The essential episodes of Mad Men
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Mad Men — each pick states its reason.
- 01
At an advertising agency in 1960s Manhattan, the creative director has problems coming up with ideas for a tobacco account and crosses swords with the female head of a large department store that she wants to take in a new retail direction.
- 02
The Sterling Cooper staff pulls an all-nighter watching Nixon-Kennedy election returns; an ambitious Pete directly challenges Don.
- 03
As the second season ends, things get bumpy at Sterling Cooper while Don is away; Betty receives some upsetting news.
- 04
Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency
A surprise visitor shows up at Sterling Cooper; Sally gets spooked by something (or someone); and Joan is the recipient of some surprising news.
- 05
In the third-season finale, Don has a pivotal meeting with Connie (Chelcie Ross); Betty is the beneficiary of some interesting advice; and Pete has a serious sit-down with some clients.
- 06
The Chrysanthemum and the Sword
Don and Pete disregard Roger's expectations in an effort to land an important new client.
- 07
A rapidly approaching deadline causes consternation and throws things into a tizzy at the agency.
- 08
Betty is a bit unsettled when a surprise visitor stops at the Francis home.
- 09
Peggy has a tough time during a particularly formidable pitch; Don calls on a potential client.
- 10
Don, Roger and Pete team up to rustle up some new clients; Sally lends a hand to a relative.
- 11
Don deals with a challenging pitch, while Peggy ponders taking a trip.
- 12
Don receives an intriguing lead and follows up on it.
- 13
Roger is plagued by a recurring dream; Joan goes to the beach.
- 14
Peggy does research for a pitch; Pete is invited to join an exclusive club; Joan seeks time spent with a friend.
- 15
The stories of Don Draper, his family and his coworkers come to an end in the series finale.
Shows like Mad Men
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Action·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Arrow2012–2020·The CWAfter a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific.
- 02Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of True Detective2014–present
Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. - 03Drama·Action·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of The Flash2014–2023·The CW
After a particle accelerator causes a freak storm, CSI Investigator Barry Allen is struck by lightning and falls into a coma. - 04Drama·Action·SupernaturalThe essential episodes of Supernatural2005–2020·The CW
This haunting series follows the Winchester brothers as they crisscross the lonely and mysterious back roads of the country in their '67 Chevy Impala, hunting down every evil supernatural force they encounter along the… - 05Drama·Comedy·CrimeThe essential episodes of Fargo2014·FX
Fargo is a seasonal anthology crime drama with some dark comical elements, inspired by the film Fargo written by the Coen brothers. - 06Drama·CrimeThe essential episodes of Chicago P.D.2014–present·NBCDistrict 21 of the Chicago Police Department is made up of two distinctly different groups.
