The essential episodes of The Handmaid's Tale
Watch these 15 in order and you've got The Handmaid's Tale — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Offred, one the few fertile women known as Handmaids in the oppressive Republic of Gilead, struggles to survive as a reproductive surrogate for a powerful Commander and his resentful wife.
- 02
Serena Joy confronts Offred and the Commander. Offred struggles with a complicated, life-changing revelation. The Handmaids face a brutal decision.
- 03
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.
- 04
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.
- 05
A return to Jezebels puts everything in jeopardy; Serena Joy and Commander Waterford take a clandestine trip.
- 06
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.
- 07
On the run, June and the fugitive Handmaids seek refuge. In Gilead, Aunt Lydia reels from the loss of 86 children on Angels’ Flight. The combative Waterfords, in custody in Toronto, learn of June’s feat.
- 08
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.
- 09
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.
- 10
June draws on all her resources and relationships, risking everything to ensure her own kind of justice.
- 11
June confronts the consequences of killing Fred. A scared Serena makes an unexpected decision.
- 12
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.
- 13
Under threat, June must find a way to keep herself and her family safe from Gilead and its violent supporters in Toronto.
- 14
June and Serena's journey takes an unexpected turn. Moira makes a bold decision. Nick deals with a powerful visitor.
- 15
June reflects on her experiences in Gilead and decides what to do next.
Shows like The Handmaid's Tale
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Science-Fiction·ActionThe essential episodes of Arrow2012–2020·The CWAfter a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific.
- 02Drama·Science-Fiction·ActionThe essential episodes of The Flash2014–2023·The CW
After a particle accelerator causes a freak storm, CSI Investigator Barry Allen is struck by lightning and falls into a coma. - 03Drama·Science-Fiction·ActionThe essential episodes of Fringe2008–2013·FOX
When an international flight lands at Boston's Logan Airport and the passengers and crew have all died grisly deaths, FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham is called in to investigate. - 04Drama·Science-Fiction·AdventureThe essential episodes of Doctor Who2005–2022·BBC One
Adventures across time and space with the time travelling alien and companions. - 05Drama·Science-Fiction·ThrillerThe essential episodes of Black Mirror2011–presentOver the last ten years, technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives before we've had time to stop and question it.
- 06Drama·Science-Fiction·CrimeThe essential episodes of The X-Files1993–2018·FOXTwo FBI agents, Fox Mulder (a believer) and Dana Scully (a skeptic), investigate unexplained cases where the paranormal might be involved while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.
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