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Season guide

Mad Men: Season 1

13 episodes Premiered Jul 19, 2007 Updated Jul 19, 2026

The first season of the American period drama television series Mad Men, created by Matthew Weiner for AMC, is set in New York City between March and November 1960. The narrative centers on the lives of the men and women working at the fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper, located on Madison Avenue. The season begins with the arrival of a new secretary, Peggy Olson, on her first day at the firm. As the story

Season overview

The first season of the American period drama television series Mad Men, created by Matthew Weiner for AMC, is set in New York City between March and November 1960. The narrative centers on the lives of the men and women working at the fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper, located on Madison Avenue. The season begins with the arrival of a new secretary, Peggy Olson, on her first day at the firm. As the story progresses, the series explores the professional and personal lives of the agency staff. A central focus of the season is the enigmatic ad man Don Draper, whose mysterious backstory is gradually revealed. Simultaneously, the narrative tracks the professional development of Peggy Olson as she gains confidence and achieves success within the competitive advertising industry. Mad Men is characterized as a stylized and provocative drama that examines the ruthlessly competitive environment of the advertising world during this era. The series originally premiered in 2007 and serves as the beginning of a production that spanned seven seasons and 92 episodes in total.

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Season 1 Episodes

Episode Guide

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Season 1: Filler vs. Essential Canon

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23%
77%
Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (10): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S1·E1 Mytharc

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Jul 19, 2007 · 49 min

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 c

S1·E2 Core

Ladies Room

Jul 26, 2007 · 47 min

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 o

S1·E3 Core

Marriage of Figaro

Aug 2, 2007 · 44 min

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

S1·E4 Core

New Amsterdam

Aug 9, 2007 · 45 min

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 al

S1·E5 Core

5G

Aug 16, 2007 · 48 min

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

S1·E6 Core

Babylon

Aug 23, 2007 · 47 min

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

S1·E7 Core

Red in the Face

Aug 30, 2007 · 47 min

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 conseque

S1·E8 Core

The Hobo Code

Sep 6, 2007 · 48 min

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 Rom

S1·E9 Core

Shoot

Sep 13, 2007 · 48 min

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

S1·E10 Core

Long Weekend

Sep 27, 2007 · 48 min

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.

S1·E11 Core

Indian Summer

Oct 4, 2007 · 48 min

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 dissatisfac

S1·E12 Mytharc

Nixon vs. Kennedy

Oct 11, 2007 · 48 min

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

S1·E13 Mytharc

The Wheel

Oct 18, 2007 · 49 min

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

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