The BEST seasons of The Handmaid's Tale

Every season of The Handmaid's Tale ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons 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.

Last Updated: 12/19/2024Network: HuluStatus: Continuing
Season 1
star
8.43
1568 votes

#1 - Season 1

First Aired 4/26/2017

Offred must navigate between Commanders, their cruel Wives, domestic Marthas, and her fellow Handmaids – where anyone could be a spy for Gilead – with one goal: to survive and find the daughter who was taken from her.

Season 2
star
8.13
1043 votes

#2 - Season 2

First Aired 4/25/2018

Season two is shaped by Offred’s pregnancy and her ongoing fight to free her future child from the dystopian horrors of Gilead. “Gilead is within you” is a favorite saying of Aunt Lydia and in this season, Offred and all our characters will fight against – or succumb to – this dark truth.

Season 3
star
7.79
718 votes

#3 - Season 3

First Aired 6/5/2019

Season three is driven by June's resistance to the dystopian regime of Gilead and her struggle to strike back against overwhelming odds. Startling reunions, betrayals, and a journey to the terrifying heart of Gilead force all characters to take a stand, guided by one defiant prayer: "Blessed be the fight."

Season 4
star
7.54
503 votes

#4 - Season 4

First Aired 4/28/2021

June strikes back against Gilead as a fierce rebel leader, but the risks she takes bring unexpected and dangerous new challenges. Her quest for justice and revenge threatens to consume her and destroy her most cherished relationships.

Season 5
star
7.35
385 votes

#5 - Season 5

First Aired 9/14/2022

June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada. Commander Lawrence works with Nick and Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah.