Power, Resistance, and Drama: The Handmaid’s Tale Cast Breakdown
Since its premiere in 2017, The Handmaid’s Tale has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling, striking visuals, and a stellar ensemble cast. Set in the chilling totalitarian society of Gilead, the show tackles themes of freedom, resistance, and survival. At the heart of its success lies the compelling performances by
In this post, we’ll dive into the main cast of The Handmaid’s Tale, explore their roles, and highlight the real people behind these iconic characters.
Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne / Offred
The Leading Lady of Resistance
At the center of The Handmaid’s Tale cast is Elisabeth Moss, portraying the rebellious and resilient June Osborne. Once a free woman, June is now forced into servitude as "Offred." Moss delivers a masterful performance filled with rage, sorrow, and unwavering defiance.
Elisabeth Moss has won several awards for her role, including a Primetime Emmy. Outside Gilead, Moss is known for her roles in Mad Men, Top of the Lake, and
Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford
The Face of Gilead’s Patriarchy
Joseph Fiennes plays Commander Fred Waterford, one of the architects of Gilead and June’s original “owner.” Fiennes captures the character’s chilling duality—charming on the surface but deeply controlling and manipulative underneath.
Fiennes has also starred in acclaimed films like Shakespeare in Love and Enemy at the Gates. His portrayal adds complexity and tension to the Handmaid’s Tale cast.
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
From Power to Powerless
Yvonne Strahovski portrays Serena Joy, Fred’s wife and a conflicted character who helped shape Gilead but suffers under its own rules. Strahovski’s performance brings both cold elegance and emotional vulnerability to the screen.
Previously known for roles in Chuck and Dexter, Strahovski has been praised for her layered and evolving character in The Handmaid’s Tale.
Alexis Bledel as Emily / Ofglen
A Quiet Force of Resistance
Formerly known for Gilmore Girls, Alexis Bledel stuns as Emily, also known as Ofglen. A fellow handmaid and quiet rebel, Emily’s journey is one of survival, pain, and eventual freedom. Her role is powerful and often heart-wrenching.
Bledel won an Emmy for her performance, cementing her place as a standout among the Handmaid’s Tale cast.
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
The Enforcer of Gilead’s Rules
Few characters are as memorable—or terrifying—as Aunt Lydia, played by Ann Dowd. As the primary enforcer of Gilead’s brutal rules for handmaids, Aunt Lydia is both feared and oddly sympathetic at times.
Dowd’s performance is commanding, earning her both an Emmy win and a devoted fanbase. She has also appeared in films like Hereditary and Compliance.
Samira Wiley as Moira Strand
The Voice of Rebellion
Samira Wiley brings strength and heart to Moira, June’s best friend and one of the few who manages to escape Gilead. Moira’s character represents hope and resistance, fighting for justice from the outside.
Wiley, also known for her role in Orange is the New Black, adds depth to the cast of the Handmaid’s Tale with her emotional and inspiring performance.
Max Minghella as Nick Blaine
The Ambiguous Ally
Max Minghella plays Nick Blaine, a driver for the Waterfords and a secret operative in Gilead’s underground resistance, Mayday. His relationship with June is complicated—part romance, part alliance.
Minghella’s quiet intensity has made Nick one of the most intriguing characters in the series. Outside of the show, he’s known for roles in The Social Network and The Internship
Supporting Cast: Expanding Gilead’s World
While the main cast shines, The Handmaid’s Tale is also supported by a talented ensemble that adds richness to its dystopian world:
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Bradley Whitford as Commander Lawrence: A mysterious and morally complex character.
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Amanda Brugel as Rita: A Martha with a quiet strength and crucial role in June’s plans.
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O.T. Fagbenle as Luke: June’s husband, living in Canada and fighting to reunite with her.
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Madeline Brewer as Janine: A fellow handmaid whose tragic arc is filled with trauma and courage.
Together, this group forms one of the most critically acclaimed casts in modern television.
The Legacy of The Handmaid’s Tale Cast
The performances of the Handmaid’s Tale cast have been instrumental in making the show a global phenomenon. They’ve helped bring Margaret Atwood’s terrifying vision to life while grounding it in raw, human emotion.
Each actor has carved out a unique space in the show’s dark yet compelling narrative. Whether portraying pain, power, or rebellion, the cast of The Handmaid’s Tale continues to elevate the series to new heights.
From Elisabeth Moss’s powerful portrayal of June to Ann Dowd’s chilling Aunt Lydia, the Handmaid’s Tale cast brings unmatched depth and complexity to every scene. As we await more from Gilead in potential future seasons, there’s no denying that the performances are a key reason fans remain captivated.
If you’ve yet to experience the gripping world of The Handmaid’s Tale, the incredible cast alone is reason enough to start watching.
What channel is Lions vs. Texans on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch NFL Week 3 preseason game
The Texans (1-1) head north to Ford Field for a Saturday showdown with the Lions (1-2).
Detroit’s preseason ride has been a bit of a roller coaster, dropping games to the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins before squeezing out a shortened win over the Atlanta Falcons.
With the exhibition slate winding down, it’s the last curtain call for Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker to show they’ve got the chops to hold down the No. 2 job behind Jared Goff.
On the flip side, Houston has been walking the middle line this preseason, splitting their first two contests. The Texans did come off a 17-point rout last week, flashing some offensive spark while averaging 15 points per outing through the opening games. Now comes another chance to prove whether that firepower is for real or just a preseason mirage.
Here is everything you need to know about Lions vs. Texans, including TV and streaming options for the preseason game.
What channel is Lions vs. Texans on today?
- Local TV channels:WJBK (FOX/2 - Detroit), KTRK (ABC/13 - Houston)
- Out-of-market TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Fubo
The Lions vs. Texans game during Week 3 of the preseason will not be broadcast nationally. It will only be available on local affiliates.
This also means that live streams are limited to the local areas. Fubo will have a live stream locally.
Fubo carries all the top leagues and teams, plus popular shows, movies and news for the entire household. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Lions vs. Texans start time
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
Lions vs. Texans will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 23. The game will be played at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
Lions vs. Texans radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM channel 226 (Lions broadcast), channel 382 (Texans broadcast)
You can listen to Lions vs. Texans on SiriusXM. Coverage will be available on channel 226 (Lions broadcast) and channel 382 (Texans broadcast)
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Lions preseason schedule 2025
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 31 | Chargers 34, Lions 7 | — | — |
| Aug. 8 | Lions 17, Falcons 10 | — | — |
| Aug. 16 | Dolphins 24, Lions 17 | — | — |
| Aug. 23 | vs. Texans | 1 p.m. | Fox 2 (local), Fubo |
Lions 2025 schedule for regular season
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| 1 | Sept. 7 | at Packers | 4:25 p.m. | CBS, Fubo, Paramount+ |
| 2 | Sept. 14 | vs. Bears | 1 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 3 | Sept. 22 | at Ravens | 8:15 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |
| 4 | Sept. 28 | vs. Browns | 1 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 5 | Oct. 5 | at Bengals | 4:25 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 6 | Oct. 12 | at Chiefs | 8:20 p.m. | NBC, Fubo, Peacock |
| 7 | Oct. 20 | vs. Buccaneers | 7 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, Fubo |
| 8 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 9 | Nov. 2 | vs. Vikings | 1 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 10 | Nov. 9 | at Commanders | 4:25 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 11 | Nov. 16 | at Eagles | 8:20 p.m. | NBC, Fubo, Peacock |
| 12 | Nov. 23 | vs. Giants | 1 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 13 | Nov. 27 | vs. Packers | 1 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 14 | Dec. 4 | vs. Cowboys | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video |
| 15 | Dec. 14 | at Rams | 4:25 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| 16 | Dec. 21 | vs. Steelers | 4:25 p.m. | CBS, Fubo, Paramount+ |
| 17 | Dec. 25 | at Vikings | 4:30 p.m. | Netflix |
| 18 | TBD | at Bears | TBD | TBD |
Texans preseason schedule 2025
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| 1 | Aug. 9 | Vikings 20, Texans 10 | — | — |
| 2 | Aug. 16 | Texans 20, Panthers 3 | — | — |
| 3 | Aug. 23 | at Lions | 1 p.m. | KTRK-TV (ABC), Fubo |
Texans 2025 schedule for regular season
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| 1 | Sunday, Sept. 7 | at Rams | 4:25 p.m. | CBS, Fubo |
| 2 | Monday, Sept. 15 | vs. Buccaneers | 7 p.m. | ESPN/ABC |
| 3 | Sunday, Sept. 21 | at Jaguars | 1 p.m. | CBS, |
| 4 | Sunday, Sept. 28 | vs. Titans | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 5 | Sunday, Oct. 5 | at Ravens | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 6 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 7 | Monday, Oct. 20 | at Seahawks | 10 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| 8 | Sunday, Oct. 26 | vs. 49ers | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 9 | Sunday, Nov. 2 | vs. Broncos | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 10 | Sunday, Nov. 9 | vs. Jaguars | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 11 | Sunday, Nov. 16 | at Titans | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 12 | Thursday, Nov. 20 | vs. Bills | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video |
| 13 | Sunday, Nov. 30 | at Colts | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 14 | Sunday, Dec. 7 | at Chiefs | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 15 | Sunday, Dec. 14 | vs. Cardinals | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 16 | Sunday, Dec. 21 | vs. Raiders | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 17 | Saturday, Dec. 27 | at Chargers | TBD | TBD |
| 18 | Sunday, Jan. 4 | vs. Colts | TBD | TBD |
NFL preseason schedule 2025: Week 3
NFL preseason schedule 2025: Week 3
Thursday, Aug. 21
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Panthers vs. Steelers | 7 p.m. | NFL Network, Fubo |
| Giants vs. Patriots | 8 p.m. | Prime Video |
Friday, Aug. 22
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Jets vs. Eagles | 7:30 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| Cowboys vs. Falcons | 8 p.m. | NFL Network, Fubo |
| Titans vs. Vikings | 8 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+, Fubo |
| Chiefs vs. Bears | 8:20 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
Saturday, Aug. 23
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Commanders vs. Ravens | 12 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| Bengals vs. Colts | 1 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| Browns vs. Rams | 1 p.m. | NFL Network, Fubo |
| Lions vs. Texans | 1 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| Saints vs. Broncos | 1 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| Packers vs. Seahawks | 4 p.m. | NFL Network, Fubo |
| Dolphins vs. Jaguars | 7 p.m. | NFL Network, Fubo |
| Buccaneers vs. Bills | 7:30 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| 49ers vs. Chargers | 8:30 p.m. | Local channels, Fubo |
| Cardinals vs. Raiders | 10 p.m. | NFL Network, Fubo |
