The world of Gilead expands with The Testaments, a television follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel. The new series launches its first three episodes on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on April 8, with additional episodes released weekly through the season finale on May 27. This introduction explains the show’s premise, the main cast and practical streaming options — including bundles and trials — so readers can plan their viewing without surprises.
When and how the episodes arrive
On April 8 the platform will publish the initial three episodes at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET, then continue to roll out the remaining seven installments on a weekly schedule until the season concludes on May 27. The season comprises 10 episodes in total, making it a limited but concentrated arc. The adaptation relocates the narrative a few years after the events of the earlier series, centering on new and returning perspectives inside Gilead while keeping the original’s political intensity and moral questions intact.
Who’s behind the cameras and on screen
The show reunites several creative leads and reintroduces famous characters. Bruce Miller returns as showrunner and executive producer, and Elisabeth Moss remains attached as an executive producer from the original series. Ann Dowd reprises the role of Aunt Lydia, now shown supervising a school for the children of Gilead’s elite. The ensemble cast also includes Chase Infiniti, Rowan Blanchard, Hattie Kragten, Zarrin Darnell-Martin and Mattea Conforti, portraying a mix of youthful protagonists and established figures. The series reframes the story as a coming-of-age narrative for characters such as Agnes (June’s daughter) and Daisy, who must navigate loyalty, survival and resistance under the regime.
Plot focus and adaptation choices
While the television series is rooted in Margaret Atwood’s book, the timing and emphasis differ: the show’s timeline sets the action roughly four to five years after the Handmaid’s Tale finale rather than the longer gap described in the novel. This shift gives the writers room to create fresh conflicts and to explore institutions like the school overseen by Aunt Lydia. The adaptation leans into the psychological and societal mechanics of Gilead, using character-driven scenes to examine trust, indoctrination and quiet rebellion. Viewers should expect a blend of political drama and personal storytelling.
Where to stream and ways to save
The series streams exclusively on Hulu and on Hulu on Disney+ for subscribers who access both services through the bundle. For cost-conscious viewers there are a few practical options. New users often qualify for a 30-day free trial of Hulu’s ad-supported base plan, which can cover the premiere window. Alternatively, the combined Disney+ and Hulu bundle starts at $12.99 per month, a notable value compared with subscribing to each service separately at standard price points of $11.99 per month each. The bundle effectively reduces the combined monthly cost by nearly half relative to paying for both plans independently.
Other package routes
If you prefer a broader channel lineup, some pay-TV packages include both streaming platforms. For example, DirecTV’s MyEntertainment Genre Pack bundles Hulu, Disney+ and other services and currently offers a five-day free trial. After the trial, that bundle can be accessed as part of a package starting around $34.99 per month, depending on the specific plan and add-ons. These options can be useful for viewers who want additional channels or streaming services in one monthly payment rather than managing multiple accounts.
Ultimately, whether you sign up for a trial, pick the standalone Hulu plan, or choose the Disney+ bundle, early planning lets you watch The Testaments from the premiere on April 8 without missing the first three episodes. The series promises a focused ten-episode run that expands the Handmaid’s Tale universe while standing on its own, and the variety of subscription choices means most viewers can find a practical and economical way to tune in.