June Osborne became Offred, a handmaid for a powerful commander. Get a glimpse into the culture and protocols of Gilead.
Watch: S1, E1: “Offred”
S1, E10: “Night”
Serena confronts Offred and Commander Waterford, and Moira (June’s best friend from childhood, now a handmaid) has a breakthrough. The Handmaids unite against Aunt Lydia (more or less a handler for the handmaids).
Watch: S1, E10: “Night”
S2, E1: “June”
Offred faces the consequences of her decisions and recalls the violent beginnings of Gilead. New friends attempt to help her.
Watch: S2, E1: “June”
S2, E12: “The Word”
Offred and Serena see eye-to-eye. The wives initiate change in Gilead, and Offred faces an unimaginable decision.
Watch: S2, E12: “The Word”
S3, E1: “Night”
June goes to new lengths to reunite with Hannah (her daughter from her pre-Gilead life). Emily (a fellow handmaid) and Nichole (June’s daughter conceived in Gilead) complete a miraculous journey. June is welcomed to her new posting.
Watch: S3, E1: “Night”
S3, E13: “Mayday”
Tensions rise as June’s season-long efforts come to a head. Canada welcomes Gilead fugitives, but what about June?
Watch: S3, E13: “Mayday”
S4, E2: “Nightshade”
While held captive, the Waterfords receive impossible news that will make you gasp out loud.
Watch: S4, E2: “Nightshade”
S4, E10: “The Wilderness”
This episode is a must-watch before starting Season 5. June gets her sweet revenge at the end of the episode for a shocking season finale.
Watch: S4, E10: “The Wilderness”
S5, E1: “Morning”
In a quiet state of shock and vindication, June must confront the consequences of leading the charge on Fred’s murder.
Watch: S5, E1: “Morning”
S5, E9: “Alliance”
Armed with new allies and information, June and Luke launch a rescue mission to save Hannah from Gilead. Meanwhile, Serena gets a taste of her own medicine as a widow living under the strict rules of her new hosts.
Watch: S5, E9: “Alliance”
S5, E10: “Safe”
In the emotional Season 5 finale, June and Nichole escape Toronto as support for Gilead and violence toward refugees begin to spread throughout Canada.
Watch: S5, E10: “Safe”
Handmaid’s Tale FAQs
What Is The Handmaid’s Tale About?
The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a dystopian version of America ruled by the theocratic Republic of Gilead. Meticulously handcrafted by religious fundamentalists, this new America views women (now known as “Handmaids”) as property with one sole purpose — to reproduce.
The series is based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood and centers around Handmaid June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) and her relentless fight for freedom.
When Was The Handmaid’s Tale Written?
The Handmaid’s Tale was originally published in 1985, winning the Governor General’s Liberty Award. Atwood’s story was later adapted into a screenplay, an opera, and a ballet before coming to Hulu in 2017.
How Many Episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale Are There?
The Handmaid’s Tale currently has 56 episodes spanning five seasons.
Season 1: 10 episodes
Season 2: 13 episodes
Season 3: 13 episodes
Season 4: 10 episodes
Season 5: 10 episodes
Season 6: 10 episodes
Meet the Handmaid’s Tale Cast
Meet the main characters of The Handmaid’s Tale and discover more from the cast streaming now on Hulu.
Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne
June Osborne is the fiercely determined protagonist of The Handmaid’s Tale, forced into a role of servitude in the oppressive and dystopian society of Gilead — formerly the United States. Throughout the series, she ruthlessly fights for freedom despite enduring unthinkable torture and suffering.
More Elisabeth Moss Movies and TV Shows
*The Free World requires Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® on Hulu add-on subscription.
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
Complex and calculating, Serena Joy Waterford is the wife of the powerful Commander Fred Waterford. Initially one of the founding masterminds behind Gilead, Serena grapples with the intense consequences of the world she helped build, including the loss of her own rights as a woman.
More Yvonne Strahovski Movies and TV Shows
- Scrambled (2023)
- The Predator (2018)
- Dexter*
*Dexter requires Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® on Hulu add-on subscription.
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
On the outside, Aunt Lydia seems like a heartless enforcer of Gilead’s strict laws. But as the series progresses, a twisted mix of cruelty and maternal instincts is revealed through her backstory and unstable mental state.
More Ann Dowd Movies and TV Shows
- Nancy (2018)*
- The Leftovers**
*Nancy requires STARZ® on Hulu add-on subscription. STARZ and related channels and service marks are the property of STARZ Entertainment, LLC. All other titles and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
**The Leftovers requires the Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle or the Max Add-on. Access content from each service separately. Content, feature, and device compatibility vary by service. ©2024 Disney and its related entities. Max ©2024 Home Box Office, Inc.
Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo
A deeply emotional and at times erratic Handmaid, Janine faces unthinkable abuse and trauma for her defiance. Despite her suffering, she remains compassionate and never loses her childlike wonder — a quality the Commanders’ wives view as a threat.
More Madeline Brewer Movies and TV Shows
- Space Oddity (2022)
- The Ultimate Playlist of Noise (2021)
- Grimm*
*Live TV plan required to watch live content on Hulu. Regional restrictions, blackouts, and additional terms apply.
O-T Fagbenle as Luke Bankole
June’s devoted husband Luke manages to escape Gilead and find refuge in Toronto — fighting Gilead and searching for June from Canada — a safe place for American refugees.
More O-T Fagbenle Movies and TV Shows
- Black Widow (2021)*
- Looking*
*Black Widow is available with the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic/Premium. Access content from each service separately.
**Looking requires the Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle or the Max Add-on. Access content from each service separately. Content, feature, and device compatibility vary by service. ©2024 Disney and its related entities. Max ©2024 Home Box Office, Inc.
Max Minghella as Nick Blaine
Nick, the father of June’s daughter conceived in Gilead, secretly splits his alliance between Gilead’s leadership and the Handmaids’ resistance movement.
More Max Minghella Movies and TV Shows
- Maximum Truth (2023)
- Babylon (2022)
- The Mindy Project
Samira Wiley as Moira Strand
Moira is June’s best friend from life before Gilead. Courageous and independent, Moira escapes Gilead early on — fighting for justice and June from across the Canadian border.
More Samira Wiley Movies and TV Shows
- Will & Grace
- You’re the Worst
- The Sitter (2011)*
*The Sitter requires CINEMAX® on Hulu add-on subscription.
Bradley Whitford as Joseph Lawrence
Just because he’s an architect of Gilead, doesn’t mean Commander Lawrence is numb to the suffering of the Handmaids and the birth children he separated them from.
More Bradley Whitford Movies and TV Shows
- Frasier (S10, E4)
- ER (S1, E19; S2, E10)
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Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello
Calm and diplomatic, Mark Tuello is a U.S. government operative working to undermine Gilead.
More Sam Jaeger Movies and TV Shows
- Parenthood
- NYPD Blue (S11, E11)
- Scrubs (S2, E13)
- The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)*
*Live TV plan required to watch live content on Hulu. Regional restrictions, blackouts, and additional terms apply.
Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue
As a “Martha,” Rita is responsible for performing domestic duties in the homes of Commanders, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for their assigned family’s children. Unbeknownst to the households, however, many Marthas secretly aid Gilead’s underground resistance movement.
More Amanda Brugel Movies and TV Shows
- Infinity Pool (2023)
- Saving Hope (S1, E2)
*Suicide Squad is available with the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic/Premium. Access content from each service separately.
Joseph Fiennes as Fred Waterford
As a high-ranking Commander within Gilead, Fred Waterford’s home is June’s terrifying first introduction to this new society.
More Joseph Fiennes Movies and TV Shows
*Killing me Softly requires the Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle or the Max Add-on. Access content from each service separately. Content, feature, and device compatibility vary by service. ©2024 Disney and its related entities. Max ©2024 Home Box Office, Inc.
