The story of life in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States. Facing a plunging birthrate, Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalism regime that treats women as property.
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.
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.
Offred visits Janine's baby with Serena Joy and remembers the early days of the revolution before Gilead; Ofglen faces a difficult challenge.
Punished by Serena Joy, Offred begins to unravel and reflects on her time with Moira at the Red Centre. A complication during the Ceremony threatens Offred's survival with the Commander and Serena Joy.
Serena Joy makes Offred a surprising proposition; Offred remembers the unconventional beginnings of her relationship with her husband.
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.
Remembering her family's treacherous escape attempt, a shocking revelation from life before Gilead provides a new perspective on Offred's life.
The Commander surprises Offred with a secret adventure in Gilead. Nick's troubled past leads to his recruitment by the Sons of Jacob.
Offred embarks on a dangerous mission for the resistance. Janine moves to a new posting. Serena Joy suspects the Commander's infidelity.
Serena Joy confronts Offred and the Commander. Offred struggles with a complicated, life-changing revelation. The Handmaids face a brutal decision.
Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead.
Offred adjusts to a new way of life. The arrival of an unexpected person disrupts the Colonies, and a family is torn apart by the rise of Gilead.
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.
Offred's capture takes her back to Gillead and to the Waterfords; what will ensue?
Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick. Janine tries to adjust to life in the Colonies, jeopardising her friendship with Emily.
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 Centre; Nick struggles with his new assignment.
An attack sends shockwaves through both Gilead and Little America; Serena Joy makes a dangerous choice in order to protect her family; Moira searches for someone from her past.
Offred and Serena share a common goal while the Commander recovers from a terrifying ordeal.
Offred seeks support from allies, and the Waterfords weigh their options during a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena faces the temptation of life outside Gilead while Luke and Moira grapple with survivor's guilt.
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.
Offred faces a gruelling challenge alone as she recalls her life as a mother. Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout of their actions towards Offred.
Offred is sent to a familiar place; Nick is rocked by Gilead's brutal response to a crime; Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house.
Serena and the other Wives strive to make change; Emily learns more about her new Commander; Offred faces a difficult decision.
On the run, an injured June and the fugitive Handmaids find refuge at a farm, where the 14-year-old Wife nurses June back to health. In Gilead, an imprisoned Lawrence tries to avoid a death sentence, and Aunt Lydia reels from the loss of 86 children on Angels' Flight.
June plots revenge at the local Jezebels, before she and the Handmaids plan to leave the farm for the next safe house. Meanwhile, in Toronto, Moira deals with the fallout of June’s choices, and Serena and Fred are bound together by a miracle.
Captured by Gilead, June faces a vengeful Aunt Lydia and endures a torturous interrogation. Nick and Lawrence collaborate to protect June. Meanwhile, in Toronto, Luke struggles with how to help June and Hannah.
June takes a harrowing journey with Janine trying to escape Gilead. Meanwhile, in Toronto, Serena tries to manipulate Rita who seeks advice from Moira.
June seeks out more active rebels in the Chicago war zone, while Janine tries to help her fit in with their new group of survivors. Meanwhile, Moira goes on her first field aid mission.
After a shocking reunion with a dear friend, June contemplates the possibility of freedom, and confronts the unfulfilled promises she’s made to herself and to Luke.
June struggles with her newfound freedom, reuniting with loved ones and confronting her nemesis, Serena.
June confronts Fred and Serena in court and challenges Emily to face a painful reminder of her Gilead past. Lawrence presents Aunt Lydia with a newly captured, familiar Handmaid.
June and Luke work together to save Hannah, reaching out to Lawrence and Nick for help. Serena and Fred greet unexpected visitors from Gilead. Janine tries to assist Aunt Lydia when a Handmaid-in-training goes on a hunger strike at the Red Centre.
June objects to Fred's plea bargain agreement and struggles to accept his pending freedom. She draws on all her resources and relationships, risking everything to ensure her own kind of justice.
June struggles as she considers her next move after killing Fred. Serena is left reeling after the death of her husband.
June and Luke attend a ballet. Serena says goodbye to Fred. Janine and Esther accompany Lydia to a gathering at the Putnam house.
June and Moira journey to the border to send a message. Serena attends a dinner party at the Lawrence house. Lydia prays for Janine's recovery.
June works to overcome her violent instincts while grappling with Serena's close proximity. Serena settles into her new role in Toronto. Lydia helps Janine with her recovery.
June and Luke venture into unfamiliar territory in search of information. Serena gets to know her new hosts.
June teaches Luke the basics of survival. Serena tests the hospitality of The Wheelers. Aunt Lydia makes a surprising discovery.
Alone and isolated, June and Serena must labour together for both to survive.
June receives a tempting offer from a surprise visitor. Serena hits rock bottom and searches for allies.
June and Luke prepare for a rescue mission. Serena experiments with new tactics to have it all.
Under threat, June must find a way to keep herself and her family safe from Gilead and its supporters in Toronto.
June embarks on a bold mission with unexpected consequences. Emily and Nichole make a harrowing journey. The Waterfords reckon with Serena Joy's choice to send Nichole away.
June helps Martha with a dangerous task while navigating a relationship with her pious and untrustworthy new walking partner. Emily and Luke struggle with their altered circumstances.
June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick. Serena Joy attempts to recuperate at her mother's home. Lawrence teaches June a hard lesson about the difficult decisions he makes as a Commander.
June negotiates a truce in the Waterfords' fractured relationship. Janine oversteps with the Putnam family, and a still-healing Aunt Lydia offers a brutal public punishment.
June and Serena grapple with the revelation that Luke is caring for Nichole in Canada, leading to an incident that will have far-reaching ramifications.
June accompanies the Waterfords to Washington D.C. where a powerful family offers a glimpse of the future of Gilead. Soon after, June makes an important connection as she attempts to protect Nichole.
June escalates her risky efforts to find Hannah. Emily must face her past crimes as the ongoing international diplomatic crisis becomes more complicated. Serena and Fred contemplate their future in Washington.
June and the rest of the Handmaids shun Ofmatthew, and both are pushed to their limit at the hands of Aunt Lydia. Aunt Lydia reflects on her life and relationships before the rise of Gilead.
Confined in a hospital, June's sanity begins to fray. An encounter with Serena Joy forces June to reassess her recent actions.
Ready to strike back at her oppressors, June starts making arrangements for an ambitious plan, but a devious ploy on the part of Commander Waterford threatens to derail her. In Canada, hope turns to tragedy for Moira, Luke, and Emily.
June must rely on an unpredictable Commander Lawrence to execute her plan, but a terrifying return to a place from June's past puts everything in jeopardy. Serena Joy and Commander Waterford take a clandestine trip.
Gilead leadership is rocked by losses among their own. Luke and Moira adjust to new arrivals in Canada. June worries about disruptions to her plan, only to have tragedy strike the entire household.
With her plan in place, June reaches the point of no return on her bold strike against Gilead and must decide how far she's willing to go. Serena Joy and Commander Waterford attempt to find their way forward in their new lives.