The Handmaid's Tale season 5 will continue on from the season 4 finale, and will be adapted from the universe created by author Margaret Atwood. It's currently airing episodes each week.
Previously announcing the news that there'd be a new season, showrunner Bruce Miller said: "We are thrilled to be able to continue to tell these stories with our incredible cast and crew, and can't wait to be back on the air."
Meanwhile, a sixth season has been confirmed so we now know we'll be getting more from Gilead in the near future. Stay tuned for more information on that.
But for now, here's everything we know about The Handmaid’s Tale including the confirmed UK release date.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 next episode
The next episode of The Handmaid's Tale, season 5 episode 8, is now available for US viewers on Hulu. The next episode debuts on November 2.
In the UK, the first episode of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 premieres on Channel 4 on October 23 so the wait is finally over. It's also available on Prime Video.
What's the plot of The Handmaid's Tale season 5?
Season 4 ended on a very dramatic note, but one that was a long time coming, as June and other Gilead survivors beat Commander Fred Waterford to death in the woods, something that will have serious consequences.
It's also likely we'll start to see a focus on Atwood's second novel The Testaments, which is the follow-up from the original The Handmaid's Tale story, though as of right now, this is just speculation.
Hulu describes the season 5 plot by stating:
"In season 5, June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada.
"Commander Lawrence works with Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke, and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah."
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episodes
Here are the official synopses for The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episodes released so far:
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 1, "Morning"
"June confronts the consequences of killing Fred. A scared Serena makes an unexpected decision." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 1.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 2, "Ballet"
"June struggles to move on with her life in Toronto. Serena plans an elaborate memorial. Aunt Lydia and Janine prepare Esther for her first posting as a Handmaid. Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 2.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 3, "Border"
"June and Moira join a rebel outpost. As a pregnant widow, Serena tries to restore her status. Aunt Lydia questions her strict methods of dealing with Handmaids." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 3.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 4, "Dear Offred"
"June fights her need for violent revenge as Serena settles into her new role in Toronto. Rattled by Janine, Aunt Lydia makes a surprising suggestion to Lawrence."
Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 4.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 5, "Fairytale"
"June and Luke embark on a dangerous quest. Serena gets to know her new hosts." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 5.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 6, "Together"
"June and Luke's mission puts them in serious jeopardy. Serena senses a threat from her benefactors. Lawrence and Nick make a shocking power move." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 6.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 7, "No Man's Land"
"June and Serena find themselves in a desperate situation." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 7.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 8, "Motherland"
"June receives a tempting offer from a surprise visitor. Serena hits rock bottom and searches for allies." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 8.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 9, "Allegiance"
"June and Luke prepare for a rescue mission. Serena tries new tactics with her oppressive hosts. Lawrence makes a surprising proposal to elevate his status." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 9.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 episode 10, "Safe"
"Under threat, June must find a way to keep herself and her family safe from Gilead and its violent supporters in Toronto." Read WTW's full recap of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 finale.
Who's in the cast?
We're expecting to see a lot of people returning for The Handmaid's Tale season 5. Elisabeth Moss is set to return as June, and should be joined by long-running cast members such, Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, Samira Wiley as Moira, Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Waterford and Madeline Brewer as Janine.
Other recurring cast members expected to return are O-T Fagbenle as Luke, Max Minghella as Nick and Bradley Whitford as Commander Lawrence, as well as season 4 newcomers such as McKenna Grace, who played the role of Mrs. Keyes.
One major name exiting the series is Alexis Bledel. As reported in Variety, she opted to leave the show prior to the start of season 5.
Is there a trailer yet?
Thanks to Hulu, we have an official trailer. While over the years, many viewers have labeled Fred as the true villain of the series, this season looks to reveal the "big bad" of the show has always been Serena Waterford.
Fans may finally get the epic June and Serena showdown some of us have been waiting for, following Fred's death, and you can watch that below.
Hulu released another trailer for season 5 that offers a closer look at what's coming in the new season.
