The Handmaid’s Tale finale ignites the stage for “The Testaments.” June survives, Boston is liberated, yet Gilead‘s shadow lingers, setting up compelling new storylines.The series expertly bridges the gap to the upcoming Hulu series, “The Testaments,” revealing Aunt Lydia‘s return.Showrunner Bruce Miller’s choices carefully preserved pivotal elements for the sequel, ensuring a seamless transition. June’s powerful final act of recording her experiences for her children underscores the enduring fight ahead. News Directory 3 offers a complete breakdown of the finale’s key moments. Discover what’s next in Gilead.
Handmaid’s Tale Finale Sets Stage for The Testaments
Updated May 27, 2025
The series finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu leaves viewers with a sense of both closure and anticipation. While June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss, survives and Boston is freed from Gilead’s control, the fight is far from over. The episode underscores the daunting reality that many cities and states remain under Gilead’s oppressive regime.
This indefinite ending serves as a bridge to “the Testaments,” Hulu’s upcoming series based on Margaret Atwood’s sequel. Bruce Miller will continue as showrunner, with Aunt Lydia, portrayed by Ann Dowd, confirmed to return. Miller has acknowledged that decisions in “The Handmaid’s Tale” were influenced by the need to preserve key elements for “The Testaments.”
The survival of June’s children, Hannah and Holly, also played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Even though a more definitive conclusion focusing on Hannah’s rescue might have seemed logical, the finale still emphasizes the enduring theme of mothers and daughters. The final scene shows June, now free from her Handmaid attire, recording her experiences for her children, marking the end of her time as Offred.
The ambiguous conclusion of “The Handmaid’s Tale” leaves the audience to decide whether to continue June’s journey into “the Testaments,” expected in 2026.
