Mad Men (TV series)

Mad Men (TV series) is a period drama television series created by Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate Television and American Movie Classics (AMC). The series premiered on July 19, 2007, on AMC (TV channel) and ran for seven seasons, concluding on May 17, 2015. The show is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of advertising executives on Madison Avenue, including Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm, and his colleagues at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency, which later becomes Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. The series explores the personal and professional lives of the characters, including Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, and Joan Harris, played by Christina Hendricks, as they navigate the changing social and cultural landscape of the 1960s, including the Civil Rights Movement and the Feminist Movement.

Plot

The series begins in 1960, with Don Draper working as a creative director at Sterling Cooper, where he is joined by Pete Campbell, played by Vincent Kartheiser, and Ken Cosgrove, played by Aaron Staton. As the series progresses, the characters face challenges and opportunities, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the Moon landing. The show also explores the personal lives of the characters, including Don Draper's relationships with his wife Betty Draper, played by January Jones, and his mistress Rachel Menken, played by Maggie Siff. The series features a large ensemble cast, including John Slattery as Roger Sterling, Rich Sommer as Harry Crane, and Bryan Batt as Salvatore Romano, and explores the intersection of their personal and professional lives, including their relationships with Lee Garner Jr., played by Darren Pettie, and Duck Phillips, played by Mark Moses.

Cast and characters

The series features a large and diverse cast of characters, including Jon Hamm as Don Draper, Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson, and Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris. The cast also includes January Jones as Betty Draper, John Slattery as Roger Sterling, and Vincent Kartheiser as Pete Campbell. The show features a number of notable guest stars, including Robert Morse as Bert Cooper, Michael Gladis as Paul Kinsey, and Talia Balsam as Mona Sterling. The characters are often inspired by real-life figures, including David Ogilvy, Bill Bernbach, and Leo Burnett, and the show's portrayal of the advertising industry is influenced by the work of J. Walter Thompson, Ogilvy & Mather, and DDB Worldwide.

Production

The series was created by Matthew Weiner, who is also credited as an executive producer, along with Scott Hornbacher and André Jacquemetton. The show was produced by Lionsgate Television and American Movie Classics (AMC), and was filmed on location in Los Angeles and New York City. The series features a distinctive visual style, which is influenced by the work of Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, and Helmut Newton, and the show's costume design is inspired by the fashion of Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. The show's music is also notable, featuring a mix of jazz, rock and roll, and pop music, including songs by Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.

Themes and analysis

The series explores a number of themes, including the changing social and cultural landscape of the 1960s, the role of women in the workplace, and the impact of advertising on society. The show is also notable for its portrayal of the personal and professional lives of its characters, including their relationships, motivations, and conflicts. The series has been analyzed by scholars and critics, including Todd Gitlin, Susan Sontag, and Camille Paglia, who have explored its themes and symbolism, including the use of smoking and drinking as a symbol of masculinity and femininity. The show's portrayal of the advertising industry has also been influenced by the work of Vance Packard, Ernest Dichter, and David Ogilvy, and the show's exploration of the intersection of politics and advertising is inspired by the work of Joseph N. Welch and Edward Bernays.

Reception

The series received widespread critical acclaim, including praise from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Variety (magazine). The show won numerous awards, including Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards, and was nominated for several others, including Screen Actors Guild Awards and Writers Guild of America Awards. The series was also a commercial success, attracting a large and dedicated audience, including fans of The Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad. The show's influence can be seen in a number of other television series, including The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Downton Abbey, and its portrayal of the advertising industry has been influential in the development of Madison Avenue and the advertising industry as a whole.

Legacy

The series has had a lasting impact on popular culture, including its influence on fashion, music, and film. The show's portrayal of the 1960s has been particularly influential, inspiring a number of other television series and films, including The Playboy Club, Pan Am (TV series), and The Help (film). The series has also been recognized for its historical significance, including its portrayal of the Civil Rights Movement and the Feminist Movement, and its exploration of the intersection of politics and advertising. The show's legacy can be seen in the work of Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy, and J.J. Abrams, and its influence can be felt in a number of other television series, including Scandal (TV series), American Horror Story, and Westworld (TV series). Category:Television series