'The Handmaid's Tale' sequel premieres this week on Disney+ and Hulu

The world of "The Handmaid’s Tale" returns, this time through the eyes of June’s daughter. “The Testaments,” the sequel series based on Margaret Atwood's novel, premieres Aug. 8 on Hulu and Disney+, according to Disney.

Set years after the original series, the drama follows Agnes, June’s daughter, and a mysterious newcomer named Daisy as they come of age inside Gilead's authoritarian regime.

Disney describes the drama as a coming‑of‑age story in which the girls attend Aunt Lydia’s school for future wives and begin to reckon with what loyalty, survival and resistance really mean.

Bruce Miller created the MGM Television series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Elisabeth Moss, who starred as June in "The Handmaid's Tale" and Warren Littlefield are among the executive producers returning from the original series.

Here’s when “The Testaments” premieres, how to watch it, and who stars in the new show.

When can I watch?

"The Testaments" is a 10-episode Hulu Original TV series that will stream exclusively on Hulu and Disney+ for U.S. bundle subscribers beginning on April 8, Disney confirmed to USA TODAY.

Episodes will drop at 12 a.m. ET / 9 p.m. PT on both platforms. Viewers will be able to watch three episodes on premiere day, followed by weekly episode releases.

Disney said the official hashtag for the series — and its viewers — will be #TheTestaments.

Who’s starring in the new series?

The show stars Ann Dowd, reprising her role as Aunt Lydia from “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Other actors include:

• Hattie Kragten (“The Next Step”) as Constance
• Zarrin Darnell-Martin (“Ginny & Georgia”) as Aunt Gabbana
• Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”) as Agnes
• Lucy Halliday (“Blue Jean”) as Daisy
• Brad Alexander (“You") as Garth
• Rowan Blanchard (“Girls Meets World”) as Shunammite
• Mattea Conforti (“Power”) as Becka
• Eva Foote (“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”) as Aunt Estee
• Isolde Ardies (“Murdoch Mysteries”) as Hulda
• Shechinah Mpumlwana (“Lyla in the Loop”)
• Birva Pandya (“The Institute”)
• Kira Guloien (“56 Days”)

Watch ‘The Testaments’ trailer

In the show's trailer, Agnes remembered what it was like growing up in Gilead after handmaids, marthas, and other challengers revolted against the nation's leaders.

"Back then, we still believed in this world,” Agnes said in the trailer. “I guess it's easier to accept a story than believe that the people around you are monsters."

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected].