Mad Men Season 1

Mad Men Season 1 has built a devoted audience on and among viewers who want their drama to earn its emotional beats. Across 1 season, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. Its 8/10 TMDB score, built from 1,533 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Jon Hamm sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Mad Men Season 1 arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Mad Men Season 1 takes its time building the world its characters inhabit, and the patience pays off. Season one takes place between March and November 1960. It introduces the fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper. The season begins with the new secretary, Peggy Olson, starting her first day with the firm. Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2007. The performances in Mad Men Season 1 do a lot of work in the silences between the dialogue. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

For anyone looking for storytelling that takes its characters seriously, Mad Men Season 1 delivers. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. Jon Hamm anchors a cast that never overplays its hand. The kind of drama that stays with you well after the finale.

🎬 Mad Men Season 1 — Episode Guide

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

2007-07-19

In 1960 New York City - the high-powered and glamorous "Golden Age" of advertising - Don Draper, the biggest ad man in the business, struggles to stay a step ahead of the rapidly changing times and the young executives nipping at his heels.

Ladies Room

2007-07-26

Don continues to conceal his increasingly complicated personal life, even in the face of Roger Sterling's invitation to open up. Meanwhile, Peggy pines for the absent Pete still on his honeymoon while fending off the advances of several of the men of Sterling Cooper.

Marriage of Figaro

2007-08-02

Pete returns from his honeymoon, excited about his new marriage, but conflicted about his past encounter with Peggy. After his business relationship with Rachel takes an unforeseen turn, Don attends a party which further illuminates his increasing dissatisfaction with his present life.

New Amsterdam

2007-08-09

Pete's professional and personal lives become more complicated as he struggles to assert power in both. While facing pressure from his wife regarding a new apartment, he further alienates Don and endangers his own position at Sterling Cooper.

2007-08-16

After Don wins an award, his photo is featured in Advertising Age. Don must deal with the fallout as the photo brings back a past he isnt ready to confront. Ken gets a short story published in The Atlantic Monthly, inciting jealousy among his colleagues and driving Pete to make an unorthodox request...

Babylon

2007-08-23

A taboo office romance is revealed. At a brainstorming session, Peggy proves to be more than a secretary, opening up new opportunities for her at Sterling Cooper. Meanwhile, Rachel faces her conflicted feelings for Don after he seeks out her advice on a new campaign.

Red in the Face

2007-08-30

Roger joins Don for an evening of dinner and drinking, during which Roger's behavior leads to a rift in their friendship. Though Don accepts his apology, there are further consequences for Roger. Pete faces trouble at home as he continues to struggle with the demands of his new marriage.

The Hobo Code

2007-09-06

Don is tormented as pieces of his secretive past begin to haunt him. Peggy's new success at work, and resulting boost in confidence, threaten her office relationship. Salvatore Romano gets a little too close with a client.

Shoot

2007-09-13

A rival ad agency courts Don, involving Betty in their attempt to lure him from Sterling Cooper. As the presidential campaign heats up, the agency looks for new ways to counter the latest Kennedy ads. Tempers flare over Peggy.

E10

Long Weekend

2007-09-27

Don loses an account. Roger, stuck in the city for Labor Day weekend, attempts to cheer him up. Meanwhile, Joan has a night out on the town with her roommate.

E11

Indian Summer

2007-10-04

Peggy is given a difficult assignment. Roger's work problems provide new opportunities for Don, and Pete grows more frustrated. Betty finds a new outlet for her growing dissatisfaction.

E12

Nixon vs. Kennedy

2007-10-11

On election night, the Sterling Cooper staff pulls a rowdy all-nighter while watching the returns. Pete's ambitions cause him to directly challenge Don. Don remembers his past as a soldier in the Korean War.

E13

The Wheel

2007-10-18

As Thanksgiving approaches, Don's work responsibilities interfere with his domestic life. Peggy is given a new opportunity, provoking the ire of some of her colleagues. Betty makes a startling discovery.

📡 Where to Watch Mad Men Season 1

🎬 Mad Men Season 1 — Episode Guide

🎭 Cast of Mad Men Season 1

📋 All Seasons of Mad Men

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