The fifth season of The Handmaid’s Tale is officially moving forward with a premiere date in the United States. Hulu announced that new episodes will arrive in North America this upcoming September. As an early look, the streamer released two first-look images. At present, there is no announced release window for other international markets such as Spain or regions in Latin America where the series has streaming partners like HBO Max and Paramount+.
The social channels of the American broadcaster confirmed the return of the series and shared two behind the scenes photos from episodes not yet released. In these images, June, portrayed by Elisabeth Moss, wears a stern and intense expression, while Serena, played by Yvonne Strahovski, appears in widow attire with a sly smile. The visuals hint at the dramatic tension awaiting fans in the upcoming episodes.
In the fourth season finale, June orchestrates a pivotal confrontation with Commander Waterford, the figure associated with severe abuse in the regime. A group of handmaids joins June in pursuing him through a forested landscape, culminating in his death. Afterward, June returns home to bid farewell to her husband and daughter. At a detention center, Serena receives a troubling package containing the symbolic severed finger that once bore Waterford’s ring, signaling new, ominous developments for the characters involved.
Cast member discussions have signaled a strong desire to extend the series into a fifth season. The creative team, led by Bruce Miller and drawing from Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed novel, has described the upcoming arc as one of the boldest storytelling ventures the show has undertaken. The producer has spoken about the demanding nature of the shoot and the intense pace that has characterized this new chapter, highlighting the immersive commitment required from everyone involved.
noisy absence
There is, however, a notable departure shaping season five dynamics. Alexis Bledel has announced her exit from the show, expressing gratitude to the creative team and fans while confirming that she will not appear in the new episodes. The cast and crew will navigate Emily’s absence as the story progresses, leaving questions about how her character’s arc will be resolved off screen and what impact that decision will have on the group’s missions in the years ahead.
The official synopsis for season five outlines a continuing journey as June wrestles with her evolving sense of identity after the events surrounding Waterford’s fate. Serena pursues greater influence within Toronto as the reach of Gilead expands, and Commander Lawrence works on reshaping the regime with Aunt Lydia playing a central role. Meanwhile, June, Luke, and Moira coordinate efforts from afar to sustain their mission and plan to rescue and reunite with Hannah, all while facing the escalating pressures exerted by Gilead across borders. The narrative threads emphasize resilience, strategic resistance, and the cost of rebellion in a world where power and survival collide. These threads promise a measured balance between intimate character moments and broad, high-stakes political drama, keeping the audience tightly engaged as the story unfolds in new settings and under evolving rules of control and resistance.