The BEST Episodes of The Handmaid's Tale
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2020
Network: Hulu
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 - Seeds
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired May 16, 2018
Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick. Janine tries to adjust to life in the Colonies, jeopardizing her friendship with Emily.
9.21 
#2 - Mayday
Season 3 - Episode 13 - Aired Aug 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.
8.46 
#3 - Postpartum
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired Jul 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.
8.38 
#4 - Liars
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired Jul 31, 2019
A return to Jezebel's puts everything in jeopardy. Serena Joy and Commander Waterford take a clandestine trip.
8.28 
#5 - Late
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Apr 26, 2017
Offred visits Janine’s baby with Serena Joy and remembers the early days of the revolution before Gilead. Ofglen faces a difficult challenge.
8.28 
#6 - Night
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired Jun 14, 2017
Serena Joy confronts Offred and the Commander. Offred struggles with a complicated, life-changing revelation. The Handmaids face a brutal decision.
8.27 
#7 - The Word
Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired Jul 11, 2018
Serena and the other Wives strive to make change. Emily learns more about her new Commander. Offred faces a difficult decision.
8.16 
#8 - The Last Ceremony
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired Jun 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.
8.07 
#9 - Smart Power
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired Jun 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.
8.04 
#10 - First Blood
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired May 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.
8.01 
#11 - June
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired Apr 25, 2018
Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead.
8.00 
#12 - A Woman's Place
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired May 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.
7.97 
#13 - Unknown Caller
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired Jun 19, 2019
June and Serena grapple with a new revelation about Nichole, leading to an incident that will have far-reaching ramifications.
7.97 
#14 - Women's Work
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired Jun 6, 2018
A sick baby tests Offred and Serena. Janine finally faces Naomi.
7.97 
#15 - The Bridge
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired Jun 7, 2017
Offred embarks on a dangerous mission for the resistance. Janine moves to a new posting. Serena Joy suspects the Commander’s infidelity.
7.96 
#16 - Sacrifice
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired Aug 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.
7.95 
#17 - Night
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired Jun 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.
7.94 
#18 - Holly
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired Jun 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.
7.90 
#19 - Household
Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired Jun 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.
7.89 
#20 - Baggage
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired May 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.
7.85 
#21 - Witness
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired Jul 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.
7.83 
#22 - After
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired May 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.
7.82 
#23 - God Bless the Child
Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired Jun 12, 2019
June negotiates a truce in the Waterfords’ fractured relationship. Janine oversteps with the Putnam family, and a still-healing Aunt Lydia offers a brutal public punishment.
7.81 
#24 - Unwomen
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired Apr 25, 2018
Offred adjusts to a new way of life. The arrival of an unexpected person disrupts the Colonies. A family is torn apart by the rise of Gilead.
7.77 
#25 - The Other Side
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired May 24, 2017
Remembering her family’s treacherous escape attempt, a shocking revelation from life before Gilead provides a new perspective on Offred’s life.
7.76