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Jun 17, 2026 Major2
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Alias Grace: The Acclaimed Margaret Atwood Adaptation Streaming on Netflix That Handmaid's Tale Fans Should Watch
Alias Grace, a six-episode Canadian miniseries based on Margaret Atwood's 1996 novel, is streaming on Netflix. It fictionalises the 1843 murders in Canada West and follows convicted murderer Grace Marks. The series has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score and is recommended for fans of The Handmaid's Tale.
Quick Facts
Who
Margaret Atwood
What
Alias Grace miniseries streaming on Netflix
When
2026-06-17
Where
Netflix
- Alias Grace miniseries streaming on Netflix
- Based on Margaret Atwood's 1996 novel
- Fictionalises 1843 murders in Canada West
- Follows Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant convicted of murder
- Rated 99% on Rotten Tomatoes
Fans of the critically acclaimed series The Handmaid's Tale who are looking for more from author Margaret Atwood are in luck: the Canadian miniseries Alias Grace, based on Atwood's 1996 historical fiction novel, is available to stream on Netflix. While the dystopian Handmaid's Tale concluded in 2025, this six-episode period drama offers a darker, true-crime-inspired narrative that has earned a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Alias Grace first aired on CBC on September 25, 2017, and arrived on Netflix in November of that year. Despite its critical success, it may have gone unnoticed by some viewers. The series fictionalises the notorious 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Canada West. Kinnear's servants, James McDermott and Grace Marks, were convicted of the killings—McDermott was hanged, and Marks was sentenced to life imprisonment.
The story follows Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant in Canada, who is convicted of murder. When a psychiatrist, Dr. Simon Jordan—a fictional character created by Atwood—is assigned to evaluate her mental state, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her and her perception of events. The series explores themes of memory, guilt, and the role of women under patriarchy.
Critics have praised Alias Grace for its intelligent storytelling and refusal to rely on typical costume-drama tropes. One reviewer noted, "The real power of the book and the Netflix series lies in the exploration of what it means to be a woman under the patriarchy." Another called it "a beautiful piece of work... a narrative about women, made by women." The series is streaming on Netflix now.
Topics
Why This Matters
For fans of Margaret Atwood and The Handmaid's Tale, Alias Grace provides another rich, feminist examination of women's roles under patriarchy, but in a historical true-crime setting. It's available now on Netflix, making it easy to watch after the conclusion of The Handmaid's Tale. The series offers a compelling narrative that explores memory, guilt, and trauma, and its critical acclaim (99% Rotten Tomatoes) suggests a high-quality viewing experience.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1843
WireMurders of Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery in Canada West
Jan 1, 1996
WireMargaret Atwood publishes novel Alias Grace
Sep 25, 2017
WireAlias Grace miniseries first airs on CBC
Jan 1, 2025
WireThe Handmaid's Tale concludes its run
Jun 17, 2026
WireArticles promoting Alias Grace on Netflix published