‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Finale Marks a Streaming Milestone for Hulu
Hulu’s intense and symbol-rich dystopian drama, The Handmaid’s Tale, has concluded its six-season arc with a powerful finale—cementing its legacy in streaming history.
Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, the series portrays a chilling vision of America transformed into Gilead, where fertile women are forced into servitude. Over six years, the show expanded on Atwood’s world, exposing a society groaning under ritualized oppression—yet fueled by small acts of personal and political defiance.
But it wasn’t just the story that made an impact.
When Season 4 debuted in 2021 after a pandemic hiatus, it racked up 1.04 billion minutes streamed in its first week—a Hulu record for any original series. The finale maintained that momentum, posting 4.4 million U.S. viewings within seven days, a 22% increase over the season premiere.
Beyond raw numbers, the series had a major presence on social platforms—Season 6 eclipsed Season 5 engagement by 333% on TikTok and 42% across platforms. Hulu also noted it topped their daily charts since its April 8 premiere.
Elisabeth Moss: Emotional Resonance in the Finale
Leading actress Elisabeth Moss, also an executive producer, praised the final episode, calling it “honestly perfection.” She shared how motherhood informed her work:
“I think it wasn’t until the end of the season that I really realized the effect that becoming a mom had on the season as a whole,” she said.
She also reflected on the finale’s tone of hope, despite previous narrative fatigue:
“We ended the story for us in a way that we think is appropriate, but it’s also not the end, which was a great liberty for us,” Moss explained during a recent appearance.
A Logical Next Step:
The Testaments
Hulu confirmed it’s moving ahead with an adaptation of The Testaments, Atwood’s 2019 sequel set 15 years after the original. The new series retains showrunner Bruce Miller and centers on Aunt Lydia, with Ann Dowd reprising her role, alongside fresh leads including Chase Infiniti and Lucy Halliday.
Final Act of Resistance
Critics say the finale delivered more reflection than action: Boston is liberated, June reunites with loved ones, and she starts narrating her own memoir—a symbolic act of reclaiming her voice.
Elisabeth Moss described the last scene—June repeating her opening monologue—as “television gold,” emphasizing its power in completing her arc while amplifying the series’ central themes.
As the red cloaks disappear, The Handmaid’s Tale leaves a lasting mark as both a cultural cautionary tale and streaming powerhouse. Its final chapters serve as a reminder: the fight for autonomy and freedom endures—and its legacy will be carried forward in The Testaments.
