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!
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.
Season 1 Ratings Summary
The best episode of "Mad Men" season 1 is "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", rated 8.1/10 from 5620 user votes. It was directed by Alan Taylor and written by Matthew Weiner. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" aired on 7/19/2007 and is rated 0.6 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Ladies Room".
8.1/10 5,620 votes#1 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 7/19/2007
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.
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: Matthew Weiner
7.5/10 4,190 votes#2 - Ladies Room
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 7/26/2007
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.
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: Matthew Weiner
7.6/10 3,897 votes#3 - Marriage of Figaro
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 8/2/2007
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
7.9/10 3,681 votes#4 - New Amsterdam
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 8/9/2007
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
Writer: Lisa Albert
8.1/10 3,612 votes#5 - 5G
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 8/16/2007
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.
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Writer: Matthew Weiner
7.9/10 3,556 votes#6 - Babylon
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 8/23/2007
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.
Director: Andrew Bernstein
Writer: Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton
8.1/10 3,394 votes#7 - Red in the Face
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 8/30/2007
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
Writer: Bridget Bedard
8.3/10 3,524 votes#8 - The Hobo Code
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 9/6/2007
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.
Director: Phil Abraham
Writer: Chris Provenzano
8.2/10 3,377 votes#9 - Shoot
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 9/13/2007
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.
Director: Paul Feig
Writer: Chris Provenzano, Matthew Weiner
8.2/10 3,275 votes#10 - Long Weekend
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 9/27/2007
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.
Director: Tim Hunter
Writer: Bridget Bedard, Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton, Matthew Weiner
8.1/10 3,124 votes#11 - Indian Summer
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 10/4/2007
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.
Director: Tim Hunter
Writer: Tom Palmer, Matthew Weiner
9.0/10 3,847 votes#12 - Nixon vs. Kennedy
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 10/11/2007
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.
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: Lisa Albert, Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton
9.0/10 4,053 votes#13 - The Wheel
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 10/18/2007
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.
Director: Matthew Weiner
Writer: Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner