Main Cast and Character Roles
The lead role of Don Draper is played by Jon Hamm, who portrays the creative director at Sterling Cooper in season 1. The ensemble includes Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson, a junior copywriter who rises through the ranks, and Vincent Kartheiser as Pete Campbell, a young account executive. John Slattery plays Roger Sterling, the senior partner, while January Jones portrays Betty Draper, Don's wife. Christina Hendricks appears as Joan Harris, the office manager, and Aaron Staton plays Ken Cosgrove, a copywriter focused on the Chevrolet account. Forbes details Jon Hamm's career trajectory after Mad Men.
Season 1 introduces the core Sterling Cooper team, including Rich Sommer as Harry Crane, the account manager who later transitions to television, and Talia Balsam as Mona Sterling, Roger's wife. Maggie Siff plays Rachel Menken, the department store owner who becomes a romantic interest for Don. The first season establishes the advertising world of 1960s New York, focusing on the agency's efforts to retain the Lucky Strike account and navigate client relationships. The SEMA group outlines the modern advertising industry structure.
Recurring Characters and Key Plot Points
Recurring characters in season 1 include Joel Murray as Freddy Rumsen, a senior copywriter who mentors Peggy before being let go, and Alison Brie as Trudy Campbell, Pete's wife. Marten Weiner plays Glen Bishop, Betty's young neighbor who becomes a recurring presence. The season finale, "The Wheel," centers on Don Draper's pitch for the Kodak carousel slide projector, a defining moment that showcases his creative philosophy. The episode received critical acclaim for its writing and Jon Hamm's performance.
The season explores themes of identity, consumerism, and gender roles in the early 1960s. Peggy Olson's storyline highlights the challenges faced by women in the workplace, while Don Draper's mysterious past is gradually revealed through flashbacks. The show's production design accurately recreates the era's fashion, office culture, and social norms. IMDb provides the full Mad Men season 1 episode guide and cast list.
Production Details and Legacy
Mad Men was created by Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate Television for the AMC network. The first season consists of thirteen episodes and premiered on July 19, 2007. The show was filmed primarily on soundstages in Los Angeles, with exterior shots capturing the New York City skyline of the 1960s. The series won numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series four times consecutively from 2008 to 2011.
The cast of season 1 went on to achieve significant recognition in the entertainment industry. Jon Hamm received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama in 2008. The show's influence extends to modern advertising and popular culture, with its depiction of the creative process and corporate dynamics still referenced today. The Emmy Awards official site archives the show's nominations and wins.