Review of Mad Men

Mad Men, created by Matthew Weiner, is a cultural touchstone that aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015, spanning seven seasons and 92 episodes. Set primarily in the 1960s, the series immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of Madison Avenue advertising, using it as a lens to explore identity, societal upheaval, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Anchored by Jon Hamm’s mesmerizing performance as Don Draper, Mad Men is a slow-burn character drama that balances historical precision with universal human struggles, earning its place as one of television’s greatest achievements.

Premise and Setting

Mad Men centers on Don Draper, the enigmatic creative director at Sterling Cooper, a mid-sized New York advertising agency. The show begins in 1960 and traces the personal and professional lives of Don and his colleagues through the turbulent decade, capturing the evolution of American culture—civil rights, feminism, the counterculture movement, and the rise of consumerism. The ad world serves as a microcosm for these shifts, with campaigns for real brands like Lucky Strike and Kodak reflecting the era’s values and anxieties. The series meticulously recreates the 1960s, from cigarette-filled boardrooms to mod fashion, while weaving a narrative that feels timeless.

Strengths

1. Complex Characters and Performances
   The heart of Mad Men is its richly drawn characters, each grappling with personal demons and societal pressures. Jon Hamm’s Don Draper is a magnetic antihero—a brilliant ad man with a fabricated identity, haunted by his past and struggling to reconcile his public success with private emptiness. Hamm’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety, conveying Don’s charisma and vulnerability with equal weight.
   The ensemble is equally compelling: Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) evolves from a naive secretary to a trailblazing copywriter, embodying the rise of women in the workplace; Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) navigates her power and limitations as a woman in a male-dominated world; and Roger Sterling (John Slattery) delivers biting wit alongside poignant midlife disillusionment. Even secondary characters, like Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) and Betty Draper (January Jones), are given depth, making every arc feel essential. The performances are universally stellar, with Moss and Hendricks particularly standout for their nuanced portrayals.

2. Writing and Thematic Depth
   Matthew Weiner’s writing, honed from his time on The Sopranos, is deliberate and layered. Mad Men excels at subtext, using dialogue and visual storytelling to reveal character motivations and societal critiques. The show explores identity—Don’s invented persona, Peggy’s reinvention, Joan’s struggle for respect—while dissecting the cost of ambition and the fragility of the American Dream. It tackles gender dynamics with unflinching honesty, showing the systemic sexism women faced while avoiding heavy-handed moralizing.
   The series also captures the 1960s’ cultural shifts with nuance, integrating historical events (the Kennedy assassination, Vietnam War) without letting them overshadow the personal stories. Each season feels distinct, reflecting the decade’s progression, yet the show remains cohesive, building toward a finale that balances ambiguity and emotional closure.

3. Cinematic Craftsmanship
   Mad Men is visually stunning, with every frame meticulously crafted. The production design—retro offices, period costumes, and smoky bars—immerses viewers in the 1960s while subtly mirroring character arcs (e.g., Peggy’s evolving wardrobe reflects her growing confidence). Cinematography, often employing long takes and symmetry, enhances the show’s introspective tone. The music, blending era-appropriate hits with original scoring, underscores key moments, like the iconic use of “Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles in Season 5.
   The pacing is deliberate, prioritizing character development over plot-driven twists. While this can feel slow to some, it rewards attentive viewers with emotional payoffs that resonate deeply.

Weaknesses

1. Pacing and Accessibility
   Mad Men’s slow-burn storytelling, while a strength for its character focus, can test patience. Early seasons, in particular, demand investment, as the narrative unfolds gradually, with some episodes feeling more like vignettes than plot-driven installments. This approach may alienate viewers accustomed to faster-paced dramas.

2. Limited Diversity
   While Mad Men authentically reflects the white, male-dominated ad world of the 1960s, its lack of diverse perspectives can feel limiting. The show occasionally addresses race (e.g., through minor characters like Dawn, Don’s secretary), but these storylines are underdeveloped compared to the central narratives. Given the era’s civil rights struggles, this feels like a missed opportunity to broaden the show’s scope.

3. Repetitive Character Arcs
   Don’s self-destructive tendencies—infidelity, alcoholism, and identity crises—can feel cyclical, particularly in later seasons. While this repetition underscores his inability to change, it occasionally risks narrative stagnation. Similarly, some supporting characters, like Pete, revisit familiar conflicts, which can dilute the impact of their growth.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Mad Men redefined prestige television, proving that nuanced, character-driven stories could captivate audiences. It won 16 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series for its first four seasons, and launched the careers of Hamm, Moss, and others. Its influence is evident in successors like Succession and The Americans, which blend personal drama with cultural commentary. The show’s exploration of advertising as a metaphor for human desire remains relevant, as does its portrayal of gender and power dynamics, which resonate in today’s #MeToo era.
On social media platforms, fans continue to praise Mad Men for its rewatchability and layered storytelling, though some critique its slow pace or argue it romanticizes a flawed era. Web analyses highlight its historical accuracy and psychological depth, with critics on sites like Rotten Tomatoes (94% approval) lauding its ambition.

Final Verdict

Mad Men is a triumph of storytelling, blending exquisite craftsmanship with profound themes. Its exploration of identity, ambition, and societal change is both specific to the 1960s and universally resonant. While its deliberate pace and limited diversity may not suit all viewers, its rich characters, sharp writing, and visual elegance make it a must-watch for fans of thoughtful drama. Whether you’re drawn to Don Draper’s enigmatic allure or Peggy Olson’s quiet revolution, Mad Men offers a window into a transformative era and the human condition.

Rating: 9/10
Recommended for those who enjoy character-driven dramas like The Sopranos or Breaking Bad. Best experienced with patience and an eye for subtext.