With exactly one week left until the premiere of the fifth season for The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu has announced the series has been renewed for a sixth and final season while series creator Bruce Miller will officially begin development on The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale.
The cast shared the news via a video on the series’ social media pages. Miller issued a statement on the series upcoming end, saying:
“It has been a true honor to tell the story of Margaret Atwood’s groundbreaking novel and chillingly relevant world, and we are thrilled to bring viewers a sixth and final season. We are grateful to Hulu and MGM for allowing us to tell this story, which unfortunately has remained as relevant as ever throughout its run, and are in awe of our incredible fans for their unwavering support, and without whom we never would have gotten to this point.”
We can't keep this a secret any longer. #TheHandmaidsTale will return for a 6th and final season on @hulu. ✊ pic.twitter.com/baVbYjgSdz
— The Handmaid's Tale (@HandmaidsOnHulu) September 8, 2022
“Five years ago, almost to the day, The Handmaid’s Tale made history when it became the first show to win an Emmy for a streaming service. In the time since it has been a privilege and pleasure to work with some of the finest creative talent in our industry on this show – a distinct and exceptional group of people who continue to produce the highest quality television that has made and continues to make significant cultural impact. Bruce, Warren, Lizzie, and the entire team at MGM have been amazing partners, and we hope fans enjoy these last two seasons,” said Craig Erwich, President, ABC Entertainment, Hulu & Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals.
Though the series’ end is now coming, Hulu and MGM are not done with The Handmaid’s Tale entirely as they are officially developing Atwood’s 2019 sequel The Testaments. They bought the rights to the book that year and announced an intention to adapt it, but this is now the first official word the novel is being developed as a series with Miller again bringing Atwood’s story to life. We’ll likely have to wait for more news on The Testaments closer to when The Handmaid’s Tale concludes its six-season run.
June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada. Commander Lawrence works with Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah.
The Handmaid’s Tale season five features a cast that includes Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, O-T Fagbenle, Max Minghella, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel and Sam Jaeger.
The Handmaid’s Tale season five will premiere on September 14th.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
