After six seasons, the critically acclaimed dystopian drama “The Handmaid’s Tale” has aired its series finale, drawing a complex response from viewers and critics alike. The final episode, which aired on May 26th, marked the conclusion of June Osborne’s eight-year journey from Handmaid to resistance leader, leaving some fans satisfied with its closure and others wishing for a more definitive resolution, particularly regarding the fate of certain characters.

• Series Conclusion & Reception: “The Handmaid’s Tale” concluded after six seasons, with its finale receiving mixed reactions from viewers, particularly concerning the resolution of June Osborne’s story and the fate of her daughter, Hannah.
• Cultural Significance & Spinoff: The show maintained its status as a significant cultural symbol, often referenced in discussions on women’s rights, and will be followed by a direct sequel series, “The Testaments,” picking up 15 years later.
• Cast & Author’s Next Steps: While cast members will pursue new projects, Elisabeth Moss will executive produce “The Testaments,” and author Margaret Atwood is set to release her first memoir in late 2025.

A Divisive Farewell

The finale of the sixth and final season generated considerable discussion. Many viewers praised the show for providing a sense of finality for key characters like June, Serena Joy, Luke, Tuello, and Aunt Lydia, with some highlighting the emotional impact of reunions and moments of forgiveness. The unexpected return of Emily (Alexis Bledel), who had left the show after four seasons, was also a notable highlight for many.

However, a significant portion of the audience expressed frustration over the lack of a clear reunion between June and her daughter, Hannah, a narrative thread that has been central to the series. Some fans voiced disappointment, calling it an “unsatisfying ending” and “the worst series finale ever” due to this unresolved plot point. Despite the mixed reception on this specific issue, many acknowledged that the finale successfully set the stage for the upcoming sequel series.

Show’s Trajectory and Cultural Impact

In recent years, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has experienced a shift in viewer sentiment. While its earlier seasons garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, some viewers felt that later seasons, including the sixth, suffered from a slower pace and a perceived lack of significant forward momentum. Concerns were raised about the show’s potential to become a “backdoor pilot” for its successor, “The Testaments,” and whether it would provide a truly satisfying conclusion to June’s story independently. Despite these criticisms, the series maintained a dedicated viewership, eager to see how June’s narrative would ultimately unfold.

Beyond its viewership, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has cemented its place as a significant cultural phenomenon. Since its premiere in 2017, the show, based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, has become a powerful symbol in discussions surrounding women’s rights, reproductive freedom, and the dangers of authoritarianism. The Handmaid’s iconic red robes and white bonnets have been adopted as protest symbols in real-world demonstrations advocating for gender equality and bodily autonomy, underscoring the series’ profound impact on contemporary social and political discourse.

What Lies Ahead

While June Osborne’s direct story arc concludes with this finale, the world of Gilead is far from over. Hulu has confirmed a direct sequel series, “The Testaments,” based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name. This spinoff will pick up approximately 15 years after the events of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and will focus on a new generation of characters, including a central role for Aunt Lydia, reprised by Ann Dowd. Yvonne Strahovski is also expected to return as Serena Joy. Production for “The Testaments” began in April 2025, with a likely premiere in 2026. Elisabeth Moss, who portrayed June, will serve as an executive producer on the new series.

For the cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the conclusion of the series opens new avenues. Elisabeth Moss is slated to continue her work as an executive producer on “The Testaments” and pursue other acting and directing projects. Other prominent cast members like Samira Wiley (Moira), O.T. Fagbenle (Luke), Max Minghella (Commander Nick Blaine), Bradley Whitford (Commander Joseph Lawrence), and Amanda Brugel (Rita Blue) will likely explore diverse roles in film and television following their impactful contributions to the acclaimed series.

Meanwhile, author Margaret Atwood, whose original novel and its sequel laid the foundation for the television phenomenon, is set to publish her first memoir, “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts,” in November 2025. The memoir is expected to offer insights into her life, writing process, and the cultural and political moments that have shaped her celebrated literary career.