At a Glance
- The Testaments debuts on April 8 as a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale.
- The series follows Agnes and Daisy in Gilead’s elite preparatory school.
- Ann Dowd returns as Aunt Lydia, the series’ most complex villain.
- Why it matters: Fans of the original show get a deeper look into Gilead’s future and new characters that expand the universe.
The Testaments, Hulu’s new series, will bring viewers back into the harsh world of Gilead with a fresh narrative that picks up after the semi-hopeful finale of The Handmaid’s Tale. The show premieres its first three episodes on April 8 and will release one episode each week thereafter.
The Handmaid’s Tale Legacy
The original series, The Handmaid’s Tale, ran for six seasons and became a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of a dystopian society. It was based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel and followed the story of June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss, as she navigated life under a theocratic regime. The show’s impact was felt worldwide, sparking conversations about gender, power, and resistance.
Premise of The Testaments
The Testaments is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 follow-up novel of the same name. The series is described as a dramatic coming-of-age story set in Gilead. It follows two young teens:
- Agnes, a dutiful and pious girl.
- Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders.
Their journey through Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives becomes a catalyst that upends their past, present, and future. The show promises to explore themes of obedience, faith, and rebellion within a brutal system that justifies its actions with divine rhetoric.
Cast and Characters
The cast includes:
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, the most complex and occasionally heartbreakingly sympathetic villain.
- Chase Infiniti as Agnes, following her breakout role in One Battle After Another.
- Lucy Halliday as Daisy.
- Mabel Li
- Amy Seimetz
- Brad Alexander
- Rowan Blanchard
- Mattea Conforti
- Zarrin Darnell-Martin
- Eva Foote
- Isolde Ardies
- Shechinah Mpumlwana
- Birva Pandya
- Kira Guloien
The series also brings back The Handmaid’s Tale star Elisabeth Moss, who serves as an executive producer. While the show has not confirmed whether Moss’s character, June Osborne, will appear, many viewers anticipate her return.
Production and Creative Team
The Testaments is produced by Bruce Miller, the showrunner for The Handmaid’s Tale. Miller handles the same duties for the new series and is also an executive producer. The production team includes:
- Bruce Miller – showrunner, executive producer
- Elisabeth Moss – executive producer
- Additional executive producers (not named in the original release)
Hulu released several first-look images that hint at the series’ aesthetic. The images showcase the burnished and terrifying look of Gilead, which remains as oppressive as ever, even after the revolution seen in season six of the original series.
Release Schedule
| Episode Count | Release Date | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | April 8 | Weekly |
The first three episodes will drop on the premiere date, with subsequent episodes released on a weekly basis. This schedule mirrors the original series’ approach, allowing viewers to binge the initial arc while maintaining anticipation for future episodes.
Key Takeaways
- Return to Gilead: The Testaments continues the story of a society that refuses to forget its past.
- New and familiar faces: With Ann Dowd and Chase Infiniti leading the cast, the series balances fresh characters with beloved ones.
- Production continuity: Bruce Miller’s involvement ensures a consistent tone and vision from the original series.
- Anticipated crossover: While not confirmed, the potential return of Elisabeth Moss’s June adds an extra layer of intrigue.
For fans of the original series, The Testaments offers a chance to explore new dimensions of Gilead while staying true to the themes that made the first series a landmark in television.
