The WORST episodes of The Handmaid's Tale
Every episode of The Handmaid's Tale ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst 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 - The Handmaid's Tale
Season 6 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/27/2025
June faces the ultimate reckoning with her past in Gilead. She must make a choice: embrace the peace she's found or continue her fight against the regime that took everything from her. Her decision will ripple through the lives of everyone she holds dear.
#2 - Pigs
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 4/27/2021
On the run, an injured June and the fugitive Handmaids find refuge at a farm, where the 14-year-old Wife nurses June back to health. June restores her role as the women’s leader. In Gilead, an imprisoned Lawrence tries to avoid a death sentence, and Aunt Lydia reels from the loss of 86 children on Angels’ Flight. The combative Waterfords, in custody in Toronto, learn of June’s feat.
#3 - Nightshade
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/27/2021
June plots revenge at the local Jezebels, before she and the Handmaids plan to leave the farm for the next safe house. In Toronto, Moira deals with the fallout of June’s choices, and Serena and Fred are bound together by a miracle.
#4 - 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.
#5 - Milk
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/5/2021
June takes a harrowing journey with Janine, trying to escape Gilead, as Janine remembers a stressful experience in her past. In Toronto, Serena tries to manipulate Rita, who seeks advice from Moira.
#6 - Chicago
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/12/2021
June seeks out more active rebels in the Chicago war zone, while Janine tries to help her fit in with their new group of survivors. Moira goes on her first field aid mission.
#7 - Vows
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/19/2021
After a shocking reunion with a dear friend, June contemplates the possibility of freedom, and confronts the unfulfilled promises she’s made to herself and to Luke.
#8 - Home
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/26/2021
June struggles with her newfound freedom, reuniting with loved ones and confronting her nemesis, Serena.
#9 - 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.
#10 - Progress
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/9/2021
June and Luke work together to save Hannah, reaching out to Lawrence and Nick for help. Serena and Fred greet unexpected visitors from Gilead. Janine tries to assist Aunt Lydia when a Handmaid-in-training goes on a hunger strike at the Red Center.
#11 - 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.
#12 - Morning
Season 5 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/14/2022
June confronts the consequences of killing Fred. A scared Serena makes an unexpected decision.
#13 - 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.
#14 - Border
Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/21/2022
June and Moira join a rebel outpost. As a pregnant widow, Serena tries to restore her status. Aunt Lydia questions her strict methods of dealing with Handmaids.
#15 - Dear Offred
Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/28/2022
June fights her need for violent revenge as Serena settles into her new role in Toronto. Rattled by Janine, Aunt Lydia makes a surprising suggestion to Lawrence.
#16 - Fairytale
Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/5/2022
June and Luke embark on a dangerous quest. Serena gets to know her new hosts.
#17 - No Man’s Land
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/19/2022
June and Serena find themselves in a desperate situation.
#18 - 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.
#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 - Shattered
Season 6 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/6/2025
In this emotional episode, June's world is turned upside down by a stunning discovery, pushing her to the brink as she grapples with its devastating implications.
#21 - Surprise
Season 6 - Episode 6 - Aired 4/29/2025
When danger forces June to hide in the most unexpected of places, she must face new challenges that test her survival skills and judgment. One false move could change everything.
#22 - Janine
Season 6 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/22/2025
June and Moira undertake a perilous undercover mission that tests their courage and resourcefulness. At the same time, both Serena and Nick face critical crossroads, making decisions that could have lasting consequences for everyone involved.
#23 - Promotion
Season 6 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/15/2025
June makes a shocking move that threatens to derail the rebellion's careful planning. Meanwhile, Commander Lawrence's influence grows as he climbs higher within Gilead's power structure.
#24 - Devotion
Season 6 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/8/2025
June struggles to save her loved ones. Meanwhile, Commander Lawrence welcomes diplomats to New Bethlehem, and Aunt Lydia searches for Janine.
#25 - Exile
Season 6 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/8/2025
June embarks on a challenging journey as she attempts to forge a new life in an unfamiliar community, while Serena seeks a sanctuary.