How to watch The Handmaid's Tale in the UK
The dystopian series is airing its fifth season in the US. **WARNING: Contains spoilers for The Handmaid's Tale season 4**
Season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale has finally premiered in the UK, with our heroine June (Elisabeth Moss) facing up to some serious ramifications of her actions in season 4, in which she and her group of rebels joined forces to murder Fred Waterford.
Elisabeth Moss is back as June, while Yvonne Strahovski returns as Serena Joy Waterford, Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo and Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia.
Moss previously teased that season 5 is one of the most "wild" outings of the series so far.
"I will say that the season itself is possibly one of the wilder rides that we've had," she explained. "Some seasons a lot happens, some seasons not as much happens. This season, I almost can't keep up.
"And it's not lip service. I truly mean I almost can't keep up with the amount of activity that's happening."
"So that's been exciting," she added. "And it's been challenging of course, because it means we're working really hard, and we're on location a lot. But never a dull moment is the way I would say it."
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So, when did The Handmaid’s Tale premiere in the UK and how many episodes are there in season 5?
Read on for everything you need to know about how to watch The Handmaid's Tale in the UK.
How to watch The Handmaid's Tale season 5 in the UK
The Handmaid's Tale returned to Channel 4 in the UK on Sunday 23rd October 2022 at 9pm.
Episodes are set to air weekly on Sundays at the same time on Channel 4, and will also be available to stream via All4.
For the first time ever following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, The Handmaid's Tale co-premiered on both Amazon Prime Video and Channel 4 in the UK at the same time.
"Over the series, The Handmaid’s Tale has remained reflective, high quality and hard-hitting," Channel 4's head of acquisitions Nick Lee said in announcing the news.
"We’re thrilled Channel 4 and All4 audiences will be returning to Gilead to see further justice dispensed in the next riveting instalment.”
How many episodes in The Handmaid's Tale season 5?
There are 10 episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 in total.
As detailed above, they'll air weekly on Sundays on Channel 4 at 9pm.
How to watch previous seasons of the Handmaid's Tale in the UK
While new episodes of The Handmaid's Tale air on Channel 4, seasons 1-4 are currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, available to all Prime members.
This means you can visit that platform to make sure you're fully caught up before the new season starts.
Where does The Handmaid's Tale air in the US?
In the US, the series airs on Hulu, a platform which isn't available currently in the UK. Instead, a lot of Hulu original shows land on Disney Plus here, with Disney having a majority stake in Hulu.
The Handmaid's Tale is currently one of the exceptions to this rule due to the show's deal with Channel 4. Whether this will continue beyond season 5 remains to be seen.
What is The Handmaid's Tale season 5 about?
The official synopsis for The Handmaid's Tale season 5 states: "June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada.
"Commander Lawrence works with Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah."
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 trailer
You can watch the trailer for The Handmaid's Tale season 5 right here, now.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 will air on Channel 4. Seasons 1-4 are available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days.
While you’re waiting, take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage or check out what else is on with our TV guide.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
