10 Best Shows Like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ You Need to Watch Next

If you’re hooked on the dark, gripping world of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ you’re not alone. We all crave that mix of tension, strong characters, and a story that makes you think long after the credits roll. There’s something about a show that pulls you into a twisted reality and keeps you on edge, rooting for the underdog. Plenty of fans out there are chasing that same vibe, and I’ve got you covered with some of the best shows like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ tailored for your next watch.
There are other shows out there ready to grab your attention with their own takes on tough societies, fierce women, and battles against control. I’ve dug around to find the best ones that echo that chilling yet inspiring feel we love. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through ten shows worth your time.
‘Alias Grace’ (2017)
This miniseries takes us back to 19th-century Canada, where Grace Marks, a young maid, is locked up for murdering her employer. A doctor digs into her foggy memory to figure out if she’s guilty or just caught in a bad spot. It’s a slow burn, packed with mystery and quiet strength, starring Sarah Gadon as Grace.
What ties it to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is the way it tackles women trapped by a harsh system. Like June, Grace faces a world that judges her body and choices, with both stories penned by Margaret Atwood. The vibe of powerlessness turning into defiance feels familiar and raw.
‘The Man in the High Castle’ (2015-2019)
Imagine a 1960s America where the Axis powers won World War II. This show follows people living under Nazi and Japanese rule, some fighting back, others just trying to survive. Rufus Sewell plays a chilling Nazi officer, while Alexa Davalos leads the resistance.
It’s got that same heavy, oppressive air as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Both throw you into a warped version of the U.S., where freedom’s a dream and rebellion’s the only hope. The stakes feel huge, and the characters’ struggles hit close to home.
‘Black Mirror’ (2011-present)
This anthology drops a new twisted tale each episode, usually about tech gone wrong. From killer robot dogs to mind-controlling apps, it’s dark and unpredictable, with stars like Bryce Dallas Howard popping in. Every story stands alone, so you can jump in anywhere.
The link to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is the grim look at control. Gilead uses religion, while ‘Black Mirror’ uses gadgets, but both show societies where people lose themselves. The eerie, thought-provoking feel keeps you hooked, just like June’s world.
‘The Leftovers’ (2014-2017)
After 2% of the world vanishes in a blink, this show tracks the survivors—like Justin Theroux’s cop and Carrie Coon’s grieving mom—as they deal with cults, loss, and a search for meaning. It’s weird, sad, and oddly beautiful.
It shares that sense of a broken world with ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Both dig into how people cope when everything’s stripped away—faith, family, or rights. Ann Dowd, our Aunt Lydia, even shows up here, bringing her intense energy.
‘Harlots’ (2017-2019)
Set in 18th-century London, this drama follows brothel owners like Samantha Morton’s Margaret Wells, battling rivals and society for power. It’s gritty, full of schemes, and shows women making their own rules in a man’s game.
Like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ it’s about women pushing back against a system that owns them. The handmaids serve commanders, while these women navigate clients—both are trapped, yet fighting. The sharp female focus and defiance make it a close cousin.
‘The Americans’ (2013-2018)
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play Soviet spies posing as a normal American couple in the ‘80s. They juggle secret missions, family life, and a growing sense of doubt about their cause. It’s tense and personal.
The connection to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ lies in the quiet rebellion. June undermines Gilead from within, just like these spies chip away at the U.S. Both blend danger with everyday life, showing how far people bend under pressure.
‘Yellowjackets’ (2021-present)
A girls’ soccer team crashes in the wilderness in the ‘90s, and we see them survive—then flash forward to their haunted adult lives. Melanie Lynskey and Christina Ricci lead the grown-up cast, unraveling past secrets.
It mirrors ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ with its fierce women facing brutal odds. The survival stakes and trauma that linger feel akin to June’s journey. Both weave past and present, showing how the fight shapes you forever.
‘Mrs. America’ (2020)
This miniseries dives into the 1970s fight over the Equal Rights Amendment. Cate Blanchett plays anti-feminist Phyllis Schlafly, clashing with feminists like Rose Byrne’s Gloria Steinem. It’s real history, dramatized sharp.
Think of Serena Joy’s twisted role in Gilead—here, Schlafly’s the flip side, enforcing limits on women. Both ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and this explore how power over women’s lives gets fought over, with complex characters on every side.
‘Colony’ (2016-2018)
Aliens have taken over Earth, and Josh Holloway’s ex-FBI agent lives in a locked-down L.A. with his family. Some resist, some collaborate, and the truth about the invaders unfolds slowly.
It’s got that dystopian grip like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Both show families torn by occupation—Gilead’s commanders or alien proxies. The mix of resistance and betrayal in a crushed world feels right in step with June’s story.
‘Station Eleven’ (2021-2022)
A flu wipes out most of humanity, and survivors—like Mackenzie Davis’s actress—build a new life tied to art and memory. It jumps between the collapse and 20 years later, blending hope with loss.
The wrecked society echoes Gilead’s fall in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Both focus on rebuilding after chaos, with strong women leading the way. The quiet resilience and haunting past make it a perfect follow-up watch.