The Handmaid's Tale

:

Season 1
  • Network: HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 26, 2017
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 532 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 429 out of 532
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 532
  3. Negative: 72 out of 532
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User Reviews

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  1. cmac
    Jul 27, 2017
    10
    This show is one of the most striking shows that I have ever seen.
    No point to comparing to the seminal shows like The Wire, Sopranos, BB because it is so different.
    The bleakness is abnormally haunting, the acting especially by the leads is terrific and the overall atmosphere is incredibly scary. I love it but look forward to the end as I wake up with this show still in my bones.    This show is one of the most striking shows that I have ever seen.
    No point to comparing to the seminal shows like The Wire, Sopranos, BB because it is so different.
    The bleakness is abnormally haunting, the acting especially by the leads is terrific and the overall atmosphere is incredibly scary.
    I love it but look forward to the end as I wake up with this show still in my bones.
    Extraordinary.    … Expand
  2. Glic2003
    Feb 27, 2019
    10
    This is probably the most perfect realization of Atwood's terrifying novel imaginable. Everything hits the right notes: the cast, the performances, the production. Even the (admittedly very slow) pacing seems right on point. It's still a horrible premise, but it's an excellent adaptation.
  3. katezoe
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    Best new show on television. Everything is perfect. The first episode was slow. Have patience, harrowing dystopian world. Incredible performances. by everyone and Elizabeth Moss is spectacular. Can not wait for Season 2.
  4. DukeCumberjack
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    Don't believe the low user ratings. Excellent distopian drama. Leave politics aside while you watch--it has been an incredibly well done series so far after three episodes.
  5. Skeletor71
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    This is exactly what I wanted and more. Just the kind of story I like and with great acting and production values. They use a lot of close-ups and Elisabeth Moss' expressions are worth the price of admission alone.
  6. MMCD
    May 21, 2017
    10
    Amazing story, this blows away anything on Netflix. Profound, amazing acting, incredible, I can't recommend this enough, its thought provoking. Its TV for smart people. Its powerful writing
  7. mikerbyrne
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    Fascinating dystopian tale that gives some insight into the the possible future of America if religious radicals were to take over. Well directed with fascinating insight into the dreary world.
  8. dhoskins
    Jun 15, 2017
    10
    I wasn't as drawn to this premise as other recent dramas like WestWorld, Vikings, House of Cards, or Man in the High Castle, but I think this show is better than all of those.
    A world where most women cannot reproduce, and the women who can become worth fighting over, even enslaving. The number of directions from which this concept is fleshed out and explored continues to surprise me,    I wasn't as drawn to this premise as other recent dramas like WestWorld, Vikings, House of Cards, or Man in the High Castle, but I think this show is better than all of those.
    A world where most women cannot reproduce, and the women who can become worth fighting over, even enslaving. The number of directions from which this concept is fleshed out and explored continues to surprise me, and every episode has some surprises and nuances that I haven't seen in any other show.
    The writing is tight and characters' actions are well-justified, and the progressive, careful world-building has been great to experience.    … Expand
  9. exorcista17
    Jul 6, 2017
    10
    Es de las mejores series, por no decir la mejor serie que he visto en los últimos años. La historia, su atmósfera, la fotografía, la música y sus actrices son de lo mejorcito. Recomendadísima.
  10. gerry6992
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Such an incredible show. The Handmaid's tale feels real: it has so many strong narrative points. This dystopia could actually happen. The characters are incredible: I loved Elizabeth Moss.
  11. JorgeLestre
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    'The Handmaid's Tale' is scarrier than previously thought as it resembles a dystopian world which could be our very own right now. Elisabeth Moss is outstanding and the mystery is amazingly well written.
  12. Hua
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    My newest tv obsession. For anyone worried about the politics or "feminism" or all that stuff we argue about - leave all your personal baggage/feelings aside - This is simply quality television! POWERFUL, well-written/acted, thought-provoking, harrowing, completely engrossing. Only 2 episodes in and it's already one of my fav. shows of all time, Haven't even read the book (honestly neverMy newest tv obsession. For anyone worried about the politics or "feminism" or all that stuff we argue about - leave all your personal baggage/feelings aside - This is simply quality television! POWERFUL, well-written/acted, thought-provoking, harrowing, completely engrossing. Only 2 episodes in and it's already one of my fav. shows of all time, Haven't even read the book (honestly never heard of it till I saw the trailer some months back, and even then I wasn't sure about it) and I'm just completely floored, shocked, horrified, captivated and in awe of this gem of a show. The first episode alone had me completely hooked, I couldn't believe what I was watching. 10/10… Expand
  13. jaasieljunior
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    The Handmaid's Tale é a melhor série de 2017. a série trata diversos temas com tanta naturalidade que sentimos o desconforto dos personagens em diversas situações. Isso se deve graças às grandes atuações dos atores envolvidos,seja esses a protagonista ou até mesmo os coadjuvantes.É uma série para se debater sobre os temas envolvidos, questionar nossos costumes e nossas hipocrisias.
  14. Debbiecape
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    Fantastic dystopian tale based on the equally fantastic book by Margaret Atwood . Very very scary given the reality of our current world situation and government leaders. The acting is superb, the direction is measured and unflinching. I love it!
  15. AnnieBitencourt
    Jun 12, 2017
    10
    Está aí uma série que eu praticamente esnobei acreditando se tratar a respeito de freiras. Fui positivamente surpreendida e a cada episódio que passa fico assustada com os acontecimentos da série que não estão tão distantes assim de acontecer na vida real
  16. DiogoOliveira
    May 25, 2018
    10
    incrível, única, realista, fora do padrão, uma serie que vai além do esperado, num ritmo que te prende, num ritmo que te faz refleti, ate onde iria a humanidade com a infertilidade, choca, e incrível.
  17. Nikolarizanovic
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    It's interesting how many of the negative reviews are based only on the first three episodes. This show is amazing, but it's not for everyone. I had a friend who made me turn it off when I was watching it because it was disturbing her too much. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
  18. jmart1963
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    Outstanding. One of best series ever produced for television. Clearly not everyone’s cup of tea, but neither were The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, The Wire, and many other acclaimed series. Keep up the good work Hulu!
  19. WildnOutAdvntr
    Apr 30, 2018
    10
    This series has left me speechless on several occasions. You never know which direction it's going to go in and I love it! It is very relevant for the times. It is epically good!
  20. echorley
    Jul 26, 2018
    10
    Excellent series. Each episode is gripping and the plot develops well, never seeming to 'tread water' for the sake of filling time. Well acted, filmed and directed. The story explores issues of prejudice and bigotry that resonate all too sadly in the twenty first century.
  21. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Holy **** this was powerful!
    This adaptation had alot going for it even before it's release from the big name cast to the exceptional source material. But with the stark prospect of a Trump presidency which would've meant a tightening on many rights sich as those of lgbtqia folkx (specifically trans) and on women. The right has been especially vocal in it's religious leanings or it's    Holy **** this was powerful!
    This adaptation had alot going for it even before it's release from the big name cast to the exceptional source material. But with the stark prospect of a Trump presidency which would've meant a tightening on many rights sich as those of lgbtqia folkx (specifically trans) and on women. The right has been especially vocal in it's religious leanings or it's opinions on reproductive rights and this is placed centerfold. A horrifyingly possible "what if church was state" dystopia that rather than reaching for sci-fi or extra-terrestial threats our own zealous opposes us. Offred who is given a name in this adaptation is relentlessly compelling. Her asides are just as stunning as the scenes Elizabeth Moss dominates. Extremly nuanced political drama in the sense it's says alot with it's realities to how we behave in ours,the flashbacks giving difficult epiphanies to all the things we take for granted as freedoms or even how powerlessness can become an easier choice. Unflinching writing that honestly improves on the source material. You are constantly uncomfortable, anxious and scared. You ask yourself the credibility of this only to realize the roots of these nightmares exist around you.the ache of June's separation or the other handmaids exploitation. It's disingenuous to say rarely is a show this visceral when television is as great as it is but to not acknowledge how monumental this reason is in comparison cannot go unsaid. A master of tension,emotion and storytelling you can tell not a single piece of this vision hasn't been laboured over,from the crystalline cinematography to the award worthy music choices&scoring.irrespevtive of the rest of the show trajectory after this it's sure to say it started with a bang, landmark television    … Expand
  22. Bianca9
    Mar 21, 2019
    10
    It´s must-watch show. So deep and wonder. It´s very hard to watch sometimes but realy worth.
  23. DrollPony
    May 27, 2019
    10
    An excellent adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic novel. I always appreciate seeing something that's not dumbed down for the audience. Not in the choice of source material, nor in the way it's brought to us. This requires a bit of brainwork by the viewer, and that's refreshing.

    The series treats the source material respectfully, while hitting all the right notes for a TV series. The    An excellent adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic novel. I always appreciate seeing something that's not dumbed down for the audience. Not in the choice of source material, nor in the way it's brought to us. This requires a bit of brainwork by the viewer, and that's refreshing.

    The series treats the source material respectfully, while hitting all the right notes for a TV series. The pacing works; there is time to let everything sink in and create a tangible feel of dread, yet the story moves along relentlessly. The cinematography, soundscape and overall design is exquisite. So is the cast, led by the astonishing Elizabeth Moss.

    There are some small updates made in the series, but they just make it all the more chilling. It's depressing how timeless the novel is: how things can go really wrong at any time, when there are ruthless people with a zealot ideology (regardless of which one), good manipulation skills and weapons at their disposal.    … Expand
  24. nichholast
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    I felt so much pain and sorrow . I cried the whole time . A masterpiece ! Excellent
  25. geewah
    Jul 21, 2021
    10
    A disturbing dystopian tale that cuts close to the bone.
    Atmospheric, complex and brilliantly constructed this is an excellent adaption of Atwood's classic novel.
    One of the best shows of 2017.
  26. Drealgrin
    May 24, 2017
    9
    Incredible, Republicans and right minded people will be infuriated by the accurate reflection of the ultimate cohesion of their beliefs .

    At a perfect time to be had, with # 45 inching us closer to this reality at every opportunity. It's a fearless imagining of what this country could easily become if Christians and Republicans had their way, it won't pull any punches either, from    Incredible, Republicans and right minded people will be infuriated by the accurate reflection of the ultimate cohesion of their beliefs .

    At a perfect time to be had, with # 45 inching us closer to this reality at every opportunity.

    It's a fearless imagining of what this country could easily become if Christians and Republicans had their way, it won't pull any punches either, from the idea that a woman's true value being the viability of her reproductive organs. To death being a reasonable punishment for anyone who opposes their beliefs or lives life a little differently.

    The book that this world is based on is entirely covered by episode 3, but the setting has a lot of opportunity here.

    A timely, cerebral warning of what an American Sharia Law would look like. Don't miss this show.    … Expand
  27. msml
    Sep 1, 2017
    9
    This shook me!! All i could think of while watching this was; Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia... Sad story, amazing plot growth, Elizabeth Moss in all her glorious weirdness..... 9/10
  28. Xander81
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    sjdetails I take it has never read Margaret Attwood (the queen of feminist dystopian fiction). Too much "dystopian garbage" is the comment indicative of someone who didn't know what they were about to get themselves in for. I wonder what they must make of Philip K. Dick. The dystopia is probably too understated than perhaps what Attwood was visioning, which is perhaps the only downsidesjdetails I take it has never read Margaret Attwood (the queen of feminist dystopian fiction). Too much "dystopian garbage" is the comment indicative of someone who didn't know what they were about to get themselves in for. I wonder what they must make of Philip K. Dick. The dystopia is probably too understated than perhaps what Attwood was visioning, which is perhaps the only downside of this series. That being said the acting in the film is captivating and compelling, which is perhaps where The Man in High Castle fails. Both are of similar pacing but the wooden acting of High Castle makes it feel as like a dirge than the triumph it could have been (given the current political climate the world currently finds itself in). The only other qualm that remained by season's end was that Attwood's depiction of Offred is of a compliant and brainwashed girl who has more or less given in and given given over to the rituals that she must perform; rather than the passive-aggressive obstinate girl that the viewer is presented with. If you never got in to Twin Peaks and/or have become bored of superheroes, anti-heroes, dragons, and conspiratorial political dramas this your new must see TV. Probably 2017's best TV.… Expand
  29. tsebben
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    A série tem um andamento lento e elegante. Acredito que a primeira temporada seja apenas introdutória e que grande ação irá desenrolar-se da segunda temporada em diante.

    A fotografia é esplêndida e as atuações são marcantes
  30. playdead
    May 3, 2017
    9
    Having read the source material, I was really looking forward to this and I am not disappointed. While initially being put off by a younger Serena Joy and other changes or added material, this show adds and builds on the book, making it more up-to-date and relevant. Artistically, it is superbly done with strong performances all around. May not be suitable for the alpha male crowd out thereHaving read the source material, I was really looking forward to this and I am not disappointed. While initially being put off by a younger Serena Joy and other changes or added material, this show adds and builds on the book, making it more up-to-date and relevant. Artistically, it is superbly done with strong performances all around. May not be suitable for the alpha male crowd out there as some ideologies about feminism, female sexuality or LGBT relationships might burst some of the tougher bubbles.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best TV Season of 2017
14
#14 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
4
#4 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Vanity Fair
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Apr 25, 2018
    85
    Beyond those deeper themes, there’s just enough B-movie sensibility in The Handmaid’s Tale to really thrill, from its visceral horror to its clever plotting.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    May 16, 2017
    70
    The icky, idiosyncratic force of Morano’s early episodes dims slightly, as the show hints at a more conventional path: “Escape from Gilead.” Maybe this move is inevitable; it might succeed. But there’s something lost along the way--the special beauty of a bleak ending.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Zach Hollwedel
    Apr 28, 2017
    85
    Moss is stellar in the role, perfectly able to convey simultaneous resistance and forced acceptance of the bleak social structure. It's in the show's writing, though, that the true genius lies. There's not a single dull moment the whole series. Even when it starts to feel a little too close to home, it's impossible to look away.
    Read full review
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