As a self-proclaimed target audience member for The Handmaid’s Tale, with a feminist viewpoint and a deep appreciation for Margaret Atwood’s literary work, and an admiration for Elisabeth Moss, it seemed inevitable that I would become an avid follower of the acclaimed Hulu series. Like many, I was drawn into the dystopian world of Gilead, intrigued by the narrative, the stellar cast, and the show’s cultural impact. If you’re also wondering where to immerse yourself in this compelling, albeit intense, series, you’re in the right place. The Handmaid’s Tale has garnered significant attention, prompting many to ask: where to watch The Handmaid’s Tale?
My journey with The Handmaid’s Tale, however, took an unexpected turn. Despite my initial enthusiasm and the show’s undeniable quality, I found myself stopping at episode seven and struggling to resume watching. This wasn’t due to a lack of appreciation for the show’s merits. In fact, I was captivated by its deviations from the source material, the impeccable casting, and its poignant moments that often overshadowed any shortcomings. The series evoked powerful emotions, bringing me to tears on multiple occasions. By all accounts, I should have been completely engrossed.
Yet, the question lingered: if I was so invested, why did I consciously choose to stop watching and resist returning? The answer, I discovered, lies in the context of the times and the show’s profound emotional weight.
Following the 2016 election, the socio-political landscape felt increasingly fraught. As an emerging activist, my focus shifted towards community organizing, political rallies, protests, and staying informed about the constant stream of news. When The Handmaid’s Tale premiered, I initially embraced it, but soon felt overwhelmed. The series, with its stark portrayal of oppression and societal breakdown, felt too heavy amidst the already turbulent real world. I reasoned that it was simply the wrong time, promising myself to revisit it during the darker, quieter months of fall and winter, traditionally more suited for intense dramas.
However, as the year progressed, the news cycle intensified. The #MeToo movement gained momentum, bringing forth numerous accounts of harassment and abuse, shaking industries and challenging societal norms. Simultaneously, political events continued to unfold, often mirroring the unsettling themes explored in The Handmaid’s Tale.
It was during this period that I attempted to resume watching the series. Yet, after just two more episodes, the emotional burden became too much to bear. While crying can often be cathartic, with The Handmaid’s Tale, it felt different. There was no release, no sense of emotional cleansing. Instead, the pain felt amplified, more palpable, bordering on helplessness and despair.
The show’s premise—a world where women’s rights are systematically剥夺, where sexual violence is rampant, and female agency is disregarded—ceased to be a detached thought experiment. In a reality where numerous women were bravely sharing their experiences of harassment and abuse, and where systemic inequalities were starkly evident, the fictional Gilead resonated uncomfortably close to home. It blurred the lines between dystopian fiction and present-day anxieties.
This realization led me to consciously disengage from the constant influx of news, seeking a media blackout to regain some equilibrium. However, the internal pressure to continue watching The Handmaid’s Tale persisted. It was as if opting out of this culturally significant series felt like a personal failing. There was a sense that to be part of the collective conversation, to empathize with other women’s experiences, I needed to endure the show’s emotional intensity.
Yet, forcing myself to watch The Handmaid’s Tale felt counterproductive. Instead of providing solace or understanding, it exacerbated my sense of unease and darkness. It became clear that for my own well-being, stepping away was necessary. Choosing peace over participation in the prevailing pop culture conversation, however vital that conversation might be, was a conscious and ultimately self-care oriented decision.
Despite my personal choice to discontinue watching, I recognize the immense value and impact of The Handmaid’s Tale. It has undeniably brought Margaret Atwood’s powerful novel to a wider audience, sparking crucial conversations and prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and diverse perspectives. Its cultural significance and artistic merit are undeniable.
For those interested in experiencing this impactful series, The Handmaid’s Tale is primarily available for streaming on Hulu in the United States. Hulu is the original network for the show, and you can find all seasons available there. For viewers in other regions, availability may vary. In Canada, it is available on Crave. In the UK, it can be streamed on All 4. Availability on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Netflix can also depend on your region, so it’s always best to check local listings.
Ultimately, deciding where to watch The Handmaid’s Tale is just the first step. Consider your own emotional state and capacity before diving into this intense and thought-provoking series. While critically acclaimed and culturally significant, it’s also perfectly valid to acknowledge its emotional weight and decide if it aligns with your viewing preferences and needs at a particular time.
