New research shows over half of Brits (56%) feel closer to a dystopian future now than ever before. Ahead of the finale of The Handmaid’s Tale launching on Channel 4, thirty handmaids stand in solemn unity on the steps of Battersea Town Hall (now Battersea Arts Centre), a historic site of the Suffrage movement and the pivotal passing of the People’s Representation Act (1918) – ahead of marching across London.

The thought-provoking and haunting image of the handmaids standing on the steps where history was made, stating their presence, foreshadows the expected finale. Season 6 of the dystopian drama sees the handmaids, previously known as symbols of oppression, speak up against the dictatorial misogynistic regime of Gilead. The fierce uprising in the series mirrors the extreme tactics used by the suffragettes as they battled for basic women’s rights in a society that wanted them silenced.

The research commissioned by Channel 4, also reveals three quarters of Brits (76%) believe there is no better time to speak up and discuss the real-world issues all women still face today. Especially as a further 47% do not believe women’s rights are being protected in today’s political climate.

In fact, more than half of Brits 56% are concerned that our current global political climate closely mirrors the challenges faced in The Handmaid’s Tale, with over a third (36%) recognising the need to stand shoulder to shoulder and protest against the patriarchy.

In reality, six in ten (59%) say women’s rights have not progressed as expected by 2025. Trump’s presidency (52%), the rising violence against women (45%) and Andrew Tate’s online rhetoric (33%) have contributed to Brits’ unease and uncertainty about their place in society – motivating 55% to act now and safeguard their future.

Amber Kirby, Director of Marketing at Channel 4, said: “This groundbreaking series has captivated audiences around the world, and we are really proud to showcase the final season ‘The Revolution is here’ on Channel 4. This final season 6 shifts focus to the Handmaids rising up as one, taking back control and rallying against oppression, which provides a satisfying conclusion and opens up vital conversations about the real-life challenges all women face today.”

In the sixth season of The Handmaid’s Tale, which stars Elisabeth Moss as June, Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford and Bradley Whitford as Commander Lawrence, June’s unyielding spirit and determination pull her back into the fight to take down Gilead. This final chapter of June’s journey highlights the importance of hope, courage, solidarity, and resilience in the pursuit of justice and freedom.

The research equally identifies the necessary acts of courage and hope to prevent this imminent reality, with half of Brits (51%) agreeing the solution is more men supporting all women; women actively voicing and sharing their experiences (47%); early education in schools (46%) and a focus on female leaders in power (32%) would create the much-needed change and solidify the protection of women’s rights.

Moreover, many are taking proactive steps to ease some of the anxieties of a looming dystopia. Whilst 46% are closely monitoring the news, 30% are reflecting more on women’s rights, and 26% are educating themselves on ways to offer support.

The final season is set to leave a lasting impact, with nearly half of Brits (48%) believing it will inspire women to stand up for their rights. The series has already shaped perspectives, with 40% saying it influenced their views on feminism and reproductive rights, and a resounding 65% admitting it opened their eyes to what is really happening in the world.
45% of Brits believe the show will impact viewers to change their thinking and have open conversations about upholding the rights of all women, and for many (30%), the series will be remembered in television history for capturing the zeitgeist of its time.

Watch or stream The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 on Channel 4 from Saturday 3rd May.