If dystopian futures are your jam, then The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 is something you’ll want to tune straight into. This is the final season, and there are sure to be many questions about who will make it out alive. The biggest question is whether this is something to watch with the kids around.
The series initially began based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood. We learn about the creation of Gilead via the words of June, who is known as Offred in this world. She is a Handmaid, and her biggest duty is to get pregnant by the Commander who is her master. Yes, the men own their women in this world.
Over the course of the series, people have managed to escape Gilead, but there has been a push to get people to come back. The world is struggling to handle the refugees coming out of the country, and some people agree with the way things are done. This final season sees a final push for a rebellion, but with The Testaments also on its way, there’s a hint that the rebellion won’t work. This time.
The Handmaid’s Tale parents guide: This series is TV-MA for many good reasons
Hulu has officially set a TV-MA rating for the series. It’s a rating matched in the majority of countries, making it clear that this series is aimed at those 18 and above. However, some older teens close to adulthood may be able to handle the material, especially if The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is compulsory reading in their school.
Sex & nudity: There are many scenes, especially in the earlier season, that involve sex and nudity. In one scene, we see the “ritual” that is performed once a month, which is when the Commanders, their Wives, and the Handmaid’s take part to make a Handmaid pregnant. There is no nudity, but it’s very clear what the Commander is doing.
Violence & gore: The series gets extremely violent, showing us hangings, torture, fight scenes, and shocking brutality. There is one moment in the first season where a Handmaid is driven away and she can watch as her lover is hanged. All of that is shown on-screen.
The first three episodes of season 6 haven’t been overly gory on the screen. There is a moment where two people are killed off-screen and you hear the gunshots. The worst is possible the attack on a train, but characters are rushed out for protection. Earlier seasons are much gorier, and we’re sure to get even gorier as the final season goes on and the rebellion starts.
Language: This series does not shy away from profanity. The F-bomb is dropped routinely, but it is not the harshest word used. There are regular uses of the W and C words, especially by women and aimed at other women. They are used in derogatory ways, including in the first episode of season 6.
Alcohol & drugs: Various characters drink alcohol and smoke throughout the series. This is not in excess for the most part, but there are a few scenes in a place called Jezebels where there is more of a gratuitous use. It’s in Jezebels where drugs can be seen being used as well.
There are times that people are drugged with pharmaceutical drugs to get them under control and be able to move them around. However, this is nothing compared to the violent and psychological ways to get people to comply.
Overall verdict: Who is The Handmaid’s Tale appropriate for?
Overall, this is a series that isn’t made for children, and there are a lot of heavy topics that would be uncomfortable for them to watch. It’s not even something I could see younger teens finding comfortable viewing, as it works more as a PSA rather than entertainment.
However, this could be a powerful series to watch with older teens, especially if they are reading the book. The show brings up a lot of important topics connected to today’s world, and with The Testaments also in the works, it’s clear that the topics of discussion will continue.
The Handmaid’s Tale is available to stream on Hulu.