Viewers ‘sucked in’ to dystopian drama after binge-watching 3-episode premiere

The Testaments is a ten-part spin-off of The Handmaid’s Tale and is based on the book penned by Canadian author Margaret Atwood

V viewers have been binge-watching the first three episodes of The Testaments, the highly anticipated spin-off of hit dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale, which premiered on Disney+ and Hulu on 8 April.

The ten-part sequel series picks up after the events of The Handmaids Tale, which concluded back in May 2025, and is based on the book penned by Margaret Atwood.

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Chase Infiniti plays Agnes

Starring Chase Infiniti and Lucy Halliday, the show follows the story of the next generation coming of age in Gilead. While the new chapter offers a fresh perspective on the dystopian world, it also features some familiar faces in Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia and Elisabeth Moss returning as June Osborne, while also serving as an executive producer.

I’m not surprised The Testaments has proved such a hit with Disney+ and Hulu viewers. The series widens the scope of the story that first captivated audiences, while retaining the same dark, gripping themes that keep viewers on edge.

What is The Testaments about?

Moving the story on from The Handmaid’s Tale, the new series follows a coming-of-age tale of two teens, Agnes and Daisy, in the authoritarian state of Gilead.

The synopsis reads: “The series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders.

“As they navigate the gilded halls of Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives, a place where obedience is instilled brutally and always with divine justification, their bond becomes the catalyst that will upend their past, their present, and their future.”

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Kira Guloien also stars

Who stars in The Testaments?

Chase Infiniti stars as Agnes, while Lucy Halliday plays Daisy and Ann Dowd is Aunt Lydia. They’re joined by Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite, Mattea Conforti as Becka, Amy Seimetz as Paula and Brad Alexander as Garth.

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Ann Dowd returns as Aunt Lydia

Other names include Mabel Li as Aunt Vidala, Zarrin Darnell-Martin as Aunt Gabbana, Eva Foote as Aunt Estee and Isolde Ardies as Hulda. Rounding out the cast are Shechinah Mpumlwana as Jehosheba, Birva Pandya as Miriam and Kira Guloien as Rosa.

What have viewers said about The Testaments?

After the premiere, viewers were quick to take to social media to share their thoughts, especially after a surprise appearance from The Handmaid’s Tale leading actress Elisabeth Moss.

“Binged the first three episodes, soooo good and June!!!! Roll on next weds for episode four!” said one viewer, while another wrote:  “Omg the testaments was so good I have chills. I’m so glad it’s an actual sequel. It’s exactly what I was hoping for. And I was very happy to see certain returning characters…”

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Brad Alexander plays Garth

Meanwhile, a third wrote: “I was totally prepared to see a certain character return, but seeing her appear, I was still amazed. This show is so excellent.”

A fourth added: “I just binged the first three episodes in Australia, I can’t believe June is in it! They said she wouldn’t be! It’s sucked me in totally!”

What have critics said about The Testaments?

The new series has gone down a storm with critics too and has earned an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In its review, Digital Spy wrote: “The Testaments is a perfect retelling that more than lives up to The Handmaid’s Tale’s early seasons,” while The Standard penned: “There’s no case of sequel-itis here. The Testaments feels just as urgent as its predecessor – and just as darkly enjoyable.”

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Will you be tuning in?

Meanwhile, The Independent added: “This is Bridgerton meets Lord of the Flies, a young adult epic for the ages.”

The first three episodes of The Testaments landed on Disney+ and Hulu 8 April, with new episodes airing weekly.