According to the pilot episode, the term "Mad men" was coined in the s by advertisers working on Madison Avenue to refer to themselves, "Mad" being short for "Madison".
The only documented use of the phrase from that time may be the lates writings of James Kelly, an advertising executive and writer. The series's main character is charismatic advertising executive Don Draper played by Jon Hamm , a talented creative director at Sterling Cooper. Though erratic and mysterious, he is widely regarded throughout the advertising world as a genius; some of the most famous ad campaigns in history are shown to be his creations.
In later seasons, Don struggles as his highly calculated identity falls into a period of decline. The show follows the people in his personal and professional lives, most notably Peggy Olson Elisabeth Moss , who is introduced as Don's secretary but soon discovers her passion for copywriting.
Mad Men received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, directing, visual style and historical authenticity. It won many awards, including 16 Emmys and five Golden Globes. It was also the first basic cable series to receive the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series , winning it each year of its first four seasons β The series covers the advertising industry centered on Madison Avenue in New York City in the 's, primarily following the professional and personal life of protagonist, Don Draper, a creative director and partner at a Manhattan firm.
The plotlines also follow the personal and professional lives of Draper's family and co-workers as they relate to him and each other. Overshadowing the series is Draper's double life both as to his true identity, and his unfaithfulness to his family, while he tries to maintain a brilliant and charismatic outward appearance.
