Why Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale Must Watch Elisabeth Moss in Shining Girls

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After wrapping up six gripping seasons of “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu, fans eager for more of Elisabeth Moss’ mesmerizing portrayal will have to wait until 2026 when the sequel series, “The Testaments,” is scheduled to premiere. However, fear not, as there are other platforms where you can witness Moss’ exceptional acting prowess. Moss has brought June Osborne to life in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a role that consistently surpasses the high bar set by Margaret Atwood’s original novel with her powerful performances.

Indeed, Moss’ acting abilities have propelled her from her early television voice acting roles in the ’90s to a highly esteemed position among contemporary TV actors today. Notably, during the gap between seasons 4 and 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale, she featured in another science-fiction thriller streaming on Apple TV+. As we eagerly anticipate The Testaments, this production from 2021 is certainly a must-see for fans.

Fans Of The Handmaid’s Tale Should Check Out Elisabeth Moss In Apple TV+’s Shining Girls

Filmed Between Seasons 4 And 5 Of The Handmaid’s Tale, Shining Girls Shows Off Moss’ Talents

If you’ve enjoyed “The Handmaid’s Tale” over the last 8 years, you might find Apple TV+’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “Shining Girls,” a good fit while waiting for “The Testaments.” In Shining Girls, Moss plays Kirby Mazrachi, an archivist at the Chicago Sun-Times. The series follows Kirby as she investigates her own attempted murder and discovers a series of similar murders that span decades. Although “Shining Girls” is set in 1990s Chicago while “The Handmaid’s Tale” takes place in the dystopian future of Gilead, both characters share many similarities.

In ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, the characters portrayed by Moss endure appalling violence at the hands of men who consider themselves just, yet they rise above their circumstances and stand up for themselves. Similarly, in ‘Shining Girls’, Moss exhibits an equally unyielding spirit, demonstrating that she’s at her finest in this production. Essentially, ‘Shining Girls’ highlights Moss’s exceptional talent, making it a remarkable addition to her acting portfolio.

In the world of captivating television, I can’t help but admire Elisabeth Moss. Not only does she deliver an outstanding performance in Shining Girls, but she also donned the director’s hat for two of its eight episodes. This makes Shining Girls one of only two productions where Moss holds a director credit, with the other being ten episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale. Interestingly, she also served as a producer on both Shining Girls and The Handmaid’s Tale, and will be an executive producer for The Testaments. With Shining Girls showcasing Moss’ multi-faceted talent, it truly stands as a compelling follow-up for fans who were enthralled by The Handmaid’s Tale.

Why Shining Girls Is Worth Watching On Apple TV+

Above Moss’s Talents, Shining Girls Is A Great Show

Apart from being captivated by The Handmaid’s Tale, Shining Girls is still a compelling series to watch. Starring alongside Moss are Wagner Moura, known for his role as Pablo Escobar in Narcos on Netflix, and Phillipa Soo, who originated the role of Eliza Hamilton in the popular Broadway musical Hamilton. Each actor delivers exceptional performances, making every moment of Shining Girls stand out on Apple TV+. The narrative unfolds at a consistent pace, with no episodes falling short of impressing viewers.

In discussing the series “Shining Girls,” I’d rather not spoil the mystery for potential viewers. However, what sets this show apart is its incorporation of science-fiction elements, which significantly enhances the narrative. Similar to “The Handmaid’s Tale” and its sequel “The Testaments,” “Shining Girls” is an adaptation from a novel – in this case, by Lauren Beukes. These literary aspects beautifully tie together the series throughout its single season run. Although it doesn’t replace the dystopia of Gilead and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Shining Girls” offers a captivating storyline that delivers on all counts.

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2025-06-07 12:28