The Testaments: Everything to Know About The Handmaid’s Tale Sequel Series

Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale might be feeling bittersweet after the show’s series finale aired on May 27. The story of June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss, wrapped up after six intense seasons. But don’t worry — the dark world of Gilead is not going away anytime soon. The story will continue in a new sequel series called The Testaments, which promises fresh perspectives and new characters while staying true to the haunting world fans have come to know.

What Happened in The Handmaid’s Tale Finale?

Before diving into The Testaments, it helps to know where The Handmaid’s Tale left off. In the penultimate episode titled “Execution,” June teams up with Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) and Commander Joseph Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) to plant a bomb on a plane carrying Gilead’s commanders. The explosion kills the leaders, striking a huge blow to the oppressive regime.

After that, the rebellion spreads, and Boston is finally freed. In the last episode, June reunites with familiar faces like Emily Malek (Alexis Bledel), her mother Holly Maddox (Cherry Jones), and her younger daughter, Nichole. However, June’s fight is far from over. She is determined to find her older daughter, Hannah, who remains trapped in Gilead.

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The finale closes with a powerful moment — June returns to the charred remains of the Waterford house where she was once held captive as a Handmaid. Sitting in her old room, she starts dictating her story into a tape recorder. Her voice echoes the first episode when she said, “My name is Offred.” That smirk at the camera hints that her story, and Gilead’s, are far from finished.

What Is The Testaments About?

The Testaments is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel, a follow-up to her original 1985 book The Handmaid’s Tale. The sequel series picks up a few years after the events of the original show and focuses on a new generation growing up inside Gilead’s harsh rules.

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Showrunner Bruce Miller described the series as a story about “Mean Girls growing up Gilead.” It will explore what it’s like to be young, energetic, and full of hope in a society determined to crush those qualities. The girls face the grim future of being married off and forced into servitude. Their struggle to find allies and fight for freedom forms the heart of the show.

The creators are careful not to simply repeat what The Handmaid’s Tale did. Miller said the tone and vibe will feel different — younger voices and new energy mixed with the familiar dangers of Gilead. Executive producer Warren Littlefield promised a fresh look, with a more pastoral, beautiful setting that contrasts with the ugliness beneath.

Who’s in the Cast of The Testaments?

Ann Dowd returns as Aunt Lydia, one of the most memorable and chilling characters from The Handmaid’s Tale. She will lead the cast alongside several new faces, including Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, and others.

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Elisabeth Moss is on board as an executive producer, but fans wonder if she will return as June/Offred. Moss teased about her role in the sequel, saying “I mean, ‘No,’ but I would totally lie to you if I was.” Since June appears in the original The Testaments novel, there’s some hope she might show up in the series too.

When Will The Testaments Premiere?

Production started in April 2025, and though no official premiere date has been announced yet, it’s clear the series is moving quickly. Bruce Miller mentioned it’s coming sooner than a new season of The Handmaid’s Tale would have, and that the process is going smoothly.

Where Can You Watch The Testaments?

The Testaments will stream on Hulu, joining the full collection of The Handmaid’s Tale seasons. So fans can catch up on the original story and jump straight into the new chapters as soon as the sequel drops.

With a fresh cast, a new generation at the center, and the ever-present shadow of Gilead looming large, The Testaments looks set to expand this dark world in exciting and unexpected ways. Fans ready to dive back in have a lot to look forward to.