What's the hottest show on television right now? It's not a show about a bunch of high-school kids breaking out into song at random moments. It's not a show about eights guidos from Jersey. And no, it's definitely not a show about vampires who engage in copious amounts of coitus. It's a show about hotshot ad execs living it up in old-school Manhattan.
The critically acclaimed AMC series, Mad Men, first premiered in 2007. Creator Matt Weiner, who was an instrumental writer in The Sopranos - arguably the greatest television series of all time - wrote the first draft of the pilot in 2002.
Mad Men, which takes place in Manhattan during the 1960s, follows the personal and professional lives of employees of advertising firm Sterling Cooper, later renamed Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.\nCreative Director Don Draper, portrayed by Jon Hamm, presents an interesting dynamic as the main character by often putting traditional 1960s family values before business - yet he womanizes pretty regularly. Because of this, viewers share a love-hate relationship with Draper.
And then there's Christina Hendricks, who plays the classy, sassy head secretary, Joan Holloway. Her fashion sense and buxom physique can turn the heads of any straight male on the planet.
Another character worth mentioning is Peggy Olson. Peggy began as Draper's personal secretary, but ia noqwa copywriter with her own office. Her independence and creativity are just as intriguing as her trademark bangs and awkwardness.
What is remarkable about Mad Men is the ease with which a viewer can get into the show. Although it is recommended by diehard fans to start from season one, episode one, it is certainly not necessary. In fact, it is quite easy to get a casually firm grasp on the characters and the feel of the office in only an episode or two, no matter where you start.
Much of what gets Mad Men such critical acclaim is setting. During the period in which Mad Men is set, America is noticeably shifting. Many scenes in the series coincide with historical events, such as President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
In line with historical reference points, the show also does a superb job channeling the fashion and style of America during that period. For example, the women's skirts are tailored to the knee, the men's ties perfectly centered and rarely does a scene go by without someone lighting a cigarette or pouring a glass of an expensive scotch.
In conclusion, Mad Men is a sure-fire winner. It has already won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama series three years in a row, and, from how the current season is going, it is likely to pick up a few more next year. New Mad Men episodes air at 10 p.m. Sunday nights with an encore showing at 11 p.m. on AMC, Channel 55.
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