When Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale first aired in April 2017, it felt remarkably timely. Coming shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration and as the #MeToo movement was gaining momentum, the show’s fictional world of Gilead began to feel increasingly relevant to the United States. Now, with a spin-off series on the way, the question is whether audiences are prepared to witness a potentially realistic, and disturbing, future. Originally based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, the show initially felt like a warning – a prophecy, perhaps – and continues to resonate today.
Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, set in the dystopian country of Gilead—a reimagining of North America where women are treated as property whose sole purpose is to bear children—was a deeply disturbing read. It also felt increasingly relevant, offering a chilling vision of the future. The novel’s themes of resistance echoed real-world protests seen on the news, especially at a time when reproductive rights, like those established by Roe v. Wade in 1973, were facing serious challenges.
With the recent conclusion of The Handmaid’s Tale and the upcoming premiere of its sequel, The Testaments, in April 2026, the timing feels particularly unsettling. Just one year into a second term for Trump, over a dozen U.S. states have effectively banned reproductive rights. As the name “Gilead” begins to feel less like a fictional place and more like a real danger, The Testaments is likely to have an even stronger impact on viewers than The Handmaid’s Tale did almost ten years ago. Will this be too difficult for audiences to watch? Or will The Testaments inspire people to take action?
‘The Testaments’ Will Run Because ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Walked
Hulu
Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments is set fifteen years after the events of the original story. The show features new characters, including lead actress Chase Infiniti (a Golden Globe nominee), alongside returning cast member Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia. According to an official announcement in The Hollywood Reporter, the series will depict a Gilead that feels recognizable to viewers.
The story centers on Agnes and Daisy, two teenage girls at a strict school run by Aunt Lydia. Agnes is a dedicated follower of the rules, while Daisy is new to their society and still learning. As they attend this school designed to prepare young women for marriage, their friendship sparks a rebellion that threatens everything they’ve known, both in the past and for what’s to come.
Similar to the first series, the initial episodes of The Testaments seem to closely follow the book’s story and overall feel. Although it’s uncertain if Elisabeth Moss will stop playing June (formerly Offred) on screen, her new position as an executive producer suggests June’s influence and ideas will still be central to the show’s themes. This is particularly relevant because the show’s feminist and anti-government messages are echoed by current events and real-world issues.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Spin-Off Comes at a Pivotal Time In History
Hulu
You can see how special the new film is just by hearing about Florence Pugh’s reaction. In a 2025 interview with MovieWeb, she shared that she actually cried while watching early camera tests with the new cast. “Seeing these talented young actresses bring these characters to life in new costumes and continue the story… it was really moving,” she said.
It was incredibly inspiring to see a new generation taking up this cause. The challenge was balancing what existing fans of The Handmaid’s Tale expect with the need to create something fresh. We didn’t want to simply repeat the original show, so everyone worked hard to make this new series unique and able to stand on its own merits.
Reading Moss’s analysis, it’s hard not to feel like despite all the changes happening, many things remain the same. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 has started a chain reaction, and with each new development, we seem to be getting closer to a reality resembling the oppressive society depicted in the novel and show ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ but one created by the U.S. government.
Consider the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage. It’s interesting to think that, before the oppressive regime took over in The Handmaid’s Tale, the show’s character Emily had the rights that case secured – rights she then lost, becoming a Handmaid and suffering terrible abuse simply for being queer. The show consistently demonstrates that when one group’s rights are eroded, everyone becomes vulnerable. The Testaments is expected to continue exploring this theme, but the question remains: will this message be enough to keep audiences engaged?
The Built-In Fan Base for ‘The Testaments’ Might Not Guarantee Success
Hulu
Although The Testaments will likely explore important political ideas, we’re now in an era where people often prefer relaxing, background entertainment. Many viewers are more inclined to passively watch TV while focusing on other activities, like playing games on their phones, rather than actively paying attention to what’s happening on screen.
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I’m not criticizing anyone, and this isn’t about appearing morally superior. After spending so much time reading negative news during the pandemic, people naturally turned to things that make them feel better. However, this could be a problem for The Testaments, as it’s counting on its existing fans. Some viewers might feel that the original series, The Handmaid’s Tale, already delivered its message about feminism and equality, so a second series isn’t necessary.
I’m really hoping The Testaments can offer something fresh and compelling. It feels like so much is constantly slipping away these days, and we need stories that truly grab us. Will it be a success? Honestly, I’m on the edge of my seat, and I just hope we’ll have the chance to find out.
The first three episodes of The Testaments will be available on Hulu/Disney+ on April 8, 2025.
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2026-02-16 04:19