Mad Men

Season 1

TV-14

86%93%

Season one takes place between March and November 1960. It introduces the fictional advertising agency Sterling Cooper. The season begins with the new secretary, Peggy Olson, starting her first day with the firm. As the season unfolds, the mysterious backstory of enigmatic ad man Don Draper is revealed as are the growing confidence and success of Peggy Olson.

13 Episodes

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
E1
Smoke Gets in Your EyesIn 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 changing times and the young executives nipping at his heels.
Ladies Room
E2
Ladies RoomDon 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 on his honeymoon while fending off the advances of several of the men of Sterling Cooper.
Marriage of Figaro
E3
Marriage of FigaroPete 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 turn, Don attends a party which further illuminates his increasing dissatisfaction with his present life.
New Amsterdam
E4
New AmsterdamPete'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 alienates Don and endangers his own position at Sterling Cooper.
5G
E5
5GAfter 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 published in The Atlantic Monthly, inciting jealousy among his colleagues and driving Pete to make an unorthodox request of his wife. Peggy overhears a startling conversation in the office and shares the secret with Joan.
Babylon
E6
BabylonA 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 faces her conflicted feelings for Don after he seeks out her advice on a new campaign.
Red in the Face
E7
Red in the FaceRoger 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 consequences for Roger. Pete faces trouble at home as he continues to struggle with the demands of his new marriage.
The Hobo Code
E8
The Hobo CodeDon 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 Romano gets a little too close with a client.
Shoot
E9
ShootA 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 latest Kennedy ads. Tempers flare over Peggy.
Long Weekend
E10
Long WeekendDon 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.
Indian Summer
E11
Indian SummerPeggy 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 dissatisfaction.
Nixon vs. Kennedy
E12
Nixon vs. KennedyOn 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 soldier in the Korean War.
The Wheel
E13
The WheelAs 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 a startling discovery.