UK Netflix users can now binge-watch all seven seasons of Mad Men, a 00s TV show considered among the greatest ever made.
The series, which aired from 2007 to 2015, was ranked second in Variety magazine’s list of The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, just behind classic comedy I Love Lucy.
During its original run, Mad Men bagged 16 Emmys and five Golden Globes, consistently topping the best show lists each year it was on.
The plot revolves around the cynical 1960s ad executive Don Draper (Jon Hamm), who appears to have an idyllic life but hides a dark secret leading to self-destructive behaviour. Over the first three seasons, viewers get glimpses of Don’s past life, revealing there’s more to him than meets the eye.
The cast is studded with acclaimed actors. Elisabeth Moss, known for her role in The Handmaid’s Tale, portrays Peggy, initially Don’s secretary who later carves out a career as a 60s working woman.
Christina Hendricks plays the iconic Joan, famed for her sharp wit and stylish wardrobe, while John Slattery brings to life Roger, the accounts man known for encouraging office excesses.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York, Mad Men delves into the era’s most tumultuous events, from the Cuban Missile Crisis to JFK’s assassination, capturing their impact on everyday lives. The series doesn’t shy away from the decade’s social issues either, tackling topics like the contraceptive pill and domestic violence head-on.
The show’s costume and set designs are a visual feast for fans of mid-century aesthetics, with an obsessive attention to detail ensuring period authenticity in every stitch and prop.
Mad Men also boldly confronts the darker aspects of the 1960s, unmasking the prevalent misogyny, racism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia of the time. Controversially, one episode featuring blackface was temporarily pulled from streaming platforms but has since been reinstated with a disclaimer that it has been kept in for ‘historical accuracy’.
Despite its challenging content, Mad Men’s combination of a stellar cast, exquisite vintage wardrobes, and gorgeous cinematography has viewers hooked, leading to binge watching and repeated viewings. On X, previously known as Twitter, fans express their enthusiasm: “Mad Men on netflix? Don’t mind if I do (third time)” and another advises: “Mad Men back on Netflix? Stop what you’re doing rn and watch it”.
Stream all seven seasons of Mad Men now on Netflix.
Obsessed with Netflix? Get the latest headlines, releases and insider-gossip direct to your inbox with our Binge-worthy newsletter