The Handmaid’s Tale: Elisabeth Moss to Direct 4 Episodes, Including Series Finale, in ‘Very Surprising’ Final Season (Exclusive)
The Handmaid’s Tale star Elisabeth Moss once more will have a prominent place behind the camera, too, in her show’s final season.
The Emmy winner, who also is a Handmaid’s executive producer, will direct four episodes of the Hulu series’ upcoming Season 6, Moss tells TVLine exclusively.
“It’s pretty wild, the final season, honestly,” she says. “It definitely has final-season energy.”
She adds: “It’s big and wild, and goes to many different places, and it is very, very surprising all the way through.”
Moss will helm the series premiere and Episode 2, as well as the penultimate episode and the series finale. Production is slated to begin this summer.
The Handsmaid’s Tale was renewed in September 2022, just ahead of its Season 5 premiere. EPs Yahlin Chang and Eric Tuchman will serve as co-showrunners for the final run of episodes, replacing Bruce Miller, who oversaw Seasons 1 through 5. Meanwhile, Miller will be busy heading up The Testaments, a Handmaid’s Tale spinoff based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel that is in active development at the streamer.
Season 6 is expected to stream on Hulu in 2025.
Moss previously directed three Season 4 episodes and three in Season 5, including the finale in which June and Luke were separated at a train station full of Gilead refugees.
This time around, “I think for us, the most exciting and rewarding thing is that we feel we’re making this for the fans,” she says. “I get it: Five years of having to put up with some pretty dark stuff, and everyone has been very, very brave.”
But the viewers who have endured June’s devastating losses alongside her will be rewarded for their fortitude. “I feel like this season, we’re giving it back to the audience,” Moss says. “We definitely really have our eye on that, making sure that it does feel rewarding and satisfying for the fans and like what we would want to watch, you know, as fans of the show.”
She adds: “But it’s big, I’m not gonna lie,” she says, laughing. “It’s definitely not a smaller season.”
Are you planning to watch The Handmaid’s Tale’s final season? Hit the comments with your thoughts!
I am a huge handmaids fan but really disappointed that there only getting to this last season now. WTF I thought it was done and I am pretty positive I am not alone.
I just want to see how this ends and we have been very patient waiting, thinking it was done and ready for release any day now 😩🤬🥲
I love the show. I sure wish it didnt take years for new seasons to air, tho!
Lois, there were months long strikes by actors and writers that prevented the start of production. All good things come to those who wait.
There was a strike. Both of writers and actors. And then the star and executive producer of the show got pregnant. It’s unfortunate it had to be delayed, but it happens. Be grateful we’re getting a final season. This is a first world problem.
I do hope June ends up with Luke, considering he waited for her for 7 years. Considering Nick was an eye who murdered Anericans!!
a 3 year wait between seasons is ridiculous
Wouldn’t muss it!
Yes wish they would play it before election
I have been waiting with baited breath. This is the best television I have seen in my 72 years.
It is sad to see one of the best shows on TV I guess all good things must come to a end
Yessss!!! Totally agree!!!
I hate that such an important show is led by a member of a cult that abuses women.
100%. It’s really sad.
Who cares sorta forgot about this show. After all it’s been over 2 years by the time it comes back it will be 3…
Absolutely will be viewing Season 6, the finale and Testaments.
JJ, please try to remember that the problem (for the most part) with Scientology is the leaders and SeaOrg folks.Elisabeth was born into it, and thats not her fault. Scientology is AWFUL and ABUSIVE…..but it’s not because of the parishioners. Just a different perspective.
So do Muslims and Christians
I can’t wait!
I can’t wait.. I’m making sure I tune in.. I like to be 2 episodes behind so, take y’all time.
Yes!!!I can’t wait!
Can’t wait for the final season ! It is bittersweet sweet because I don’t want it to end .
Yes yes, can’t wait to see final!
You bet l can’t wait!!!
O my gosh, I can’t wait!!! Super sad it’s the last season though 😢
Can’t wait!!!!
What a great surprise, one more season!
Hurray, Thought the story had come to an abrupt end with no closure!👍
Can’t wait to watch season 6! But when is season 6 finally coming out?
So thrilling but she will be going back for her daughter. She has spit fire! I loved Nick but Mr Lawrence not sure of now. Sarena has a new life will be interesting wont miss this ending series!!!
I cant wait. Best series ever!
Yes looking forward to it
Yes I plan to watch. I ‘ve watched this far so I will watch the finale. Some people I have talked to has lost interest because it has been so long since the last season..
Can you tell us when the next one will come out?
Love the show. Awesome actors, great acting. 3 years til last and final season 6 and hate to see this show go.
We have waited so long, we are excited and so ready!! From Joplin MO
Oh yes most definitely. Elizabeth Moss is such a great actress. Can’t wait for the finale. And her directing it is awesome.
Absolutely, my hubby and I will be front and center for the final episode. We binged the Handmaids Tale for a month to catch up on what we missed out on. Such a great series..,,Thank you Elizabeth Moss!!
He’ll yes, since Atwood psychically called the theocratic taking over of America 30+ years ago. Cannot wait for The Testaments, too. Both are GREAT books & think that Moss is a divine director. Het S 5 finale was velvet on a wet cliff, in the pensive danger for Luke, the Mom’s and the subtlety as the train pulls out. Brilliant.
It’s been so long waiting for the last season, I don’t care about it.
Your loss