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 - Execution
Season 6 - Episode 9 - Aired 5/20/2025
As Gilead unleashes its full power against the resistance, June faces her greatest test yet. She walks a fine line between survival and rebellion, while the authorities tighten their grip with ruthless efficiency.
#5 - 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.
#6 - 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.
#7 - 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.
#8 - 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.
#9 - 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.
#10 - 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.
#11 - Women's Work
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 6/6/2018
A sick baby tests Offred and Serena. Janine finally faces Naomi.
#12 - 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.
#13 - 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.
#14 - 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.
#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 - Safe
Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/9/2022
Under threat, June must find a way to keep herself and her family safe from Gilead and its violent supporters in Toronto.
#17 - 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.
#18 - 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.
#19 - Exodus
Season 6 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/13/2025
June and Moira put everything on the line as they execute their dangerous plan, knowing there's no turning back. Meanwhile, Serena faces a pivotal moment as she makes a decision that will change her life forever.
#20 - No Man’s Land
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/19/2022
June and Serena find themselves in a desperate situation.
#21 - 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.
#22 - 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.
#23 - 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.
#24 - Together
Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/12/2022
June and Luke’s mission puts them in serious jeopardy. Serena senses a threat from her benefactors. Lawrence and Nick make a shocking power move.
#25 - 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.