“The Handmaid’s Tale” premiered just one week ago, and already we can rest assured knowing that the fun/horror will continue after the first season concludes. Variety reports that Hulu has renewed the Elisabeth Moss-led drama for a second season, set to debut in 2018.
While Hulu didn’t disclose specific numbers, the streaming service did reveal that “The Handmaid’s Tale” has been watched by more Hulu viewers than any other series premiere on the platform, including both original and acquired series. The show is also a favorite among critics. “The Handmaid’s Tale” has received rave reviews and is already considered a serious contender come awards season. “Meadowland” helmer Reed Morano directed the first three episodes.
An adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s best-selling dystopian novel of the same name, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the U.S. Despite being published in 1985, many have remarked on the story’s timeliness: Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that strips women of their reproductive and economic rights, treating them like property of the state. Plunging birthrates have led to a new caste called Handmaids, the few women who remain fertile and are forced to carry children. The show’s protagonist, Offred (Moss, “Mad Men”), is one of these women. The first season of the show sees Offred serving in a highly-ranked Commander’s household and dreaming of reuniting with the daughter who was taken from her.
“The response we’ve seen to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ in just one week since its premiere has been absolutely incredible. It has been an honor to work with this talented team of cast and creators to develop a series that has struck such a chord with audiences across the country,” said Craig Erwich, Hulu’s SVP and head of content. “As we continue to expand our strong slate of original programming, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is exactly the type of gripping and thought-provoking storytelling we want to bring to viewers. We can’t wait to explore the world of Gilead and continue Margaret’s vision with another season on Hulu.”
“The Handmaid’s Tale’s” cast includes Yvonne Strahovski (“Chuck”), Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”), Samira Wiley (“Orange Is the New Black”), Madeline Brewer (“Hemlock Grove”), and Joseph Fiennes (“Shakespeare in Love”).
