‘The Handmaid’s Tale’: Update On 6th & Final Season, Start Of Production, Premiere Date

We’re learning more about the upcoming sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale.

The final chapter of the Emmy-winning Hulu series originally was to begin production in 2023 for a fall 2024 premiere, but that schedule, of course, was delayed by the strikes. In an interview with Deadline, Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich, who oversees content for Hulu Originals, said the sixth season now is set to begin production this summer for premiere in 2025. The series was renewed for its sixth and final season in September 2022, just ahead of its Season 5 premiere.

Season 5 follows June (Elisabeth Moss) in the aftermath of Commander Waterford’s (Joseph Fiennes) murder and the consequences she must face for her role in the gruesome slaying. At a minimum, she will have to face off with his widow Serena (Yvonne Strahovski), and on some level Gilead. But mainly, she will be forced to redefine her identity and purpose, now forever changed.

Meanwhile, Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) works with Nick (Max Minghella) and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. But who knows what the Commander and Nick—who helped June get her hands on Waterford for the kill—have up their sleeves?

Still in Canada, June, with the help of Luke (O.T. Fagbenle) and Moira (Samira Wiley), fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah.

The fifth season also stars Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Sam Jaeger, and McKenna Grace.

A follow-up to the series from creator Bruce Miller, The Testaments, is actively being developed. Based on the Margaret Atwood novel of the same name, the new series picks up years after the events of Season 6.

The Handmaid’s Tale is produced by MGM Television and executive produced by Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Elisabeth Moss, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, Eric Tuchman, Yahlin Chang, Rachel Shukert, Sheila Hockin, John Weber, Frank Siracusa, Steve Stark and Kim Todd. The series is internationally distributed by MGM.