Mad Men

The Best Episodes of Mad Men Season 1

Genre:Drama
Network:AMC

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.
Episodes
13
Avg. Rating
8.2
S1
S2
S3
S4
E1
E2
E3
8.1
7.5
7.6

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  1. 9.0/10(4.0k votes)

    #1 - Nixon vs. Kennedy

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    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.

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  2. 9.0/10(4.3k votes)

    #2 - The Wheel

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    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.

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  3. 8.3/10(3.7k votes)

    #3 - The Hobo Code

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    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.

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  4. 8.2/10(3.6k votes)

    #4 - Shoot

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    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.

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  5. 8.2/10(3.4k votes)

    #5 - Long Weekend

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    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.

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  6. 8.1/10(5.9k votes)

    #6 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

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    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.

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  8. 8.1/10(3.8k votes)

    #7 - 5G

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    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.

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  9. 8.1/10(3.6k votes)

    #8 - Red in the Face

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    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.

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    Director:Tim Hunter
  10. 8.1/10(3.3k votes)

    #9 - Indian Summer

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    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.

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  11. 7.9/10(3.9k votes)

    #10 - New Amsterdam

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    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.

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    Director:Tim Hunter
  12. 7.9/10(3.8k votes)

    #11 - Babylon

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    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.

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  13. 7.6/10(4.1k votes)

    #12 - Marriage of Figaro

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    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.

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    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Tom Palmer
  14. 7.5/10(4.4k votes)

    #13 - Ladies Room

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    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.

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Nixon vs. Kennedy" is the best rated episode of "Mad Men" season 1. It scored 9/10 based on 4049 votes. Directed by Alan Taylor and written by André Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton, Lisa Albert, it aired on 10/11/2007. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "The Wheel".