Elisabeth Moss, the star and executive producer of "The Handmaid's Tale," recently revealed the story behind how she secured Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" for the show's sixth season. The song, a re-recording from Swift's "Reputation" album, was featured in episode 9, titled "Execution," which aired in May 2025. The episode showcased a pivotal moment where June Osborne, played by Moss, leads the handmaids in an uprising against the Commanders.

Moss, a self-proclaimed "Swiftie," had long desired to include a Taylor Swift song in "The Handmaid's Tale." She felt that "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" was the perfect fit for the scene, describing it as a "perfect song for a more perfect moment." To obtain permission from Swift, Moss penned a heartfelt letter explaining the song's significance to the episode and how much Swift's music meant to her and the cast. According to Moss, Swift's immediate "yes" was all the feedback she needed.

The inclusion of Swift's song in "The Handmaid's Tale" was a collaborative effort. Moss initially approached her editor, Wendy Hallam Martin, expressing her desire to incorporate a Taylor Swift track in the final episodes. Hallam Martin ultimately selected "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" for the opening of episode 9, believing that Swift's brand, message, and sound aligned perfectly with the show's themes.

Hallam Martin told Billboard that she was trying many songs for that specific moment in the series, knowing how much Moss wanted a strong female voice and message, Taylor was really the artist that delivered both lyrically and tonally. She added that the main character June in that scene, was really saying 'look what you made me do' and the song couldn't have been more on point and a perfect pairing. When she played the song up against the scene, it landed perfectly thematically, rhythmically and magically hit all the edit points.

The song's debut in "The Handmaid's Tale" served as a surprise for viewers and a potential Easter egg for Swifties awaiting the full "Reputation (Taylor's Version)" release. The placement of the song during the handmaids' rebellion was particularly impactful, with many fans noting the song's themes of rage, rebellion, and transformation.

The official social media accounts for "The Handmaid's Tale" acknowledged the cast's Swiftie status, sharing images of Elisabeth Moss and Bradley Whitford at Taylor Swift concerts over the years. They also posted a clip of the scene featuring the song, captioning it "Rebellion (June's Version)."

While some fans expressed mixed reactions to the new version of "Look What You Made Me Do," many others celebrated its inclusion in the show. Some praised Swift for soundtracking rage and rebellion, while others deemed it a "powerful crossover" and a "revenge anthem" for the dystopian setting.

Elisabeth Moss's efforts to secure Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" for "The Handmaid's Tale" highlight the intersection of music and television and the power of artistic collaboration. The song's inclusion in the series not only added another layer of depth to the narrative but also served as a testament to Swift's influence and the show's resonance with its audience.