The final season of The Handmaid’s Tale begins April 8, 2025, on Hulu. Here’s everything to know before streaming Season 6, including key plot recaps.


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Season 6 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Premieres April 8 on Hulu

It’s finally time to return to Gilead. After more than two years, Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale is here—bringing fans one last emotional journey with June, Serena, and the rest of the characters in Hulu’s hit dystopian drama.

The final season premieres on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with the first three episodes available to stream on Hulu. This season promises to tie up the storylines that left viewers on the edge of their seats in Season 5.

Here’s the gripping teaser of Season 6.

A Recap of Major Moments Leading Into Season 6

Commander Fred Waterford is Dead

This game-changing event actually happened in the Season 4 finale, but it’s a key turning point for the series. Fred Waterford (played by Joseph Fiennes), one of Gilead’s most powerful and cruel leaders, was killed by June and several other former handmaids in a shocking act of revenge. This also freed June from her identity as “Offred.”

Serena Joy is Now a Mother

After years of enforcing Gilead’s strict rules against women, Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) became a mother herself. She gave birth to a son, Noah, in a barn while on the run in No Man’s Land. Later, she entered Canada illegally to get medical help. While in custody, her baby was briefly taken and given to a Gilead-supporting couple. Serena eventually escaped and reunited with her son.

Hannah is Still in Gilead

June’s daughter, Hannah (played by Jordana Blake), remains under Gilead’s control. She’s now called “Agnes” and is being raised to become a wife at just 12 years old. Even more heartbreaking—her memories of June are starting to fade.

Luke Was Captured

June’s husband, Luke (O-T Fagbenle), was arrested in Season 5 after killing a pro-Gilead Canadian who tried to run June over. As they tried to flee to Vancouver by train, authorities caught up with them. Luke was taken away while June was left to escape.

Serena and June Share a Train Ride

At the end of Season 5, June boards a refugee train heading west—only to discover that Serena and her baby are on the same train. It’s an emotional reunion that sets the stage for high tension in Season 6.

Commander Lawrence’s “New Bethlehem”

Bradley Whitford’s character, Commander Joseph Lawrence, is trying to reshape Gilead. He introduced “New Bethlehem,” a more lenient part of the regime where there are no handmaids or public punishments. He claims it’s a safer, more peaceful alternative—but can he be trusted?

Emily’s Exit

Emily (Alexis Bledel) left the show after Season 5 began. Her character returned to Gilead, possibly seeking revenge. In real life, Bledel announced she was stepping away from the series, and her role was quietly written out.

A New Marriage for Commander Lawrence

Commander Lawrence married Naomi Putnam in Season 5, after her husband was executed for sexually assaulting a handmaid. This marriage further solidified Lawrence’s political standing in Gilead.

Season 6 Episode Schedule

  • Episodes 1–3: April 8, 2025

  • Episode 4: April 15, 2025

  • Episode 5: April 22, 2025

  • Episode 6: April 29, 2025

  • Episode 7: May 6, 2025

  • Episode 8: May 13, 2025

  • Episode 9: May 20, 2025

  • Episode 10 (Finale): May 27, 2025

Where to Watch

All episodes of Season 6 will stream exclusively on Hulu, starting April 8. The remaining episodes will drop weekly each Tuesday.

FAQ

The final season premieres on April 8, 2025, with the first three episodes available on Hulu.

There will be 10 episodes in total. After the premiere, one episode will be released each week.

Yes, Season 6 is the final chapter of the series.

Fred was killed by June and a group of former handmaids in the Season 4 finale.

Hannah is still in Gilead. She’s now called Agnes and is being trained to become a wife.

No, Alexis Bledel left the show before Season 5. Her character will not return in Season 6.

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