We've got a new TV obsession and we need to tell you about it.
If, like us, you’re constantly in search of a new show to watch, well we think we might have just the answer you’re looking for.
The Handmaid’s Tale is the Hulu adaption of the Margaret Atwood novel, and we’re completely obsessed.
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of episode seven tomorrow, we only wish we could go back to the beginning and start it all over again.
And if you have yet to enjoy this marvellous show from the beginning, we envy you.
From intense drama to scandalous romance, here are six reasons why
The Handmaid’s Tale should be your next binge.
1. A rather believable existence
Set in a dystopian future where the nation's birth rate is falling dangerously low, the differences to today's society may be stark, but it's not that hard to believe in a world where this could happen. The main character, Offred, explains how they wound up in a future where women don't have any rights, and those who are fertile are forced to carry children for wealthier families, saying:
"When they slaughtered congress, we didn't wake up. When they blamed the terrorists and suspended the Constitution, we didn't wake up then either. They said it would be temporary. Nothing changes instantaneously.
"In a gradually heating bathtub, you'd be boiled to death."
And with that statement we were hooked.
2. Especially in times like these
While this all sounds quite mad and incomprehensible - it's really not. In a time of such political turbulence, it's not impossible to see how things could collapse in such a way.
In America, where the show is set, they seem to have moved backwards on issues like climate change, abortion rights and immigration policy. So a world where people's rights are being taken away to this extreme, isn't a major stretch of the imagination unfortunately.
3. You’ll be completely immersed
If you're looking for some light-hearted, background entertainment - this is not the show for you. This show will have you totally sucked in from the minute you press play, feeling every painful emotion the handmaids do.
The life they live in is so utterly distressing and scary, you can't help but feel something. It's a complete emotional roller coaster, and you're guaranteed to watch it on the edge of your seat (or bed, whatever your viewing preference may be).
4. Super intense romance
So it might sound all doom-and-gloom so far, but in among all the high-intensity drama there are a few really good romances. Whether it be in the present day, before everything went wrong, or in this future world, where sexual intercourse for pleasure is banned - there are definitely a few great couples to root for.
And if you picked up on that whole 'sexual intercourse for pleasure in banned' part - don't worry, there are a few very steamy scenes to enjoy nonetheless.
5. Seriously impressive cast
Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss,
American Horror Story’s Joseph Fiennes,
Chuck’s Yvonne Strahovski,
Gilmore Girls’ Alexis Bledel,
Orange Is The New Black’s Samira Wiley,
The Mindy Project’s Max Minghelle, and
The Leftovers’ Ann Dowd.
Need we say more?
Hands down, this is one of the best casts on TV right now, and that in itself is a great reason to watch.
6. You’ll be hooked from episode one
There are shows we'd call slow starters, there are those that have peaks and valleys.
The Handmaid's Tale is full on, intense drama from the very first scene, and you won't be able to get to the next episode quick enough.
With six episodes already aired, you have nearly six hours of high quality entertainment to enjoy before the next episode is released.
Or, good news for Irish viewers, you can start from the beginning as the show kicks off on Channel 4 this Sunday at 9pm.
