Current status of The Handmaid's Tale season 6
As of the latest available information, The Handmaid's Tale does not have a season 6 ordered and announced by Hulu or its production partners. The series concluded its initial run with season 5, which completed its broadcast in 2022. No new episodes have been commissioned for a sixth season, and official announcements indicating renewal or development beyond season 5 have not been made by Hulu or the showrunners. This article clarifies the current status, explains how we know this, and outlines what typically defines an official renewal in streaming and cable television.
How we know there is no official season 6 yet
Network announcements and press releases
News about season renewals for premium cable and streaming originals typically comes through official press releases from the network (Hulu), studio (FX/Hulu production arms), or the showrunners. In the case of The Handmaid's Tale, there have been no such press releases confirming a season 6 order. Renewal announcements are usually made within weeks to a few months after a season finale airs. For The Handmaid's Tale, no renewal for season 6 has been declared after season 5’s conclusion.
Official sources to check for updates
The most reliable sources for renewal status are the network’s official press site, the show’s official social channels, and statements from the production company (such as Hulu Originals or FX Productions). Showrunner interviews and reputable entertainment news outlets that cite confirmed sources can also be considered. Until one of these channels announces a season 6, the status remains that no season is in production or officially greenlit.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Latest confirmed season | Season 5 (completed broadcast in 2022) | Network air dates and official episode listings |
| Season 6 renewal status | Not renewed or announced | Absence of network/press announcements |
| Production or development status | No public development or greenlit season | Hulu/FX press materials and showrunner statements |
What has been announced related to The Handmaid's Tale beyond season 5
After season 5 wrapped, the conversation around The Handmaid's Tale has focused on the existing series arc and its continuation through the five-season story initially outlined by the books and show. While cast and creators have occasionally discussed the world and characters in interviews, these do not constitute an announcement of a season 6. Limited series, spin-offs, or adaptations in other forms do not equate to a traditional season 6 of the main show. Distinguishing between speculative discussion and announced orders is important in tracking renewal news.
How renewal announcements typically work for streaming and cable series
Signals that a season is likely to be renewed
- Strong, consistent viewership metrics reported by the network or third-party analytics firms
- Official press release from the network or studio confirming a season order
- Renewal announcements at upfronts or during official programming presentations
- Cast and showrunner confirmation through trusted industry outlets after an agreement is reached
Common reasons series are not renewed
- Ratings decline compared to earlier seasons or cost-prohibitive production budgets
- Creative conclusions to the story or cast moving on to other projects
- Strategic shifts by the network or platform toward new originals
- Unresolved development or production challenges that delay or deter renewal
What to watch for if a season 6 is announced
If a season 6 order were to be announced in the future, key details to look for would include the episode order, confirmed air dates, production start timelines, and official casting announcements. Streaming and cable networks typically provide a clear episode count and broad premiere windows when a renewal is made. Until such information is publicly shared, any discussion of a season 6 remains speculative. Fans should prioritize official sources and trusted outlets that verify announcements with named sources.
Summary and key takeaways
There is currently no season 6 of The Handmaid's Tale announced by Hulu, FX Productions, or the show’s creators. Season 5 stands as the latest concluded season, with no official renewal or development for season 6 confirmed through press releases or credible reports. While speculation about future seasons can arise from cast interviews or industry rumor, those should not be treated as indicators of an active order. When renewal information becomes available, it will be reflected in clear announcements from the network and its partners.