The ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Sequel Is a Beautifully Executed Dystopian Nightmare

The Handmaid’s Tale ended last year after six seasons, bringing catharsis but not a whole lot of closure. By then, Hulu had already announced the sequel series The Testaments was in the works—and its existence meant that Bruce Miller, who created both series, had to take into account the fate of certain characters, with input from Margaret Atwood, author of both the 1985 original novel and its 2019 follow-up. There are strong connections between the two series; The Testaments picks up about four years after the explosive Handmaid’s Tale finale. A full six-season rewatch before diving into The Testaments isn’t required, but familiarity with major events of The Handmaid’s Tale is a must, even as The Testaments strives to provide any necessary context. The experience of the new show is enriched and often made even more impactful if you’re able to fully appreciate the perspective it brings to the table. (io9 was able to view the entire 10-episode season for this review, which will be spoiler-free.) In The Testaments, we see Gilead—the totalitarian regime that’s replaced most of the United States in the wake of a violent coup launched by far-right religious extremists—not from the point