The critically acclaimed new series The Handmaid’s Tale is heading to Australian screens, coming to SBS On Demand this year.

The series, based on the 1985 novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, depicts a dystopian future where women are not allowed to work, read or possess money under a totalitarian Christian fundamentalist government.

Fertile women of The Handmaid’s Tale world are also made to carry the children of male oligarchs in lieu of their barren wives to help repopulate the planet.

The TV adaptation stars Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss as Offred the titular handmaid, Gilmore Girls’ Alexis Bledel, Joseph Fiennes and out actor Samira Wiley as Offred’s openly gay best friend.

The Handmaid’s Tale hits SBS On Demand from July 6.