The Testaments, a new original series on Disney+, expands the universe of The Handmaid’s Tale. Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel, which won the Booker Prize, this new show is developed by Bruce Miller, who also serves as showrunner for the original series. Meant to be a direct sequel, it will premiere on Disney+ on April 8, 2026, with three episodes available at launch and one new episode released weekly afterward.
Set several years after the events of Gilead depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale, the series shifts focus by exploring a new generation of young women born under the theocratic regime. Unlike the Handmaids, who remember life before, these teenagers have grown up in a society where the strict rules imposed by Gilead are simply the way of life.
The story focuses primarily on Agnes, a devout and disciplined student, and Daisy, a newcomer who gradually uncovers the relentless rules of this society. Both find themselves at an institution led by Aunt Lydia, where indoctrination and authoritarian control underpin their education. Their encounter acts as a catalyst, challenging their beliefs and the very foundations of the system itself.
The Testaments
Already unveiled at CCXP in Brazil, the series stays true to the visual and thematic universe crafted by Margaret Atwood. The initial footage reaffirms Gilead’s signature aesthetic, while shifting the focus of the story toward issues of ideological legacy, transmission, and indoctrination.
The cast features Ann Dowd, reprising her role as Aunt Lydia, alongside Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, and Birva Pandya. This ensemble highlights a new generation of actresses, at the center of a storyline crafted as a narrative passing of the torch within the world of Gilead.
Following directly on from The Handmaid’s Tale, the series continues to explore Margaret Atwood’s core themes: social control, collective memory, and lasting resistance. While the original series depicted the brutal rise of an authoritarian regime, this latest chapter examines how an oppressive society shapes those who grow up within it.
The Testaments
Series | 2026
Season 1 premieres on Disney+ on April 8, 2026
Drama, science fiction | About 60-minute episodes
Created by Bruce Miller | Starring Ann Dowd, Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday
Original title: The Testaments
Country of origin: United States
The Testaments
With The Testaments, Disney+ continues its deep dive into the world of Gilead, shifting the focus to a new generation grappling with the legacy left by the regime. This direct sequel broadens the story’s scope by exploring themes of power transfer, memory, and forms of rebellion within an authoritarian system.
For more options, check out our latest picks: the Disney+ releases for April, our comprehensive guide to new streaming premieres across all platforms, and today’s top recommendations in What to watch today in streaming.
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