New Dystopian Thriller Series Officially Proves It's Better Than 'The Handmaid's Tale' on Rotten Tomatoes

Hulu's new The Handmaid's Tale sequel series officially earns a Rotten Tomatoes score that's higher than the original.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hulu's new The Testaments series, a sequel to the acclaimed The Handmaid's Tale, has officially earned a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than the original show. With 84% from critics compared to 83% for The Handmaid's Tale, the new dystopian thriller is proving to be a hit with reviewers ahead of its debut on April 8.

Why it matters

The Handmaid's Tale has been one of the most powerful and acclaimed shows of the past decade, so for its new sequel series to surpass it in critical reception is a significant achievement. This suggests The Testaments may be able to continue the franchise's success and draw in both new and returning viewers with its fresh take on the world of Gilead.

The details

The Testaments, based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name, follows a new generation of young women in the totalitarian society of Gilead as they grapple with the bleak future that awaits them. Starring Chase Infiniti in her breakout role, the series debuts this Wednesday, April 8, with the first three episodes premiering at once.

  • The Testaments debuts on April 8, 2026.
  • The Handmaid's Tale concluded its six-season run in 2025.

The players

The Testaments

Hulu's new dystopian thriller series that serves as a sequel to The Handmaid's Tale.

The Handmaid's Tale

The acclaimed Hulu series based on Margaret Atwood's novel, which ran for six seasons from 2017 to 2025.

Chase Infiniti

The rising young actor starring in the lead role of Agnes in The Testaments.

Margaret Atwood

The acclaimed Canadian author whose novels The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments serve as the basis for the two Hulu series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Although any prior knowledge (even if it's just from Atwood's book) is helpful, Hulu's new series is still easy to follow for those going in without a rewatch. It's engaging from beginning to end, features strong performances worthy of awards recognition, and brings a fresh spin to the coming-of-age genre.”

— Isabella Soares, Collider Critic

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in on April 8 to see if The Testaments can live up to the critical hype and continue the legacy of The Handmaid's Tale.

The takeaway

The strong early reviews for The Testaments suggest Hulu has another hit dystopian drama on its hands, one that could potentially surpass the acclaim of the original series and draw in both new and returning viewers to the world of Gilead.