Current status of The Handmaid’s Tale series
The Handmaid’s Tale is not currently in active production, and as of 2024 the series has concluded its televised narrative. The show ran from 2017 to 2022 across five seasons on Hulu, with season five divided into two parts and the final season delivering the story to its televised close. Officially, there is no ongoing season or confirmed season six in production. This explains why questions about a new series appear frequently: the story ended, yet the Hulu original left narrative threads that invite speculation.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Final season | Season 5 Part 2 aired in 2022 | Network announcement |
| Series conclusion | Television narrative finished in 2022 | Official statements |
| Renewal for season 6 | Not ordered | Network updates |
| Future projects | No active series continuation announced | Studio disclosures |
Renewal history that shaped expectations
After four seasons, the show was renewed for a shortened fifth season, which became the penultimate narrative arc. The decision to split the final season into two parts reflected both creative pacing and production planning. With season five concluding the televised adaptation, each prior renewal pattern had conditioned audiences to expect more, making the lack of a season six feel abrupt. When assessing whether there will be another series of The Handmaid’s Tale, it is essential to recognize that the original story as told on TV has reached its endpoint.
Renewal timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Renewed for season 3 | Extended the series’ run |
| 2020 | Renewed for season 5 (split) | Shifted from standard seasons |
| 2021–2022 | Season 5 released; series finale aired | Closed the televised narrative |
| 2023–2024 | No renewal for season 6 announced | Signaled conclusion of TV series |
Production and creative context
The Handmaid’s Tale was adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel and developed for television with a clear plan to conclude within a bounded number of seasons. After season 5, the creative team indicated the story they intended to tell on television was complete. While cast members and producers have occasionally discussed the possibility of future projects, none have materialized as a new series. The difference between a film, limited series, and ongoing television format is important: without an active development pipeline for episodes, any further story would require a deliberate greenlight and production schedule.
What a series renewal would require
- A network or platform order committing to a season or limited run.
- Writer’s room, showrunner approval, and scripted material beyond existing episodes.
- Cast availability, budget authorization, and production scheduling aligned with platform strategy.
Why the rumor of a new series persists
Audiences often hope for continuations when endings feel abrupt or when character arcs conclude unevenly. Social media discussions, cast updates, and festival panels can be misread as signals of new material. In this case, no credible trade publication or studio announcement has indicated active work on a sixth season or a reboot. The longevity of the book and the cultural weight of the series keep conversations alive, but they do not equate to an actionable path to a new series.
Future possibilities versus current reality
Another series of The Handmaid’s Tale remains unconfirmed and is not in preproduction. Potential directions—such as a continuation focused on later timelines, companion stories, or adaptations of related Atwood material—are speculative. When weighing whether there will be another series, the verifiable timeline points to a concluded television run, with the option of future projects resting on yet-to-be-made decisions. For now, the most accurate answer is that there is no series actively in the works.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Is The Handmaid’s Tale cancelled or ended? | The series ended after season 5; it was not cancelled mid-production. | Official season finales and statements. |
| Will there be season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale? | No; no season 6 has been ordered. | Network updates and showrunner comments. |
| Are there spin-offs or related series in development? | None announced as of 2024. | Studio and trade publication reports. |
Bottom line
As of 2024, The Handmaid’s Tale television story has concluded with season 5. There is no confirmed new series in development, and renewal conditions for a sixth season have not been met. While cultural interest and adaptation potential remain high, the absence of a network order or active production means another series is not currently in the pipeline.