‘The Testaments’ Set to Expand ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Universe on Hulu

Hulu is set to premiere The Testaments, a sequel series to the critically acclaimed The Handmaid’s Tale, on April 8, 2026, with the release of three episodes. Additional episodes will follow weekly. The series, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, offers a new perspective within the dystopian world of Gilead, focusing on a younger generation.

A New Generation in Gilead

The Testaments shifts the narrative focus from the experiences of June Osborne, the protagonist of The Handmaid’s Tale, to the coming-of-age stories of young women navigating life within Gilead. The series centers on Agnes MacKenzie, played by Chase Infiniti and Daisy, portrayed by Lucy Halliday, as they attend Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives.

Ann Dowd Reprises Her Role as Aunt Lydia

Ann Dowd will reprise her role as Aunt Lydia, a pivotal character from The Handmaid’s Tale. The series will explore Lydia’s backstory and her evolving role within Gilead, revealing her as a complex figure working to undermine the regime from within. According to showrunner Bruce Miller, Lydia has positioned herself to exert influence without resorting to the brutality she once employed. The Hollywood Reporter

A Different Side of Gilead

Miller emphasizes that The Testaments will present a different facet of Gilead than viewers have previously seen. The series aims to explore the lives of those who have grown up within the regime, offering a unique perspective on its indoctrination and control. The show will focus on a “compact bit of the story” involving the girls as they navigate the process of finding husbands, as Miller stated to The Hollywood Reporter.

Agnes and Daisy’s Connection

The burgeoning friendship between Agnes and Daisy serves as a catalyst for change within the series. Daisy, a newcomer to Gilead, challenges the established norms and encourages Agnes to question the world around her. Halliday described Daisy as voicing the thoughts viewers have while watching The Handmaid’s Tale, offering an outsider’s perspective on Gilead’s oppressive reality. The Hollywood Reporter

Color Symbolism and Visual Style

Similar to The Handmaid’s Tale, color will play a significant role in The Testaments, signifying social class and status. The “Plum” color worn by Agnes and her peers represents young women eligible for marriage, while Daisy is identified as a “Pearl Girl” as an Aunt-in-training. Miller explained the deliberate choice of the plum color, emphasizing its natural origins and association with ripeness and growth. The Hollywood Reporter

Availability

The Testaments will be available on Hulu in the U.S. And on Disney+ internationally. It will also be available on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S. TV Insider