How to watch The Handmaid’s Tale season 5 for free

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What to expect from season 5’s plot *SEASON 4 SPOILERS* 

Based on Margaret Atwood’s best-selling novel, The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a dystopian society called the Republic of Gilead. Due to a fertility crisis, fertile women were enslaved by Gilead and used as “natal slaves” with limited rights. Not allowed to own property, read or handle money, these handmaids are assigned to the rich and elite of Gilead society to bear children.  

One of these handmaids, June Osbourne (Elisabeth Moss), has made it her mission to take down Gilead after being separated from her husband and daughter and assigned to Commander Fred Waterford and his wife, Serena Joy.  

Season 4 ended on a shocking cliffhanger when June escaped to Canada to become a free woman and now must redefine her identity and purpose in her new life. However, the consequences of her involvement in the murder of Commander Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) seem to be catching up to her in the new season as Gilead’s influence spreads into Canada. Meanwhile, Waterford’s widow, Serena (Yvonne Stahovski) plays a prominent role in the trailer, dressed all in black for his funeral – so presumably the two women will cross paths again in the new season.  

It also looks like Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford), who has been trying to reform Gilead from within and climb up the ranks, has joined forces with Nick (Max Minghella) and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd). 

So while we might have guessed at the end of season 4 that June was finally escaping Gilead’s clutches, it looks like she’ll still play a key role in the new season.  

Episode one teaser: 

The first episode, entitled Morning, sees June confront the consequences of killing Fred, while his widow, Serena, makes a surprising decision... That’s all we know for now, so you’ll have to tune into Channel 4 to see how the drama kicks off. 

The Handmaid’s Tale S5 cast 

Here’s who we know for sure is returning to the series:  

• Elisabeth Moss as June Osbourne 

• Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford 

• Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence 

• Max Minghella as Commander Nick Blaine 

• Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia Clements 

• Samira Wiley as Moira Strand 

• OT Fagbenle as Luke Bankole 

• Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo 

• Amanda Brugel as Rita Blue 

• Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello 

We’re also expecting to see Clea DuVall, who played Dr Emily Malek’s wife Sylvia, return, despite the news that Alexis Bledel, who played Dr Malek, would not be returning. Presumably, their son Oliver, played by Charlie Zeltzer, will also be back.  

At the moment we’re not sure if Joseph Fiennes will return as Commander Fred Waterford in flashbacks, but suffice to say after his murder in the season 4 finale, he won’t be appearing in the present day.  

A new addition to the cast will be Christine Klo, who will play a new character called Lily who is a Gilead refugee turned leader of the Canada-based resistance movement.  

The series so far has seen some mind-blowing performances, so we’re excited to see so much of the cast returning for season 5.  

How can I watch The Handmaid’s Tale in the UK? 

It’s been confirmed that The Handmaid’s Tale season 5 will show on Channel 4, starting Sunday 23rd October at 9pm! So you can tune in for free very soon... 

The new series will also debut on Prime Video on the same date, and has already premiered on Hulu in the US on 14th September.  

Will there be a 6th season of The Handmaid’s Tale? 

Yep, The Handmaid’s Tale has officially been renewed for a sixth season! Showrunner Bruce Miller said of the show: 

"It has been a true honour to tell the story of Margaret Atwood's groundbreaking novel and chillingly relevant world, and we are thrilled to bring viewers a sixth and final season of The Handmaid's Tale.” 

On the decision to stop at season six, Miller told Deadline,  

"I know what the end is and I’m not going to overstay my welcome but I’m also not going to rush off if I don’t have to because as long as I am writing for Elisabeth Moss, you know, it really doesn’t get much better.” 

At the moment it looks like the sixth season will also be the final season, but more news on that later...