Discover the Shocking Rankings of All 6 Seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale!

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After running for eight years and producing 66 episodes, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has concluded with season 6, leaving viewers without Elizabeth Moss’s character, June Osborne, and her harrowing experiences in the oppressive society of Gilead. Initially airing on Hulu as a direct adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s chilling novel from 1985 in 2017, “The Handmaid’s Tale” expanded on its initial narrative to not only depict additional ways in which the theocratic regime of Gilead wreaked havoc on lives, but also demonstrate how individuals could resist it. Thus, the cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale” eventually extended beyond the scope of June’s personal tale.

The television series adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale” took viewers on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Gilead, where allegiances to the new government shifted constantly. We also got a glimpse of the world beyond Gilead, revealing how this distorted version of America impacted the global stage. In doing so, the series skillfully balanced the intricate narratives of its main characters while remaining true to Margaret Atwood’s original themes. Despite its lofty aspirations and widespread appreciation, not every season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” has received the same level of praise.

6. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 4

Released in 2021

In the fourth season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” critics felt somewhat let down by the narrative progression of the characters. Following the successful rescue of multiple children from Gilead with the help of the newly allied Commander Lawrence (played by Bradley Whitford), June struggled to avoid capture, while the Waterfords remained in Canadian custody. The intertwining storylines, including this one, led to June testifying against the Waterfords, ultimately resulting in a shocking act of retribution as June took Fred’s (portrayed by Joseph Fiennes) life.

In a sense, Season 4 of “The Handmaid’s Tale” provided a deeply satisfying climax for June and her long-running struggle, but some viewers might feel that the season was overly stretched across multiple storylines. Compared to previous seasons, which had more focused objectives, Season 4 seemed somewhat scattered until all its narrative threads intertwined. This dispersed focus often made the episodes seem more about arranging plot pieces rather than telling their own cohesive story. However, as subsequent seasons exceeded Season 4’s score of 70%, it appears that this initial scattershot approach eventually proved effective.

5. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5

Released in 2022

In a departure that critics hailed as superior, Season 5 of “The Handmaid’s Tale” delved into a character-focused narrative for June. Now a refugee in Canada, she finds herself torn between her desire to resist Gilead and the question of whether she could again take a life like Fred’s. Simultaneously, Serena-Joy (played by Yvonne Strahovski) grapples with her identity, seeking purpose outside of her marriage to a man who remains devoted to Gilead despite being effectively expelled from it.

In terms of structure, The Handmaid’s Tale season 5 seems more unified as all characters grapple with a common question: “What happens next?” June is left pondering her ability to continue the struggle, Serena navigates a new relationship within Gilead while facing similar hardships as Handmaidens, and even Lawrence strives for a brighter future in Gilead, challenging other Commanders for its destiny. Despite setting up the final season, each character’s narrative feels complete and well-developed.

4. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3

Released in 2019

Season 3 of “The Handmaid’s Tale” was widely praised as a significant leap for the show among viewers. After the Hulu series delved beyond the boundaries set by Margaret Atwood’s novel, the show started to examine ways one could resist the oppressive regime of Gilead. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 82%, the series was criticized for the repetitive themes that surfaced due to June’s continued presence in Gilead. However, once June managed to help her daughter, Nichole, find safety in Canada, the series quickly flipped the dystopian narrative on its head.

In Season 3, June takes a firm stance and assumes complete accountability for her actions, simultaneously deepening her role in the Resistance alongside an intriguing and complex character, Commander Lawrence. Concurrently, Serena and Lydia (Ann Dowd) make significant progress within the series, revealing cracks in the Gilead facade that suggest no woman can truly be free under this regime. After surviving harrowing experiences for two seasons, Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale offers viewers a glimmer of hope regarding the characters’ future prospects.

3. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6

Released in 2025

Wrapping up after eight years on air, The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 serves as a healing collection of episodes that brings a conclusion to this part of the narrative, while also setting the stage for Hulu’s future interpretation of Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel, The Testaments. Initially hesitant, June decides to step into Gilead and concocts a strategy to undermine the Boston territories’ Commanders. In her mission, June is not alone; friends, family, and erstwhile adversaries who acknowledge the world they created unite with her to overthrow Gilead.

With a 89% rating from 62 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 is not a flawless finale, as some character conclusions seem unmerited based on their past actions. Yet, June’s personal growth and the series’ final scenes effectively round up the tales of Lydia, Serena, Lawrence, and Nick (Max Minghella), providing a sense of closure for viewers, despite the continued existence of Gilead. Consequently, The Handmaid’s Tale manages to conclude on an uplifting note.

2. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2

Released in 2018

Season 2 of “The Handmaid’s Tale” stands out more significantly when you consider its circumstances. Unlike season 6, which faced the challenge of concluding June’s story, season 2 had to demonstrate that the series could endure beyond Margaret Atwood’s original narrative. Despite maintaining its grim tone, the show continues to explore what a world post-Gilead’s formation resembles.

In the second season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” I found myself delving deeper into the intricate tapestry of Gilead, accompanied by Moira (Samira Wiley) and Emily’s (Alexis Bledel) captivating journeys. These new perspectives revealed that the facade of subservience to Commanders in this nation is not as solid as it appears. Flickers of hope emerged in the form of brief glimpses of allies, hinting that the world hasn’t fully embraced this grim reality.

Even Serena, who initially seemed like an unyielding adversary, started her path towards redemption. Flashbacks revealed her own suffering, demonstrating that even she had lost, despite her commitment to Gilead’s cause. This complex portrayal of characters made season 2 a celebration worth savoring, as it significantly expanded Margaret Atwood’s original world.

1. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 1

Released in 2017

In a standout performance among Hulu adaptations, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 1 continues to be highly acclaimed, garnering a 94% score from 260 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Although it isn’t the first adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel, this series gained recognition for its faithful portrayal of the source material in its initial ten episodes. Through precise direction and captivating performances by Elizabeth Moss and her co-stars, the series brought the story to life effectively. Despite some modifications from the original, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 1 stays true to Atwood’s core themes.

The first season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” left a deep impact on viewers. It bravely chose not to include the novel’s epilogue, which conveyed a pessimistic outlook on how societies can perpetually repeat their worst errors. This bold decision proved successful, as the show was swiftly renewed on the day its fourth episode premiered. Despite its lowest-rated seasons, “The Handmaid’s Tale” remains one of the most skillfully crafted, eerily relevant, and impactful series produced in recent times.

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2025-06-07 21:49