Warning: This article includes SPOILERS for the series finale of The Handmaid's Tale!

Even though Alexis Bledel left the show four years earlier, The Handmaid’s Tale star returned for the finale, and now she’s explaining why. The dystopian story ran for six seasons, coming to a close with the series finale on May 27, 2025. Throughout most of the show's run on Hulu, Alexis Bledel's Emily was a staple of the story.

This made it all the most shocking when Bledel chose to leave The Handmaid's Tale. Narratively, they chalked the decision up to Emily leaving her loved ones in Canada so that she could go back to fight against Gilead – a noble decision that feels perfectly in character.

Although Bledel left after season 4, the OG handmaid returned for the finale of The Handmaid’s Tale, explaining to The Hollywood Reporter the reason why. She said this of her decision to return:

It was an immediate yes. It felt right to bring closure to Emily’s journey and offer the audience a sense of completion. Bruce put together such a kind and talented group, and so many of the original crew were still there in season six. The production runs like a well-oiled machine — everyone brings their best. I’m excited to see what they create in [sequel series] The Testaments.

Ultimately, Bledel's return at the end of The Handmaid's Tale does give the audience a sense of closure, wrapping up Emily's story in a way that recognizes the solemnity of her fight but also remains hopeful. It also provides a little bit of fan service in the process.

What Alexis Bledel's Statement About Returning To The Handmaid's Tale Means

Bledel Clearly Cares About Fans Of The Handmaid's Tale

Although rumors have gone around about the reason why Alexis Bledel left the show, she hasn't directly explained her reason to leave. However, her statement about returning for The Handmaid's Tale's ending proves that it wasn't due to a lack of ion for the story or characters. Bledel cared enough about Emily and the dedicated fanbase to immediately say yes to coming back when the time was right.

Additionally, the decision by the creative team to Hulu's spinoff The Testament, which doesn't have a release date yet but has cast many new actors.

Our Take On Alexis Bledel Returning For The Finale Of The Handmaid's Tale

We Shouldn't Forget Everything Emily & The Handmaid's Tale Have Taught Us

I think the onscreen adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale feels more important than ever, given the state of the world. Both the book and the Hulu original show are one gigantic cautionary tale about what could happen when women’s rights are restricted. As such, I’m sad to see such an important TV show ending. However, I am grateful that they chose to bring back Alexis Bledel’s Emily in the end. She has served as a beacon of empowerment and hope that things can get better, going from a handmaid to a resistance fighter.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Read More:

• "We Really Struggled": The Handmaid's Tale Showrunners Explain The One June Reunion That Couldn't Happen In The Series Finale
• A Good Thing To Hope For": June's Return In The Testaments Addressed By Elisabeth Moss & The Handmaid's Tale Creator
• Taylor Swift's New Taylor's Version Song In The Handmaid's Tale Season 6, Episode 9 Explained By Elisabeth Moss