'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Amanda, Saint Paul, MN — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:46:54 GMT

I completely agree! I find myself getting very involved with the show, the characters seem so real and interesting. Looking forward to next Sunday!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Harriett Hurt, Columbia, SC — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:48:15 GMT

I was hooked from the first episode of year one. I came to work telling people that they needed to watch. I didn't get much response, so I just decided to enjoy it and wait for the rest of the world to catch up. Evidently, it has now, and it couldn't happen for a better show. I was a part of that generation that came of age in the 1960s, so this is deliciously spell-binding. We often speak about how we used to do "such and such" or how women were "sex objects" back in the day, and this show puts it right back in our faces. Bravo!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Cheryl, Chagrin Falls, Ohio — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:57:25 GMT

Love it! Love it! Love it! The new season premiere was just more of the same wonderfully acted and produced adult drama that we all long for. As a child of this era, I now know why my father was an "ad man", it was the hip thing to do. This could be my mothers life. Did I say I LOVE IT!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Katie, State College, PA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:38:16 GMT

This is intelligent serial television, and yes, the writers do an amazing job of contrasting then and now with very subtle dialog. My favorites from last year? When Roger Sterling was lying in bed after a massive heart attack, incredulous that he'd had a coronary instead of an ulcer. "I did what the doctors said. I drank the cream. I ate the butter." And when Don Draper sarcastically asked Pete if "there was a machine that could somehow magically make copies of documents." Ha!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Abby, Omaha — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:42:43 GMT

I totally agree. This show is fabulous. I am so glad it is back and can't wait for next week! I think this season will be great.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Chris, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:44:58 GMT

My wife and I checked out the show after we heard about all the Emmy nominations. We recorded the marathon that AMC ran last week, and caught up just in time to watch last night's season 2 premiere. Although we are both under 30, we have found a new favorite must see show each week. Can't wait until next Sunday. Outstanding show - writing is wonderful, and the cast is great!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Brandy,Chicago — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:48:47 GMT

You took the words right out of my mouth. When Mad Men first aired I was constantly calling my mother (who was born in 1955) and asking her if this is how life really was. Mad Men shows the class and dignity of an era as well as the freedom. I too see them as real people who I'm trying to figure out and I'm glad they didn't rush the 1st episode.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Margie Maar, Simi Valley, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:00:46 GMT

Mad Men is definitely deserving of all the Emmy nominations. Enjoyed the 2nd season opening and can't wait until next Sunday.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Yvonne, Hillsborough NJ — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:16:31 GMT

I was hooked from the first season. I, too, told people to watch. The writing is so intelligent. This series does not pander to idiotic youth. You must be involved and think along with the caracters. I guess it helps to know that I am a daughter of a "Mad Man", so I remember, first hand, the goings on!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Autumdew, Irvine CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:40:23 GMT

I watched the episodes from the start and LOVE it. Love the costumes...

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Mike, West Palm Beach, Fl. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:49:51 GMT

Just think how much better it could have been if HBO hadn't turned it down, bet they are sorry now. Best stuff on TV.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Lynne Buhle, Venice FL — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:59:15 GMT

I watched the entire season and was delighted with the return. I was married in 1960 so I remember very well the clothes, the cigarettes, hats on men, etc. The characterizations are excellent, the dialogue wonderful.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Mary Anne, Avenel, NJ — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:05:41 GMT

Watched show from day 1 and was HOOKED. Watched and rewatched all episodes On Demand until Season 2 finally started. This was the era I grew up and I feel like I'm back in time. Love the characters, storyline, and feel. Hooray for 16 Emmy nominations

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Janet Overland Park, KS — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:15:31 GMT

OMG, I love it. The clothes, the smoking, the drinking, the sets, the office, the food, the words, the Xerox machine. I can't get enough.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Dawn, Ohio — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:29:54 GMT

You know, when I first saw advertisements for this show, I had absolutely NO desire to watch it because I hated the thought of watching something that showed the shauvinistic attitudes of the day back then. Just recently when AMC showed a season 1 marathon just before the premier, my fiance came across it, and started watching it, and before I knew it, I was HOOKED!! It was so well done that I couldn't wait for the Season 2 premiere! Now my fiance and I are going to reserve our Sunday nights for Mad Men!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Tracy, San Diego, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:37:53 GMT

It's just ok. I think a little overrated.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Bored — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:38:02 GMT

OK...with all the attention lately for this program, I decided to give it a watch on Sunday night. Man, was I bored from begining to end. I did not see great writing; I did not see great acting; I did not find anything interesting at all. True, it was very realistic from my recollection of growing up in those days; although I don't recall there being so much talk about sex and sleeping around as was discussed last night. I will watch another episode or two but I think I want whatever drugs you folks are taking because they must be really good!

On the positive side...it set me in the mood for a good night's sleep....

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Jill, Edison, NJ — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:44:18 GMT

I have not seen this show - but I would recommend watching Swingtown (CBS - Thursdays) set in the 70's. It is great!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Rich, El Paso, TX — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:52:14 GMT

I love this show. I caught the first episode of year one with the thought I wouldn't like it. Boy was I wrong. The immense freedom they had back then...to smoke, to drink, to live! I am envious of these characters, and I can relate to their lives in some ways. The show does wonders to show the different levels between work, home, and private life. It's phenominal.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Rozita, Saratoga, NY — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:53:06 GMT

I agree with Dawn from Ohio. I got hooked during the marathon. I didn't care one whit about any of these characters during Episode 1, but was addicted to the show by the end of the marathon. It's fascinating.

As someone who grew up during that era (I'm the age of Peggy and Pete's love child!), I'm also appreciative of the work that the set designers have done. There was a scene last season which took place in a supermarket and for me, it was like looking through a window on a time machine! Now I know how my mom felt when she was watching "The Waltons." Er, well, maybe not quite...

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Elvia, El Paso, Texas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:25:09 GMT

Changed the channel early on in the first season to catch an episode of Mad Men by accident and haven't missed an episode since. Couldn't wait for the 2nd season to begin it promises to be just as good as the first.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Lisa, Bellmore, New York — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:25:35 GMT

This show is really really well done. The dry cleaning bag incident was so funny. I also liked the incident during Sally's birthday party when one of the kids spilled a drink and he was slapped across the face by a neighbor who was not his father. Don asked the kid if he apologized to the neighbor and then told him if he did not apologize, he would get more of the same! I was a little kid in the 60's. So totally accurate. Kudos to Mad Men.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Jeanne, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:29:08 GMT

Finally an intelligent show! So many accurate details that it makes me ache for my childhood again, yet makes me wonder if I was born in the wrong era. I love the 60's (and 70's--check out 'Swingtown' on CBS) and am relieved that there is a TV show that hasnt resorted to cheap characterizations and cliche's. Bravo AMC and 'Mad Men'.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Dinana, Wilsonville, OR — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:31:59 GMT

I'm wondering if Peggy gave the baby up for adoption...the only reference to last season was when the men commented about her weight loss...one wondered if she'd been pregnant, but Pete insisted she'd been to a fat farm...naively so, I think...I really like this show except for how it (accurately) depicts smoking. My parents smoked incessantly, just like they do on the show.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Marta, San Diego, California — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:37:59 GMT

Wow wee!!!...the second season has begun...I'm sooo happy..I'm hooked on this show. What an intelligent, satirical, well costumed show...Hurray!!! Good luck on the Emmys...It'll win...BIG!!!!!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Lisa, Bellmore, New York — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:49:11 GMT

I think the dialogue in Mad Men is just incredible. This is especially so when the characters have their meetings and they are trying to develope ad campaigns.
Jeanne,
You are absolutely right about Swingtown also.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Marina, PA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:49:29 GMT

I stumbled upon it by visiting "on demand" and was hooked instantly by watching the first four episodes... This happened BEFORE the nominations. I have to agree the show IS very adult and intended for thoughtful viewer... Hence some people don't get it.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Christie, Phoenix, AZ — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:10:59 GMT

How can this be getting positive reviews this season? They changed 90 percent of the reasons I watched it. All the shots are wide angle and odd (most of the office scenes are 50 percent ceiling), they took away the beautiful lighting so now all the characters have creepy shadows on their faces. For some reason they added tons of background noise even when highly inappropriate. They still have the beautiful dialogue but since you can no longer see the actors faces it takes away so much of what was there before. Why would they ruin a good thing? I don't think I will watch anymore, so much of what drew me in has been taken away. I am so distracted by noise and excess scenery that I can no longer focus on the characters and story. SO DISSAPOINTING!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

valerie, texas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:21:51 GMT

what a well written show. i have watched it from the first show season one. i always make sure i'm home sunday nights so not to miss the episode. i didn't grow up in the 60's i think it would have been an amazing time everyone was free to just live.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Charlie, Lakeland, FL — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:33:36 GMT

Interesting as I watch this great show to remember a time when I grew up when your Dad smoked Chesterfields in the living room and came home smelling like the DuPont chemical factory he worked in. It was life. And so were fast cars and pretty girls who made you work for it.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Addie, Eagan, MN — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:46:10 GMT

This is one of the finest ensemble shows to hit the air in years. Just love all the attention to detail. This show gives insight into the era in which I grew up. It's absolutely fascinating. Summer is usually such a waste of time on TV - now there's actually something to look forward to watching!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Ginny, Venice, Florida — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:52:07 GMT

"Mad Men" is great I got hooked on the first season. I curled up last night with my drink on the couch and enjoyed every moment of the show, the costume, sets , dialoges even the hair, are perfect I laugh each time the men have a conference and the Scotch and Vodka come out..... LOVE it!! the only thing about it is it's tough if one is trying to quite smoking they ALL do it...... Keep up the good work..

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Katrina, Seattle WA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:53:34 GMT

I too started to watch the On Demand episodes from last year. It took me a few episodes to get into it - it was a bit slow for me, but now I am hooked.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Lara, Los angeles CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:06:05 GMT

I Love this show, but don't have time to watch it in real time. I am almost done with first season so, yes your commentary spoiled for me. You should put a "Spoiler Alert" note next time.

thanks for nothing!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Bobbie Brackeen, Shawnee, Oklahoma — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:07:33 GMT

I have loved this show from the beginning. I watch every rerun and have ordered the DVD of the first season. I was in college and the beginning of my professional life during those times depicted in this show. It is right on target--it never misses. I'm not sure I would want to go back to those times, but I do miss them, and this show provides a way for me to revisit times, places, attitudes,and behaviors that were very much part of my life.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Patty, Telfod, PA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:09:11 GMT

I watched all the episodes On Demand and now I am a little frustrated that I have to wait a week between shows now. I am hooked on Mad Men and also Swingtown - I love anything from the past (before 1980)

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

The Missus — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:26:40 GMT

It's a fantastic show. I love it.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

wisegirl, Metairie, LA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:57:55 GMT

One of the funniest scenes from last season is when Pete is returning the "Chip and dip" to the department store. He is trying to charm the girl behind the counter into giving him a full refund, but she is more impressed by his college pal whom hw happens to run into. Pete tells the girl, "By the way, Matherton has the clap."

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Pam, Monterey, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:59:54 GMT

Love it! Makes me forgive my parents for "mistakes" in raising me. They were just doing what everyone was doing. Did you catch the line last night about no one under 25 drinking coffee. Hard to believe.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Kimberley, Foster City, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:01:39 GMT

This show is fantastic. I'm almost through the marathoned Season 1 and love to watch 2 back to back. It's much better than any movie. Kudos to AMC for running it.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Lora, San Diego, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:04:57 GMT

I agree this is by far the best television show I've seen in years; and I was a makeup artist years ago on Silk Stalkings and Pennsacola, my hope is that it remains as cool as it is. I watched it for my first time last weekend when they aired the full first season, I'm hooked!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Bruce, Baldwinville, MA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:11:39 GMT

I thought one of the most shocking things about last night's show was seeing Salvatore at home - is he married? Holy cow!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Shelly McCormick, Anchorage, Alaska — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:19:08 GMT

I just heard about this show this last weekend and tuned in last night to watch. I'm so pleased to have something to watch besides reality shows, shootem up shows, etc. I found myself totally hooked after one vieweing.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Jo Ann Rome, GA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:29:02 GMT

What can I say Mad Men is the best show on tv hands down. Don Draper debonair, daper, suave, sophisticated, and a cheater a nice double edged sword, but it also says to the viewers we are not all good, or not all bad the costumes sets and the language everything is a nice treat especially for a nostalgia buff like myself, thank you AMC for such a great show we need something besides reality shows and bad network shows, in closing Don Draper rules.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Patti Ann Arbor MI — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:33:37 GMT

I am so tired of hearing how HBO passed on Mad Men. Good! I don't have HBO - can't afford it. I missed tons of great shows and have to rely on borrowing friends DVDs. Finally more shows are making it to basic cable - Closer, Rescue Me and Burn Notice also come to mind.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Maria, Queen Creek,Az — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:35:19 GMT

I just recently started watching the show when it started with season one last weekend I wanted to see what the hype was & I do agree it's a terrific show.So yes I watched the season premire yesterday & it was great..I told all my friends & family about it

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Cindy, Remus, MI — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:38:39 GMT

I too love Mad Men because it reminds me of the great childhood we had before the government butted into our lives to make us wear seatbelts in our cars and helmets on bicyles. (sigh) But guess what? We lived. The Selectric typewriters on the desks are the best.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Stacey Mission, Kansas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:41:32 GMT

I started watching by accident last year as i was flipping through the channels and just got hooked.
I started telling everyone about it but found that only a few knew about it and I knew this was a hit. The actors, the clothing, the lighting, everything about it just feels like it is the 60's.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

kat Chatt, TN — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:04:08 GMT

It is the New Sopranos!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

The Dessert Diva, Northern, NJ — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:20:10 GMT

It's an amazingly accurate portrayal of that time period. I even got my mother addicted to it. She noticed the tufted headboard in the Draper's bedroom was the very same one she had in her bedroom when she was married to my father! Great show!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

multipurpose — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:37:55 GMT

valerie - people were not so free - that's why there was soon a feminist movement. civil rights movement, and counterculture movement. The woman who could smoke all day couldn't get a job that wasn't a "woman's" job. Good show. Good research.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Josh, Vancouver, WA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:12:59 GMT

Yes, I agree with everyone else, this is a great show. All posts have complemented the show on it's accuracy in scenery, but how accurate is the amount of drinking thats done? It makes for good tv, but was there really this much drinking done during the day?

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Louise, Morristown NJ — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:14:13 GMT

This show is the only thing that has kept me from canceling cable TV. I'm otherwise so weary of infomercials, graphically displayed corpses, inane 'reality' shows. At last a show for those of us with a triple digit IQ.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Bobby — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:25:18 GMT

It's pretty hard to be upset with somebody for "spoiling" plot details that have been widely available for a year. Spoiler alerts are for new or recently aired episodes. Thanks for the time wasting post! The show is a special piece of art.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Mary, Lincoln, CA. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:43:59 GMT

I am disappointed! The story line is boringly slow, shallow characters and although a good try for the 60's, there are mistakes. Ex. crinolines were worn by girls to school in the 50's not 60's. Yes, there was smoking, but Not everyone smoked. Some really good shows- "Monk" and "The Closer" - excellent writing!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

new york city, frankfurt am main — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:48:33 GMT

is there any way to see it europe. i live in nyc but for will be in germany for the rest of the summer. i am a mad man , mad about `mad men´....

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Anita, Northern Indiana — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:07:10 GMT

I got hooked last week when the marathon was on. I watched the entire marathon on a beautiful sunny weekend day because like the characters addiction to nicotine, i couldn['t get enough of Mad Men. I was so excited that the new season was on last night but I have to say I was pretty disappointed with the episode last night. I don't know why they skipped 14 months from the last episode to the new one. I'm sure I will keep watching every Sunday but the "rush" wasn't there like it was last week.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Ann Adams, Seattle, WA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:15:02 GMT

I lived in New York in the '50s. My roommates and I dated "Mad. Ave." guys. I watched the very beginning of last year's first show and got bored fast. Didn't seem real. But now after reading all the comments above I can't wait to watch the Tevoed copy of last night's show. Might get a DVD of last years just to get caught up. Thanksa for all this.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Tiny Dancer, Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:59:56 GMT

It took two episodes to grab me and now I'm done for. Hook, line, and sinker. Love this show and appreciate both the attention to details and the intelligent writing. It's not the kind of show you can just "check out" by flipping past. You have to spend some time getting to know the characters, then you'll enjoy the little touches so much more. I agree with Bruce, Sal's home life was the biggest shocker of the night, how can The Little Woman not know?! And what's Betty playing at with her come-on to the mechanic?! Dangerous games indeedy. Bring 'em on!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Like the creator, a Wesleyan Graduate. — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:48:05 GMT

This year's opener was the first episode that my wife and I have watched. We enjoyed it with one reservation. We felt that a lot of the dialog was somewhat stilted.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Seth Bidwell, Hilton Head Island, S.C. — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:49:10 GMT

If that is TV at it's best, the management should be fired and the screen allowed to go blank until someone
understands who financially makes all the money this garbage produces and makes the viewing public look like total idiots.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Jose( Film Noir Fan) ,Los Angeles, CA. — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:57:58 GMT

I love classic movies, but to me MAD MEN seems like it is trying too hard to imitate classic movies. Specially when the actors pretend to smoke, they all light up cigarettes, puff on them once or twice, and then they just hold them between their fingers and say their lines of dialogue. It looks very forced, unnatural & distracting. HUMPHREY BOGART and ROBERT DE NIRO can really smoke on screen, you can really feel the pleasure smokers get from enjoying a cigarette. MAD MEN look like they are forceing themselves to smoke.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Gloria Mitchell San Mateo, CA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:50:24 GMT

This really is the best Dramatic series on TV. I've been waiting for the 2nd season like a 2nd hot date. I grew up in the 60's and they have the era down perfectly. One of my favorite scenes is when Betsy goes into the yard in her negligee and with a cigarette hanging between her red lips she proceeds to shoot the neighbors homing pigeons. And what woman would not fall in love with Don Draper?

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Elaine Hanmer, Pembroke, VA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:28:13 GMT

Yes , I agree with Kat from TN. I was so upset about losing Tony and his crew when the Sopranos signed off. I also dont have HBO (my friend taped vhs tapes and mailed to me) nor can afford, so when I watched the first episode of Mad Men, I knew my addiction had been fulfilled. Thanks AMC!!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Betty Faulkner — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:08:47 GMT

It's been a long 14 months to see Season 2. Please don't make us wait that long again.Don Draper is still hot and the rest of cast is fabulous. Please do not go too far into the 60's. Don't care about the hippie/drug/free love/make love not war era. Will ruin it for me. Tuned that era out.Don't want Don Draper wearing a curly wig either.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Paul Thomas — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:45:02 GMT

It ain't saying much to say you're the best of "summer TV". Just look at how low the hurdle is.

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

Jeff Williams, Chicago, IL — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:58:12 GMT

Best show on television right now! I got the first season from Netflix just so I could be up to date for season two. I tried to get my wife into it in the beginning, but it moved too slow for her; her loss. But that's one of the great things about it; the pacing of the storytelling is on point. Take your time, tell a little bit at a time, build the tension. Bravo!

'Mad Men' is the best of summer TV

DH, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:03:28 GMT

If that's the "best" then I'll use the "blocker" on my remote.