The BEST episodes of The Handmaid's Tale
Every episode of The Handmaid's Tale ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Handmaid's Tale!
In a dystopian near-future, the totalitarian and Christian-fundamentalist government of Gilead rules the former United States amidst an ongoing civil war and subjugates women, who are not allowed to work, control money, or even read. Widespread infertility due to environmental contamination has resulted in the conscription of young fertile women—called Handmaids, according to biblical precedent—who are assigned to the homes of the elite, where they must have ritualized sex with the men in order to become pregnant and bear children for those men and their wives.
#1 - Mayday
Season 3 - Episode 13 - Aired 8/14/2019
With her plan in place, June reaches the point of no return on her bold strike against Gilead and must decide how far she’s willing to go. Serena Joy and Commander Waterford attempt to find their way forward in their new lives.
#2 - Night
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/14/2017
Serena Joy confronts Offred and the Commander. Offred struggles with a complicated, life-changing revelation. The Handmaids face a brutal decision.
#3 - Liars
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired 7/31/2019
A return to Jezebel's puts everything in jeopardy. Serena Joy and Commander Waterford take a clandestine trip.
#4 - The Word
Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired 7/11/2018
Serena and the other Wives strive to make change. Emily learns more about her new Commander. Offred faces a difficult decision.
#5 - The Wilderness
Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/16/2021
June draws on all her resources and relationships, risking everything to ensure her own kind of justice.
#6 - The Last Ceremony
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/20/2018
A frustrated Serena becomes desperate. The Commander tries to make amends with Offred. Nick pushes Eden farther away. Offred is faced with an unexpected reunion.
#7 - Smart Power
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/13/2018
The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena faces the temptation of life outside Gilead. Luke and Moira grapple with survivor's guilt. Offred seeks support from allies.
#8 - First Blood
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/23/2018
Offred finds unexpected allies and obstacles in her search for a way to protect Hannah. The Commander prepares for the dedication of a new Red Center. Nick struggles with his new assignment.
#9 - June
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 4/25/2018
Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead.
#10 - Women's Work
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 6/6/2018
A sick baby tests Offred and Serena. Janine finally faces Naomi.
#11 - The Bridge
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/7/2017
Offred embarks on a dangerous mission for the resistance. Janine moves to a new posting. Serena Joy suspects the Commander’s infidelity.
#12 - A Woman's Place
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/17/2017
A Mexican Ambassador visiting Gilead questions Offred about her life as a Handmaid. Serena Joy reflects on her marriage and the role she once played in Gilead’s inception.
#13 - Unknown Caller
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 6/19/2019
June and Serena grapple with a new revelation about Nichole, leading to an incident that will have far-reaching ramifications.
#14 - Sacrifice
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired 8/7/2019
Gilead leadership is rocked by losses among their own. Luke and Moira adjust to new arrivals in Canada. June worries about disruptions to her plan, only to have tragedy strike the entire household.
#15 - Night
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/5/2019
June embarks on a bold mission with unexpected consequences. Emily and Nichole make a harrowing journey. The Waterfords reckon with Serena Joy’s choice to send Nichole away.
#16 - Holly
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 6/27/2018
Offred faces a grueling challenge alone as she recalls her life as a mother. Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout of their actions towards Offred.
#17 - Ballet
Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/14/2022
June struggles to move on with her life in Toronto. Serena plans an elaborate memorial. Aunt Lydia and Janine prepare Esther for her first posting as a Handmaid.
#18 - Household
Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 6/26/2019
June accompanies the Waterfords to Washington D.C., where a powerful family offers a glimpse of the future of Gilead. June makes an important connection as she attempts to protect Nichole.
#19 - Testimony
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 6/2/2021
June confronts Fred and Serena in court and challenges Emily to face a painful reminder of her Gilead past. Lawrence presents Aunt Lydia with a newly captured, familiar handmaid.
#20 - Postpartum
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 7/4/2018
Offred is sent to a familiar place. Nick is rocked by Gilead’s brutal response to a crime. Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house.
#21 - Witness
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired 7/24/2019
Ready to strike back at her oppressors, June starts making arrangements for an ambitious plan, but a devious ploy on the part of Commander Waterford threatens to derail her.
#22 - Home
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/26/2021
June struggles with her newfound freedom, reuniting with loved ones and confronting her nemesis, Serena.
#23 - Baggage
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/2/2018
Offred reflects on her relationship with her mother as she navigates her way through Gilead. In Little America, Moira tries to cope with the trauma she endured.
#24 - The Crossing
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/27/2021
Captured by Gilead, June faces a vengeful Aunt Lydia and endures a torturous interrogation. Nick and Lawrence collaborate to protect June. In Toronto, Luke struggles with how to help June and Hannah.
#25 - After
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/30/2018
An attack sends shockwaves through both Gilead and Little America. Serena Joy makes a dangerous choice in order to protect her family. Moira searches for someone from her past.
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