Mad Men

10 Worst Episodes of Mad Men

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.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 22, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Mad Men - S1E4

#10 - New Amsterdam (Season 1 - Episode 4)

Pete Campbell oversteps the mark when he pitches an idea for ad campaign to the head of Bethlehem Steel without telling Don Draper. Draper wants him fired but learns a lesson in corporate politics. Pete's wife wants to buy a Manhattan apartment but he has to approach his cold and distant parents for a loan. Pete's in-laws, however, are more forthcoming.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 876 votes.

Mad Men - S1E1

#9 - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 1581 votes.

Mad Men - S3E5

#8 - The Fog (Season 3 - Episode 5)

Sally's behavior causes concern for Don and Betty. Betty has an eye-opening dream that has a strange effect on her. Pete tries to work a new business angle in his dealings.

The episode was rated 7.65 from 532 votes.

Mad Men - S1E6

#7 - Babylon (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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The Agency is looking to land an advertising contract to promote tourism to Israel. Don and his team try to come with a theme but know so little about the country they're stumped so Don calls Rachel Menken to see if she has any ideas. Roger Sterling is getting tired of sneaking around with Joan Holloway and suggests she should her own apartment but she knows better. Peggy comes up with an advertising concept during a testing session for a new line of lipsticks and she's subsequently asks to write copy.

The episode was rated 7.64 from 759 votes.

Mad Men - S2E1

#6 - For Those Who Think Young (Season 2 - Episode 1)

It’s Valentine’s Day, and the Sterling Cooper advertising agency is hustling to stay on top of its game and buzzing over the newest office equipment. Don and Duck find themselves at odds over an account. Betty reconnects with an old friend and once again finds herself struggling with car trouble.

The episode was rated 7.60 from 666 votes.

Mad Men - S1E3

#5 - Marriage of Figaro (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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Pete Campbell returns from his honeymoon with tall tales and a big grin on his face. He does tell Peggy Olson that their fling before his marriage was for one night only. Don Draper runs into an old army buddy who knows him under the name of Dick Whitman. He also takes a tour of Rachel Menken's store but in a private moment, their mutual attraction becomes evident. The Drapers have friends over for their daughter's birthday party, including the divorcée who lives down the street. Don however is obviously unhappy with his lot in life and seems to be carrying a burden that is not apparent.

The episode was rated 7.53 from 945 votes.

Mad Men - S3E2

#4 - Love Among the Ruins (Season 3 - Episode 2)

Don's father-in-law pays a visit to his daughter's family. Peggy works hard on a campaign while the firm tries to decide if they will accommodate an unusual request from a client. Elsewhere, Roger plans a wedding.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 560 votes.

Mad Men - S7E9

#3 - New Business (Season 7 - Episode 9)

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Roger gives Don some unwanted advice. Peggy and Stan disagree over an account's personnel. Harry asks for Don's blessing.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 979 votes.

Mad Men - S1E2

#2 - Ladies Room (Season 1 - Episode 2)

Don Draper is reluctant to talk about his past, or his childhood, whether with his wife Betty or his boss Roger Sterling. Joan Holloway teaches Peggy Olsen how to wrangle a free lunch out of some of the ad men. Roger Sterling raises the issue of working for the upcoming Nixon presidential campaign and while Don doesn't have much enthusiasm, senior partner Bert Cooper insists that they will go ahead and orders Don to put a team together. The creative team has to come up with an ad campaign for a new deodorant in an aerosol spray can. Betty Draper's doctor recommends that she see a psychiatrist.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 1124 votes.

Mad Men - S7E8

#1 - Severance (Season 7 - Episode 8)

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Don attempts to track down a friend, Joan tries to solve a problem with an account and an unlikely person sets up Peggy.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 1039 votes.

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