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The Best Episodes of Mad Men

Every episode of Mad Men ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Mad Men!

Binge this in 3d 1h•Peaking at 9.1/10

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.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Mad Men Season 3 Episode 13 - Shut the Door. Have a Seat
    9.1/10(6867 votes)

    #1 - Shut the Door. Have a Seat

    S3:E13

    Don has a big meeting with Connie about their future relationship. Betty is the beneficiary of some interesting advice and Pete has a serious sit-down with some clients.

    Director:Matthew Weiner
    Writers:Erin Levy, Matthew Weiner

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  2. Mad Men Season 4 Episode 7 - The Suitcase
    9.1/10(7970 votes)

    #2 - The Suitcase

    S4:E7

    A deadline disrupts Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

    Director:Jennifer Getzinger
    Writer:Matthew Weiner

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  3. Mad Men Season 7 Episode 7 - Waterloo
    9.0/10(4569 votes)

    #3 - Waterloo

    S7:E7

    Don receives a troubling letter. A risky venture entails a new future for Peggy. Roger gets an unexpected phone call. Pete butts heads with Cutler.

    Director:Matthew Weiner
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Carly Wray

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  4. Mad Men Season 5 Episode 11 - The Other Woman
    8.9/10(4443 votes)

    #4 - The Other Woman

    S5:E11

    Pete asks Joan to make a personal and moral sacrifice to ensure the company lands the Jaguar account. Don becomes furious after learning of the impact Megan's new profession will have on their life. Feeling unappreciated, Peggy attends lunch with Freddy Rumsen, who encourages her to make a move.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas

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  5. Mad Men Season 3 Episode 11 - The Gypsy and the Hobo
    8.8/10(4109 votes)

    #5 - The Gypsy and the Hobo

    S3:E11

    A former client makes a return; Betty and her kids go on a trip; and Joan and Greg make plans for their future.

    Director:Jennifer Getzinger
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Cathryn Humphris, Marti Noxon

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  6. Mad Men Season 5 Episode 12 - Commissions and Fees
    8.8/10(4278 votes)

    #6 - Commissions and Fees

    S5:E12

    Lane's shameful secret comes to the surface with dire consequences. Don recaptures his hunger for success, and Sally experiences a major milestone.

    Director:Christopher Manley
    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Mad Men

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  7. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 12 - Nixon vs. Kennedy
    8.7/10(4694 votes)

    #7 - Nixon vs. Kennedy

    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.

    Director:Alan Taylor
    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton, Lisa Albert

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  8. Mad Men Season 1 Episode 13 - The Wheel
    8.7/10(4889 votes)

    #8 - The Wheel

    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.

    Director:Matthew Weiner
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Robin Veith

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  9. Mad Men Season 4 Episode 12 - Blowing Smoke
    8.7/10(3056 votes)

    #9 - Blowing Smoke

    S4:E12

    In the midst of a crisis, Don runs into an old friend.

    Director:John Slattery
    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton

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  10. Mad Men Season 2 Episode 13 - Meditations in an Emergency
    8.6/10(3696 votes)

    #10 - Meditations in an Emergency

    S2:E13

    The office scrambles without Don; Betty learns some disconcerting news.

    Director:Matthew Weiner
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Kater Gordon

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  11. Mad Men Season 3 Episode 6 - Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency
    8.6/10(4116 votes)

    #11 - Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency

    S3:E6

    Sterling Cooper receives a surprise visitor; Sally has been spooked by something (or someone); and Joan receives some shocking news.

    Director:Lesli Linka Glatter
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Robin Veith

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  12. Mad Men Season 4 Episode 13 - Tomorrowland
    8.6/10(3499 votes)

    #12 - Tomorrowland

    S4:E13

    Don and Peggy are faced with life-altering decisions.

    Director:Matthew Weiner
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Jonathan Igla

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  13. Mad Men Season 5 Episode 2 - A Little Kiss (2)
    8.6/10(3028 votes)

    #13 - A Little Kiss (2)

    S5:E2

    Don and Megan work out some of their issues, Roger and Pete butt heads, and Joan has a run-in with a house guest.

    Director:Jennifer Getzinger
    Writer:Matthew Weiner

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  14. Mad Men Season 4 Episode 8 - The Summer Man
    8.5/10(3257 votes)

    #14 - The Summer Man

    S4:E8

    Joan and Peggy deal with high-jinx in the office.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Janet Leahy, Lisa Albert

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  15. Mad Men Season 7 Episode 11 - Time & Life
    8.5/10(2986 votes)

    #15 - Time & Life

    S7:E11

    Don comes up with a big idea, Roger asks Joan to help him fix a clerical error and Peggy has difficulties casting for a commercial.

    Director:Jared Harris
    Writers:Erin Levy, Matthew Weiner

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  16. Mad Men Season 7 Episode 12 - Lost Horizon
    8.5/10(3223 votes)

    #16 - Lost Horizon

    S7:E12

    Don receives a reward for his work. Joan butts heads with her co-worker on an account. Faced with a big decision, Roger dodges.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas

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  17. Mad Men Season 3 Episode 12 - The Grown-Ups
    8.4/10(3494 votes)

    #17 - The Grown-Ups

    S3:E12

    Peggy's taste in men proves questionable. Pete has to make a big decision about his career and a candidate makes a big impression on Don.

    Director:Barbet Schroeder
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Brett Johnson

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  18. Mad Men Season 4 Episode 10 - Hands and Knees
    8.4/10(3003 votes)

    #18 - Hands and Knees

    S4:E10

    An unannounced visitor at the Francis home rattles Betty.

    Director:Lynn Shelton
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Jonathan Abrahams

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  19. Mad Men Season 5 Episode 6 - Far Away Places
    8.4/10(4174 votes)

    #19 - Far Away Places

    S5:E6

    Peggy has a tough time during a particularly formidable pitch. Don calls on a potential client. Roger and Jane have an experience with LSD.

    Director:Scott Hornbacher
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Semi Chellas

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  20. Mad Men Season 6 Episode 13 - In Care Of
    8.4/10(3438 votes)

    #20 - In Care Of

    S6:E13

    With his personal and professional life crumbling around him, Don positions himself for a change of scenery. Meanwhile, Pete's life is falling apart as well, thanks to the meddling of Bob Benson.

    Director:Matthew Weiner
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Carly Wray

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  21. Mad Men Season 7 Episode 6 - The Strategy
    8.4/10(3219 votes)

    #21 - The Strategy

    S7:E6

    Peggy determinedly collects research for a pitch. Pete is invited to join an exclusive club. Joan looks forward to spending time with her friend.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writer:Semi Chellas

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  22. Mad Men Season 2 Episode 5 - The New Girl
    8.3/10(3449 votes)

    #22 - The New Girl

    S2:E5

    Don has to deal with issues between a TV comedian and his wife; Joan finds Don the perfect secretary.

    Director:Jennifer Getzinger
    Writer:Robin Veith

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  23. Mad Men Season 2 Episode 8 - A Night to Remember
    8.3/10(3320 votes)

    #23 - A Night to Remember

    S2:E8

    Peggy contributes on a church project; Duck and Don try to create market appeal for a foreign beer brand; Harry recruits assistance to help with the workload in his department.

    Director:Lesli Linka Glatter
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Robin Veith

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  24. Mad Men Season 4 Episode 4 - The Rejected
    8.3/10(2964 votes)

    #24 - The Rejected

    S4:E4

    An edict from Roger and Lane puts Pete in a personal dilemma.

    Director:John Slattery
    Writers:Matthew Weiner, Keith Huff

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  25. Mad Men Season 6 Episode 12 - The Quality of Mercy
    8.3/10(2680 votes)

    #25 - The Quality of Mercy

    S6:E12

    Don renews his battle with Ted after seeing his relationship with Peggy, Sally interviews at a boarding school, and Pete discovers Bob Benson's background.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writers:Maria Jacquemetton, André Jacquemetton

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Best Episodes Summary

"Shut the Door. Have a Seat" is the best rated episode of "Mad Men". It scored 9.1/10 based on 6867 votes. Directed by Matthew Weiner and written by Erin Levy, Matthew Weiner, it aired on 11/8/2009. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Suitcase".