Nineteen years ago today, a television drama about advertising, ambition and personal struggles in 1960s New York premiered. It went on to become one of TV’s most influential series, and is credited by Rolling Stone as one of the best ever.
Mad Men follows employees at an advertising agency on Madison Avenue in Manhattan during a decade of cultural transformation. The series remains celebrated for its compelling storytelling, richly developed characters and lasting influence on modern television.
Matthew Weiner created the series, which stars Jon Hamm as Don Draper, Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson and January Jones as Betty Draper.
The story centers on Don, a talented advertising executive with a mysterious past and a complex personal life. His ambitious secretary, Olson, fights through a cutthroat, male-dominated environment to rise through the agency ranks as a copywriter.
Don’s wife, Betty, navigates the pressures of suburban life and motherhood as a former model. Together, they anchor the show’s central storylines.
A poster displayed at the ‘Mad Men’ Directors Q&A.Todd Williamson / Getty Images
AMC premiered Mad Men on July 19, 2007, and aired its finale on May 17, 2015, after seven seasons. The series won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, including four consecutive Outstanding Drama Series honors.
It also captured five Golden Globe Awards, including three straight Best Television Series – Drama honors. It received numerous award nominations during its acclaimed run.
Rolling Stone ranked Mad Men seventh on its list of the 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
“A darkly funny workplace drama, a lavishly detailed chronicle of social change across one of the most turbulent decades of American history, and a nuanced character study of Don, Peggy, the indomitable Joan (Christina Hendricks), silver-tongued Roger (John Slattery), and a host of other unforgettable figures. What would TV be like without it? Not great, Bob!” wrote Rolling Stone.
The series gained praise for its nuanced portrayal of relationships, workplace pressures and the cultural changes that shaped the 1960s. Critics highlighted its subtle writing, layered performances and visual storytelling, which helped reveal the complexities of its characters.
Through its storylines, the series reflected major events of the era, including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and changing gender roles. Its detailed production design, costumes and cinematography further strengthened its authentic portrayal of the decade.
Nearly two decades after its debut, Mad Men continues to influence television storytelling. This acclaimed drama firmly holds its place on lists of the greatest series ever made.
Related: Award-Winning HBO Drama Ranked Among the ‘Best TV Shows of the Last 25 Years’
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Jul 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.