Hulu's 'The Testaments' Expands 'The Handmaid's Tale' Universe

The new sequel series connects to the original show in surprising ways, from Agnes's identity to Aunt Lydia's role.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Hulu's new sequel series 'The Testaments' takes place a few years after the events of 'The Handmaid's Tale,' following two teenage girls, Agnes and Daisy, as they navigate life in the oppressive Gilead regime. While the show features new characters, it also connects to the original series in key ways, including the return of Aunt Lydia and a brief appearance by June Osborne.

Why it matters

The Testaments' expansion of The Handmaid's Tale universe allows the story to explore new perspectives and generations impacted by Gilead's totalitarian control, while also providing closure and continuity for longtime fans of the original series.

The details

The Testaments follows Agnes, who is revealed to be June's older daughter Hannah, and Daisy, a Canadian teenager who is secretly working with the Mayday resistance. Together, they attend Aunt Lydia's elite academy for girls in Gilead. Meanwhile, June is still in Canada, working to reunite with her younger daughter Nichole and continue the fight against Gilead. Aunt Lydia, once a true believer in Gilead's ideology, has become disillusioned and is secretly aiding the resistance from within.

  • The Testaments is set around 3-4 years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale.
  • The Handmaid's Tale series finale aired in 2022.

The players

Agnes

June's older daughter, Hannah, who was renamed and raised within Gilead.

Daisy

A teenager from Toronto, Canada, who goes undercover in Gilead as a spy for the Mayday resistance.

Aunt Lydia

A key figure in Gilead who has become disillusioned with the regime and is secretly aiding the resistance.

June Osborne

The protagonist of The Handmaid's Tale, who makes a brief appearance in The Testaments as she continues her fight against Gilead from Canada.

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What they’re saying

“Lydia had time between The Handmaid's Tale and the beginning of The Testaments to really change and accept that she had to change who she is. So we see a different side of Lydia—a softer and gentler person dealing with younger girls, still the girls that she loves who have always defined her life.”

— Ann Dowd, Actress

“I think in some ways, June is such an anchor for the character of Agnes that I don't think you could have the story without June, even if there was no Handmaid's Tale. Elisabeth Moss has been our creative partner since the very, very beginning, and in every way. So I think that having her as an executive producer, you feel the presence of June all the time.”

— Bruce Miller, Showrunner

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to The Testaments to see how June's continued fight against Gilead, Aunt Lydia's evolving role, and the journeys of Agnes and Daisy all intersect.

The takeaway

The Testaments expands the world of The Handmaid's Tale in compelling ways, allowing the story to explore new perspectives and generations impacted by Gilead's oppressive regime while also providing closure and continuity for longtime fans of the original series.