Adapted from the classic novel by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale is the story of life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States.
Actors returning from Season One are Elisabeth Moss, Max Minghella, Alexis Bledel, O-T Fagbenle, Madeline Brewer, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Yvonne Strahovski and Joseph Fiennes.
New characters are portrayed by Cherry Jones, Marisa Tomei and Bradley Whitford.
Cast[]
Starring
- Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne/Offred (13/13)
- Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford (11/13)
- Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Waterford (11/13)
- Alexis Bledel as Emily Malek/Ofroy/Ofjoseph (7/13)
- Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo (8/13)
- Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue (9/13)
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia (12/13)
- OT Fagbenle as Luke Bankole (7/13)
- Max Minghella as Nick Blaine (12/13)
- Samira Wiley as Moira Strand (4/13)
Guest Starring
- Nina Kiri as Alma/Ofrobert (7/13)
- Bahia Watson as Brianna/Oferic (7/13)
- Sydney Sweeney as Eden Spencer (7/13)
- Jenessa Grant as Dolores/Ofsamuel (5/13)
- Robert Curtis Brown as Commander Andrew Pryce (4/13)
- Rohan Mead as Isaac (3/13)
- Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence (2/13)
- Julie Dretzin as Eleanor Lawrence (2/13)
- Cherry Jones as Holly Maddox (2/13)
- Erin Way as Erin (2/13)
- Tattiawna Jones as Lillie Fuller/Ofglen 2 (2/10)
- Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello (1/13)
- Rebecca Rittenhouse as Odette (1/13)
- Clea DuVall as Sylvia (1/13)
- John Carroll Lynch as Dan (1/13)
- Marisa Tomei as Mrs. O'Conner (1/13)
- Kelly Jenrette as Annie (1/13)
Episodes[]
| 1. | 
|
"June" | June and Hannah | April 25, 2018 |
| Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead. | ||||
| 2. | 
|
"Unwomen" | Emily | April 25, 2018 |
| Offred adjusts to a new way of life; The arrival of an unexpected person disrupts the Colonies; A family is torn apart by the rise of Gilead. | ||||
| 3. | 
|
"Baggage" | June and Holly | May 2, 2018 |
| Offred reflects on her relationship with her mother as she navigates her way through Gilead. In Little America, Moira tries to cope with the trauma she endured. | ||||
| 4. | 
|
"Other Women" | June and Annie | May 9, 2018 |
| A baby shower provokes a troubling shift in Offred’s relationship with Serena Joy. Offred reckons with the choice she made that led her to become a Handmaid. | ||||
| 5. | 
|
"Seeds" | May 16, 2018 | |
| Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick; Janine tries to adjust to life in the Colonies, jeopardizing her friendship with Emily. | ||||
| 6. | 
|
"First Blood" | Serena and Fred | May 23, 2018 |
| Offred finds unexpected allies and obstacles in her search for a way to protect Hannah. The Commander prepares for the dedication of a new Red Center. Nick struggles with his new assignation. | ||||
| 7. | 
|
"After" | Moira | May 30, 2018 |
| An attack sends shockwaves through both Gilead and Little America; Serena makes a dangerous choice; Moira searches for someone from her past. | ||||
| 8. | 
|
"Women's Work" | June 6, 2018 | |
| A sick baby tests Offred and Serena. Janine finally faces Naomi. | ||||
| 9. | 
|
"Smart Power" | June 13, 2018 | |
| The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena faces the temptation of life outside Gilead. Luke and Moira grapple with survivor's guilt. Offred seeks support from allies. | ||||
| 10. | 
|
"The Last Ceremony" | June 20, 2018 | |
| A frustrated Serena becomes desperate. The Commander tries to make amends with Offred. Nick pushes Eden farther away. Offred is faced with an unexpected reunion. | ||||
| 11. | 
|
"Holly" | June 27, 2018 | |
| Offred faces a grueling challenge as she recalls her life as a mother. Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout of their actions towards Offred. | ||||
| 12. | 
|
"Postpartum" | July 4, 2018 | |
| Offred is sent to a familiar place. Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house. | ||||
| 13. | 
|
"The Word" | July 11, 2018 | |
| Serena and the other Wives strive to make change. Emily learns more about her new Commander. Offred faces a difficult decision. | ||||
Awards & Reception[]
The second season of The Handmaid's Tale was well received, although not as well as the first season. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series received an 89% critics review and an 80% audience rating.
The critic consensus on the site exclaims, "Beautifully shot but dishearteningly relevant, The Handmaid's Tale centers its sophomore season tightly around its compelling cast of characters, making room for broader social commentary through more intimate lenses."
Awards[]
Primetime Emmys[]
- Guest Actress - Drama, 2018 · Samira Wiley
- Outstanding Drama Series, 2018 (Nominated)
- Lead Actress - Drama Series, 2018 · Elisabeth Moss (Nominated)
- Supporting Actor - Drama Series, 2018 · Joseph Fiennes (Nominated)
- Supporting Actress - Drama Series, 2018 · Alexis Bledel (Nominated)
- Supporting Actress - Drama Series, 2018 · Ann Dowd (Nominated)
- Supporting Actress - Drama Series, 2018 · Yvonne Strahovski (Nominated)
- Guest Actress - Drama, 2018 · Kelly Jenrette (Nominated)
- Guest Actress - Drama, 2018 · Cherry Jones (Nominated)
- Casting - Drama Series, 2018 · Sharon Bialy, Robin D. Cook, Sherry Thomas (Nominated)
- Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes, 2018 · Ane Crabtree, Natalie Bronfman (Nominated)
Golden Globes[]
- Best Television Series - Drama, 2018
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama, Elisabeth Moss, 2018
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Ann Dowd, 2018 (Nominated)
BAFTAs[]
- BAFTA TV Award, Best International, 2018
Releases[]
The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
Gallery[]
Trailers[]
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 First Look (Official) • Only on Hulu
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 Teaser (Official) • The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu