TV series · 2017 · Hulu
Is The Handmaid's Tale based on a book?
Quick answer
Yes. The Handmaid's Tale is based on the book The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985).
The Handmaid's Tale is book 1 of The Handmaid's Tale series.
The TV series premiered in 2017 on Hulu.
The book behind The Handmaid's Tale
The Handmaid's Tale
by Margaret Atwood · first published 1985 · feminist science fiction, social science fiction novel, science fiction
1985 novel by Margaret Atwood.
The Handmaid's Tale: books in order
- The Handmaid's Tale (1985)
- The Testaments (2019) · adapted
Other adaptations of The Handmaid's Tale
- The Handmaid's Tale (film, 1990)
Common questions
Is The Handmaid's Tale based on a book?
Yes. The Handmaid's Tale is based on the book The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985).
Who wrote the book The Handmaid's Tale is based on?
The Handmaid's Tale was written by Margaret Atwood and first published in 1985.
Is The Handmaid's Tale part of a series?
Yes, it is book 1 in The Handmaid's Tale series (2 books listed below in reading order).
Should I read the book before watching?
If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read The Handmaid's Tale before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the TV series.
More screen adaptations of Margaret Atwood's books
- Alias Grace (TV, 2017)
- The Testaments (TV, 2026)