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This bleak and dystopian series follows the story of the Handmaids whose purposes are to serve and breed.
Witness June Osborne’s struggle for liberation and discover where to watch “The Handmaid’s Tale” in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is The Handmaid’s Tale About?
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian television series that adapts the story and themes of the original novel by Canadian writer Margaret Atwood. The series follows the story of a dystopian and patriarchal United States that has subjugated fertile women and subjected them to child-bearing slavery.
Emmy-award-winning actress Elizabeth Moss stars as Offred, one of the many women subjected to servitude under the moniker “Handmaids.” The story is told from Offred’s point of view, detailing her past life and her current oppressive life in a world where women are reduced to objects for propagation.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” premiered on the Hulu streaming platform on April 26, 2017. It is an ongoing series that has spawned five seasons, with a sixth final season on the way. The series has a total of 56 episodes, each with a 41–65-minute runtime.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of The Handmaid’s Tale?
Bruce Miller created “The Handmaid’s Tale” based on the Margaret Atwood novel of the same name. The series is comprised of a talented female ensemble featuring actresses like:
- Elizabeth Moss as June Osborne/ Offred / Ofjoseph
- Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford
- Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia Clements
- Alexis Bledel as Dr. Emily Malek/ Ofglen / Ofsteven / Ofroy / Ofjoseph #1
- Samira Wiley as Moira Strand
- Madeline Brewer as Janine Lindo / Ofwarren / Ofdaniel / Ofhoward / Ofjoseph #3
- O-T Fagbenle as Luke Bankole
- Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence
What is the Rating for The Handmaid’s Tale?
The hit dystopian series is rated 14A in Canada. Viewers who are 14 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult when viewing the series. “The Handmaid’s Tale” contains adult-oriented content, from matured subject matter to graphic depictions of sexual and violent content.
How Many People Watch The Handmaid’s Tale?
The fourth season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” garnered 1.04 billion minutes of streaming when it premiered on Hulu.
How Are the Reviews for The Handmaid’s Tale?
“The Handmaid’s Tale” received widespread acclaim among media publications. The dystopian drama has an 81% metascore and a 7.0 user score on Metacritic. Critics have praised the series’ faithful adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed novel as well as the strong and riveting performances of its cast. Lead actress Elizabeth Moss garnered praises for her compelling performance as June/Offred.
Where to Watch The Handmaid’s Tale in Canada?
You can follow the story of Offred and the Handmaidens on several platforms.
Is The Handmaid’s Tale Available on Streaming?
Hulu
You can stream “The Handmaid’s Tale” via Hulu, but you would need VPN to stream all of Hulu’s content. Hulu offers four subscription plans with a monthly fee. It also offers a student plan with an even cheaper fee of CAD$2.67 a month.
Each plan comes with a 30-day free trial and access to Hulu’s on-demand library. The Disney Bundle Trio, for one, comes with access to other streaming services such as Disney+ and ESPN while the Live TV plan comes with access to 85+ live TV channels.
| Plan | Monthly Fee |
| Hulu | CAD$10.69 |
| Hulu (No Ads) | CAD$20.06 |
| Disney Bundle Trio Basic | CAD$17.38 |
| Disney Bundle Trio Premium | CAD$26.75 |
| Hulu + Live TV | CAD$93.66 |
Amazon Prime Video
You can stream “The Handmaid’s Tale” VPN-free using Amazon Prime Video. Each plan comes with a 1-month free trial, except for the Quebec area. Residents of Quebec may choose to avail themselves of a 2-month trial period for CAD$ 799.
| Plan | Price | Number of Devices |
| Monthly plan | CAD$9.99 | 3 Devices |
| Yearly Plan | CAD$99.00 | 3 Devices |
Crave
You can also stream “The Handmaid’s Tale” via Crave. Users can access and stream all of Crave’s content at any resolution.
| Plan | Price | Number of Devices |
| Monthly Plan | CAD$19.99 | 4 Devices |
| Yearly Plan | CAD$199.90 | 4 Devices |
Is The Handmaid’s Tale Available for Rent?
Google Play Store
You can also purchase “The Handmaid’s Tale” via the Google Play Store, with individual episodes priced at CAD$2.66. Meanwhile, prices vary per season.
VUDU
VUDU offers the complete seasons of “The Handmaid’s Tale” for purchase. As usual, prices vary for specific seasons. Bear in mind that you would need a VPN in order to access VUDU’s content.
Microsoft Play Store
The Microsoft Store offers the complete seasons 1-5 of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” You can stream each episode in either Standard Definition or High Definition. Meanwhile, prices vary per season.
Is The Handmaid’s Tale Available on Cable or Free TV?
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is not currently airing. However, it’s been announced that the final season will premiere on the CTV Drama channel once it comes out. You may choose to binge the earlier seasons on home media via DVD or purchase Blu-Ray copies of the series.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch The Handmaid’s Tale?
It depends on the platform whether a VPN is required for viewing. Streaming platforms like Hulu, as well as VUDU’s VOD services, require a VPN to access their geo-restricted content.
Elizabeth Moss Shines In A Dull and Oppressive World
“The Handmaid’s Tale” presents an engrossing yet haunting take on a dystopian regime — one where women are reduced to breeding stock without any agency or voice. Despite its hopeless premise, Elizabeth Moss’s character and performance serve to bring light into her dark world. You can witness the struggles of the Handmaids via streaming, VOD, cable TV, or home media.
