The Handmaid's Tale: Season 1
2017 · 10 episodes · ★ 7.8
What Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale
In the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic regime has reduced women to state property. Offred, played by Elisabeth Moss, is one of the few fertile women left and has been assigned as a Handmaid to the home of a powerful Commander and his resentful wife, Serena Joy. Offred cannot read, write or control money, and she lives separated from her daughter. Season one shows how this state works and what it aims to achieve. Offred tries to survive amid the couple's conflicts, which directly affect her, and holds on to hope for freedom and for finding her little girl again. Amid it all, she begins a romance with Nick.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 Offred
Offred, one the few fertile women known as Handmaids in the oppressive Republic of Gilead, struggles to survive as a reproductive surrogate for a powerful Commander and his resentful wife.
Directing: Reed Morano · Writing: Bruce Miller · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
1x02 Birth Day
Offred and her fellow Handmaids assist with the delivery of Janine’s baby, prompting Offred to recall her own daughter’s birth. Offred draws closer to Ofglen while dreading a secret meeting with the Commander.
Directing: Reed Morano · Writing: Bruce Miller · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Amanda Brugel, Nina Kiri
1x03 Late
Offred visits Janine’s baby with Serena Joy and remembers the early days of the revolution before Gilead. Ofglen faces a difficult challenge.
Directing: Reed Morano · Writing: Bruce Miller · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
1x04 Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum
Punished by Serena Joy, Offred begins to unravel and reflects on her time with Moira at the Red Center. A complication during the Ceremony threatens Offred’s survival with the Commander and Serena Joy.
Directing: Mike Barker · Writing: Leila Gerstein · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
1x05 Faithful
Serena Joy makes Offred a surprising proposition. Offred remembers the unconventional beginnings of her relationship with her husband.
Directing: Mike Barker · Writing: Dorothy Fortenberry · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
1x06 A Woman's Place
A Mexican Ambassador visiting Gilead questions Offred about her life as a Handmaid. Serena Joy reflects on her marriage and the role she once played in Gilead’s inception.
Directing: Floria Sigismondi · Writing: Wendy Straker Hauser · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Amanda Brugel, Nina Kiri
1x07 The Other Side
Remembering her family’s treacherous escape attempt, a shocking revelation from life before Gilead provides a new perspective on Offred’s life.
Directing: Floria Sigismondi · Writing: Lynn Renee Maxcy · Starring: O-T Fagbenle, Rosa Gilmore, Tim Ransom, Kim Roberts
1x08 Jezebels
The Commander surprises Offred with a secret adventure in Gilead. Nick’s troubled past leads to his recruitment by the Sons of Jacob.
Directing: Kate Dennis · Writing: Kira Snyder · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
1x09 The Bridge
Offred embarks on a dangerous mission for the resistance. Janine moves to a new posting. Serena Joy suspects the Commander’s infidelity.
Directing: Kate Dennis · Writing: Eric Tuchman · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
1x10 Night Season Finale
Serena Joy confronts Offred and the Commander. Offred struggles with a complicated, life-changing revelation. The Handmaids face a brutal decision.
Directing: Kari Skogland · Writing: Bruce Miller · Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel
Season 1 Cast
Amanda BrugelRita Blue9 episodes
O-T FagbenleLuke Bankole8 episodes
Tattiawna JonesLillie Fuller7 episodes
Jenessa GrantDolores5 episodes
Bahia WatsonBrianna4 episodes
Ever CarradineNaomi Putnam4 episodes
Jordana BlakeHannah Bankole4 episodes
Birgitte SolemPutnam Martha3 episodes
Angela VintLeah3 episodes
Stephen KunkenWarren Putnam3 episodes
Marissa Kate WilsonOfzachary's Partner3 episodes
Kristen Lee GutoskieBeth2 episodes
Robert Curtis BrownAndrew Pryce2 episodes
Edie InksetterAunt Elizabeth2 episodes
Jennie RaymondCaroline2 episodesAll Seasons
Season 22018 · 13 ep. · ★ 7.7
Season 32019 · 13 ep. · ★ 7.9
Season 42021 · 10 ep. · ★ 8.1
Season 52022 · 10 ep. · ★ 7.9
Season 62025 · 10 ep. · ★ 6.9Where to Watch Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale have?
Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale has 10 episodes.
When did Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale premiere?
It premiered on April 26, 2017.
Where to watch Season 1 of The Handmaid's Tale?
By subscription on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total, HBO Max, Netflix Standard with Ads, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and HBO Max Amazon Channel (availability may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the TMDB audience score, episode 1x10, «Night», with a 8.4.