Mad Men backdrop
Drama

The Best Episodes of Mad Men Season 1

Every episode of Mad Men Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Mad Men Season 1!

Binge this in 10h 16mPeaking at 9.0/10

Set in 1960-1970 New York, this sexy, stylized and provocative drama follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising.

Airs on

Seasons7

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Mad Men Season 1 Episode 1 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
    8.1/10(6490 votes)

    #1 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

    S1:E1

    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 changing times and the young executives nipping at his heels.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 2 - Ladies Room
    7.5/10(4879 votes)

    #2 - Ladies Room

    S1:E2

    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 on his honeymoon while fending off the advances of several of the men of Sterling Cooper.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 3 - Marriage of Figaro
    7.6/10(4536 votes)

    #3 - Marriage of Figaro

    S1:E3

    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 turn, Don attends a party which further illuminates his increasing dissatisfaction with his present life.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Tom Palmer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 4 - New Amsterdam
    7.9/10(4309 votes)

    #4 - New Amsterdam

    S1:E4

    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 alienates Don and endangers his own position at Sterling Cooper.

    Director:Tim Hunter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 5 - 5G
    8.1/10(4221 votes)

    #5 - 5G

    S1:E5

    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 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.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 6 - Babylon
    7.8/10(4135 votes)

    #6 - Babylon

    S1:E6

    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 faces her conflicted feelings for Don after he seeks out her advice on a new campaign.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Mad Men

    READ
  8. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 7 - Red in the Face
    8.0/10(3958 votes)

    #7 - Red in the Face

    S1:E7

    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 consequences for Roger. Pete faces trouble at home as he continues to struggle with the demands of his new marriage.

    Director:Tim Hunter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 8 - The Hobo Code
    8.3/10(4101 votes)

    #8 - The Hobo Code

    S1:E8

    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 Romano gets a little too close with a client.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 9 - Shoot
    8.2/10(3923 votes)

    #9 - Shoot

    S1:E9

    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 latest Kennedy ads. Tempers flare over Peggy.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 10 - Long Weekend
    8.2/10(3806 votes)

    #10 - Long Weekend

    S1:E10

    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.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 11 - Indian Summer
    8.1/10(3619 votes)

    #11 - Indian Summer

    S1:E11

    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 dissatisfaction.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 12 - Nixon vs. Kennedy
    9.0/10(4462 votes)

    #12 - Nixon vs. Kennedy

    S1:E12

    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 soldier in the Korean War.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 13 - The Wheel
    9.0/10(4656 votes)

    #13 - The Wheel

    S1:E13

    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 a startling discovery.

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" is the best rated episode of "Mad Men" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 6490 votes. Directed by Alan Taylor and written by Matthew Weiner, it aired on 7/19/2007. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Ladies Room".