The Handmaid's Tale - Episode Guide | Simplified Quick and Easy Episode Look Up

”The Handmaid’s Tale” is a television series based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel of the same name. The show explores a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime, Gilead, has overthrown the United States government, subjugating women and assigning them roles based on their fertility. The narrative centers on June Osborne, renamed Offred, as she navigates the oppressive society.

As of April 2025, the series comprises six seasons. Below is a comprehensive episode guide:

“Offred”
Air Date: April 26, 2017
Summary: In the dystopian Republic of Gilead, fertile women, called Handmaids, are forced into reproductive servitude. Offred, formerly known as June, is assigned to the household of Commander Fred Waterford and his wife, Serena Joy. She struggles to survive and find her daughter, Hannah, who was taken from her.

“Birth Day”
Air Date: April 26, 2017
Summary: Offred and other Handmaids attend the birth of Janine’s baby, prompting Offred to recall her own daughter’s birth. She grows closer to her shopping partner, Ofglen, who reveals herself as a member of a resistance movement.

“Late”
Air Date: April 26, 2017
Summary: Offred visits Janine and her baby with Serena and remembers the early days of the revolution, before Gilead. Ofglen faces a difficult challenge.

“Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum”
Air Date: May 3, 2017
Summary: Punished by Serena, Offred begins to unravel and reflects on her time with Moira at the Red Center.

“Faithful”
Air Date: May 10, 2017
Summary: Serena makes Offred a surprising proposition, as Offred remembers the unconventional beginning of her relationship with Luke; Emily tries reintegrating into Gilead.

“A Woman’s Place”
Air Date: May 17, 2017
Summary: When a trade delegation from Mexico comes to Gilead, Offred discovers several shocking secrets.

“The Other Side”
Air Date: May 24, 2017
Summary: Flashbacks show what happened to Luke after being separated from June and Hannah.

“Jezebels”
Air Date: May 31, 2017
Summary: While Serena is away, Commander Waterford takes Offred on an excursion outside the walls of Gilead to a den of iniquity where she finds a familiar face.

“The Bridge”
Air Date: June 7, 2017
Summary: Offred is tasked with going back to Jezebels to find a package. Meanwhile, Janine has trouble relinquishing her newborn baby.

Season 2 (2018) – 13 Episodes

“June”
Air Date: April 25, 2018
Summary: June, now pregnant, faces severe punishment for her recent actions but finds an opportunity to escape.
“Unwomen”
Air Date: April 25, 2018
Summary: June adjusts to a new way of life while hiding in Boston. Emily reflects on her past as a new arrival disrupts life at the Colonies.
“Baggage”
Air Date: May 2, 2018
Summary: June 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.
“Other Women”
Air Date: May 9, 2018
Summary: A baby shower provokes a troubling shift in June’s relationship with Serena as she reckons with the choice she made that led her to become a Handmaid.
“Seeds”
Air Date: May 16, 2018
Summary: June and Serena attend a Prayvaganza, where a major announcement is made. Janine adjusts to her new posting.
“First Blood”
Air Date: May 23, 2018
Summary: A traumatic event at a new Red Center affects everyone in Gilead. Serena and June’s relationship continues to evolve.
“After”
Air Date: May 30, 2018
Summary: An attack sends shockwaves through both Gilead and Little America; Serena makes a dangerous choice; Moira searches for someone from her past.
“Women’s Work”
Air Date: June 6, 2018
Summary: A sick baby tests June and Serena; Janine finally faces Naomi.
“Smart Power”
Air Date: June 13, 2018
Summary: The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Nick makes a decision that changes his future.
“The Last Ceremony”
Air Date: June 20, 2018
Summary: A return to Gilead presents a challenge for June. Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout.
“Holly”
Air Date: June 27, 2018
Summary: June faces a difficult decision while awaiting news about her baby.
“Postpartum”
Air Date: July 4, 2018
Summary: Offred’s postpartum existence is rocked by Serena Joy and Commander Waterford.
“The Word”
Air Date: July 11, 2018
Summary: Serena and Offred contemplate their future in Gilead.

Season 3 (2019) – 13 Episodes

“Night”
Air Date: June 5, 2019
Summary: June stays in Gilead to search for her daughter Hannah, leading to a new posting at Commander Lawrence’s house. Meanwhile, Emily and baby Nichole cross into Canada, finding refuge with Luke and Moira.
“Mary and Martha”
Air Date: June 12, 2019
Summary: June becomes involved with the local resistance, aiding Marthas in smuggling a fugitive. She also navigates her complex relationship with the unpredictable Commander Lawrence.
“Useful”
Air Date: June 19, 2019
Summary: June starts to understand the extent of Commander Lawrence’s influence and the moral ambiguities of his character. Serena struggles with her decision to send Nichole away.
“God Bless the Child”
Air Date: June 26, 2019
Summary: A mass baptism in Gilead brings together various factions, highlighting the regime’s propaganda. Serena and June find themselves at odds over Nichole’s fate.
“Unknown Caller”
Air Date: July 3, 2019
Summary: The Waterfords use the media to appeal for Nichole’s return, putting Luke and Moira in a difficult position in Canada. June is forced to broker a meeting between Serena and Luke.
“Household”
Air Date: July 10, 2019
Summary: June accompanies the Waterfords to Washington, D.C., revealing a more extreme side of Gilead. She seeks allies to protect Nichole, witnessing the regime’s tightening grip.
“Under His Eye”
Air Date: July 17, 2019
Summary: Public executions and heightened surveillance increase paranoia. June attempts to contact the resistance while Aunt Lydia’s past is explored.
“Unfit”
Air Date: July 24, 2019
Summary: Aunt Lydia’s backstory is revealed, showing her transformation into a Gilead enforcer. June and the other Handmaids turn against Ofmatthew, leading to tragic consequences.
“Heroic”
Air Date: July 31, 2019
Summary: June is subjected to psychological torture in a hospital while Ofmatthew remains comatose. She grapples with her sanity and determination to resist.
“Witness”
Air Date: August 7, 2019
Summary: June becomes complicit in Gilead’s ceremonies, leading to moral dilemmas. Commander Lawrence’s household faces scrutiny, testing loyalties.
“Liars”
Air Date: August 14, 2019
Summary: June plans an ambitious escape for children in Gilead, seeking support from unexpected allies. Tensions rise as the plan’s risks become evident.
“Sacrifice”
Air Date: August 21, 2019
Summary: Consequences of June’s actions lead to tragedy. The Waterfords face their own reckoning, and alliances are tested.
“Mayday”
Air Date: August 28, 2019
Summary: June’s plan to smuggle children out of Gilead reaches its climax. Sacrifices are made, altering the lives of many and setting the stage for future resistance.

Season 4 (2021) – 10 Episodes

“Pigs”
Air Date: April 27, 2021
Summary: June, wounded and on the run, finds refuge at a farm run by the young and rebellious Mrs. Esther Keyes. Meanwhile, in Gilead, an imprisoned Commander Lawrence tries to avoid a death sentence, and Aunt Lydia reels from the loss of 86 children on Angels’ Flight.
“Nightshade”
Air Date: April 27, 2021
Summary: June plots revenge at the local Jezebel’s, using a toxic substance called “nightshade” to poison Gilead officers. She and the Handmaids plan to leave the farm for the next safe house. In Toronto, Moira deals with the fallout of June’s choices, and Serena and Fred are bound together by a miracle.
“The Crossing”
Air Date: May 4, 2021
Summary: Captured by Gilead, June faces a vengeful Aunt Lydia and undergoes a torturous interrogation aboard a repurposed school-turned-prison. Nick and Lawrence collaborate to protect June. In Toronto, Luke struggles with how to help June and Hannah.
“Milk”
Air Date: May 11, 2021
Summary: June and Janine escape together, facing treacherous conditions, including hiding in a milk tanker. Flashbacks reveal Janine’s past decisions regarding her pregnancy before Gilead. In Toronto, Serena tries to manipulate Rita into supporting her.
“Chicago”
Air Date: May 18, 2021
Summary: June and Janine reach war-torn Chicago, encountering resistance fighters. Moira joins a humanitarian mission, leading to an unexpected reunion with June.
“Vows”
Air Date: May 25, 2021
Summary: After a chance encounter, Moira tries to convince June to escape to Canada with her. Flashbacks highlight the deep bond between June and Moira, emphasizing the promises they’ve made to each other.
“Home”
Air Date: June 1, 2021
Summary: June struggles to adjust to life in Canada, grappling with trauma and the stark contrast between her past and present. She reunites with Luke and faces Serena, leading to a charged confrontation.
“Testimony”
Air Date: June 8, 2021
Summary: June prepares to testify against the Waterfords, confronting painful memories. Meanwhile, Emily deals with a figure from her Gilead past seeking forgiveness.
“Progress”
Air Date: June 15, 2021
Summary: June and Luke work together to try to save Hannah, reaching out to Nick for assistance. Serena and Fred contemplate their future as they receive unexpected visitors.
“The Wilderness”
Air Date: June 16, 2021
Summary: June orchestrates a plan to ensure Fred Waterford faces justice, leading to a confrontation that will have lasting consequences.

Season 5 (2022) – 10 Episodes
“Morning”
Air Date: September 14, 2022
Summary: June faces the consequences of killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. Serena Joy, now a widow, attempts to raise her profile in Toronto.
“Ballet”
Air Date: September 14, 2022
Summary: June and Luke watch as Gilead prepares for a grand funeral for Commander Waterford, turning his death into a propaganda event. Serena uses the occasion to bolster her standing.
“Border”
Air Date: September 21, 2022
Summary: June and Moira join a rebel outpost, seeking ways to fight Gilead from the outside. Serena, pregnant and widowed, tries to regain her status within Gilead’s power structures. Aunt Lydia begins to question her strict methods of controlling the Handmaids.
“Dear Offred”
Air Date: September 28, 2022
Summary: June struggles with her need for violent revenge as Serena settles into her new role in Toronto. Rattled by Janine’s behavior, Aunt Lydia makes a surprising suggestion to Commander Lawrence.
“Fairytale”
Air Date: October 5, 2022
Summary: June and Luke embark on a dangerous quest into No Man’s Land to retrieve information about Hannah. Serena gets to know her new hosts, the Wheelers, who have their own expectations.
“Together”
Air Date: October 12, 2022
Summary: June and Luke are captured by Gilead forces during their mission. Serena faces challenges with the Wheelers as she realizes the constraints of her new environment.
“No Man’s Land”
Air Date: October 19, 2022
Summary: June and Serena find themselves in a desperate situation, forced to work together. Their fraught relationship takes a new turn as they confront their shared past and uncertain futures.
“Motherland”
Air Date: October 26, 2022
Summary: June receives an unexpected proposition from Commander Lawrence, who envisions a new future for Gilead. Serena faces the harsh realities of her circumstances and makes a daring move.
“Allegiance”
Air Date: November 2, 2022
Summary: June and Luke work together to strengthen the resistance, but face setbacks that test their resolve. Serena’s loyalties are challenged as she navigates her precarious position.
“Safe”
Air Date: November 9, 2022
Summary: As alliances shift and tensions reach a climax, June and Serena find themselves on a collision course that will change their lives forever.

Season 6 (2025) – 10 Episodes

“Train”
Air Date: April 8, 2025
Summary: June and Serena’s journey takes an unexpected turn aboard a refugee train. Moira makes a bold decision to join the resistance, and Nick deals with a powerful visitor—his father-in-law, High Commander Wharton.
“Exile”
Air Date: April 8, 2025
Summary: June tries to settle in a new community in Alaska, reuniting with her long-lost mother, Holly. Serena seeks sanctuary and contemplates her next move, while Luke and Moira take a significant risk to aid the resistance.
“Devotion”
Air Date: April 8, 2025
Summary: June struggles to save her loved ones, leading her back into the heart of the conflict. Commander Lawrence welcomes diplomats to New Bethlehem, aiming to reshape Gilead’s image. Aunt Lydia searches for Janine, who has been working at Jezebel’s.
“Promotion”
Air Date: April 15, 2025
Summary: June disrupts the rebels’ plans with her unpredictable actions. Commander Lawrence gains power and influence within Gilead’s hierarchy, furthering his vision for New Bethlehem.
“Janine”
Air Date: April 22, 2025
Summary: June and Moira go undercover to rescue Janine from Jezebel’s. Serena and Nick make consequential choices that could alter their paths within Gilead.
“Surprise”
Air Date: April 29, 2025
Summary: June hides in an unexpected place as she plans her next move against Gilead. Serena faces unforeseen challenges that test her resilience and adaptability.
“Shattered”
Air Date: May 6, 2025
Summary: After a shocking revelation, June spirals into uncertainty. Serena strategizes for a prestigious future, leveraging her influence within New Bethlehem.
“Exodus”
Air Date: May 13, 2025
Summary: June and Moira execute a dangerous plan to extract refugees from Gilead. Serena makes a significant commitment that could redefine her role in the regime.
“Execution”
Air Date: May 20, 2025
Summary: Tensions reach a boiling point as betrayals come to light. June faces the consequences of her actions, and Serena confronts the reality of her ambitions.
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
Air Date: May 27, 2025
Summary: In the series finale, the fates of June, Serena, and the resistance culminate in a decisive confrontation that will determine the future of Gilead and its survivors.

Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale marks the conclusion of the groundbreaking series, bringing June Osborne’s harrowing journey through Gilead to a close. However, the story of this dystopian universe is far from over. Hulu has greenlit The Testaments, a follow-up series based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel novel. Set years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments will explore the evolving power structures of Gilead through new perspectives while revisiting familiar characters. Ann Dowd is confirmed to reprise her Emmy-winning role as Aunt Lydia, joining a newly announced ensemble cast that will carry the torch into this next chapter of Atwood’s chilling world.

For more detailed information also see the following links.

IMDB – The Handmaid’s Tale Episode Guide

WIKI – The Handmaid’s Tale Episode Guide

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The Handmaid’s Tale – Episode Guide | Simplified Quick and Easy Episode Look Up