Mad Men is renowned not only for its meticulous production design and authentic costuming but for how its outstanding cast brought sharp, engaging writing to life. The AMC series excels due to the profound depth and nuanced performances of its actors, especially Jon Hamm as the enigmatic ad executive Don Draper. Each character embarks on morally ambiguous yet compelling journeys, from Peggy Olson’s subtle rebellion to Joan Holloway’s triumphant rise through a male-dominated world.
The impressive ensemble cast leveraged their success from Mad Men to explore diverse and exciting opportunities in Hollywood. They transitioned seamlessly into prominent roles in prestigious streaming series and took risks on personal film projects with acclaimed directors. Each performance in their subsequent roles not only highlights their exceptional range but also deepens the appreciation for how authentically they embodied their Mad Men characters, making their struggles resonate even beyond the constraints of scripted narratives.
10 The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-2020)
Kiernan Shipka As Sabrina Spellman
The Netflix series The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina made waves as a darker reinterpretation of the iconic ’90s sitcom. This show expanded the Riverdale universe, fusing elements of horror, camp, and coming-of-age storytelling within a gothic backdrop, swiftly becoming a notable hit. Kiernan Shipka stepped into the lead role, transitioning from her earlier portrayal of Sally Draper in Mad Men to embody Sabrina Spellman.
Shipka adeptly navigated the tonal shifts of the show, delivering both playful occult escapades and genuinely frightening stakes. This performance positioned her as a prominent figure among Gen Z audiences, revealing a balance of strength and vulnerability that resonated with fans. Additionally, she reprised her role in Riverdale season 6, reinforcing her influence on teen fantasy series.
9 Good Girls (2018-2021)
Christina Hendricks As Beth Boland
Good Girls was a captivating blend of crime and comedy that garnered a loyal fanbase during its four-season run, following three suburban mothers who turn to illegal activities to provide for their families. Christina Hendricks delivered a powerful performance as Beth Boland, characterized by her calm demeanor and growing thirst for power and autonomy.
Though Beth’s narrative trajectory diverges from Joan Holloway’s arc in Mad Men, both women share a common struggle against patriarchal constraints, propelled by loyalty and the pursuit of agency. Hendricks’ characters often surprise those who underestimate them, using their circumstances to carve out new opportunities, whether in a 1960s advertising agency or a modern crime scene.
8 The Last Man On Earth (2015-2018)
January Jones As Melissa Chartres
The Last Man on Earth, a unique post-apocalyptic comedy created by Will Forte, explores human behavior in a world devoid of societal norms. January Jones showcased her versatility playing Melissa, a character known for her sharp instincts and obstinate nature, which was a striking departure from her dramatic portrayal of Betty Draper in Mad Men.
Whereas Betty’s journey toward self-actualization faced tragic limitations, Melissa found herself in a landscape that granted her the freedom to make unpredictable choices. This role allowed Jones to embrace humor and spontaneity, showcasing a side of her talent that transcended the confines placed on her former character.
7 Avengers: Endgame (2019)
John Slattery As Howard Stark
Avengers: Endgame represented a monumental achievement in film, wrapping up the Infinity Saga and paying homage to beloved characters. Among its most impactful moments was the “time heist”segment, which culminated in an emotionally charged reunion between Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., and his father, Howard Stark, portrayed by John Slattery.
Famed for his charismatic portrayal of Roger Sterling in Mad Men, Slattery infused Howard Stark with a warmth and sincerity that provided Tony with a much-needed moment of closure, enriching Iron Man’s poignant character arc.
6 The People V. O.J. Simpson: An American Crime Story (2016)
Robert Morse As Dominick Dunne
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story captivated viewers, rekindling America’s fascination with true crime via an exceptional narrative and a talented cast. Robert Morse’s portrayal of Dominick Dunne, a writer tracking the media frenzy around the trial, demonstrated his distinctive qualities, in stark contrast to his eccentric character, Bertram Cooper from Mad Men.
While Dunne represented a more subdued presence within a chaotic cultural spectacle, Morse’s performance showcased his ability to transition from the enigmatic allure of the advertising world to the sobering reality of celebrity scrutiny, contributing to the series’ acclaimed storytelling.
5 Silicon Valley (2014-2019)
Ben Feldman As Attorney Ron LaFlamme
Silicon Valley emerged as a favorite among HBO comedies, deftly critiquing the tech industry’s absurdities through the comedic trials of the Pied Piper team. The show, lauded for its sharp satire and engaging narrative, completed six successful seasons, earning both critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Ben Feldman’s character, Ron LaFlemme, illustrated the oddball humor surrounding venture capitalists, showcasing Feldman’s knack for quirky roles. This character diverged from his polished portrayal of Michael Ginsberg in Mad Men, yet both characters highlighted his ability to deliver captivating performances.
4 Chernobyl (2019)
Jared Harris As Valery Legasov
Chernobyl won the hearts of viewers and critics alike, presenting a harrowing depiction of the 1986 nuclear disaster and the systemic failures accompanying it. Starring Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, the series earned ten Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, while Harris’s performance showcased his capacity for complex roles.
Harris’s portrayal of Legasov, marked by moral integrity and emotional gravitas, starkly contrasts his Mad Men character, Lane Pryce, who struggled under personal and professional burdens. Where Lane faced his own tragic end, Legasov represents a battle against formidable truth, demonstrating Harris’s growth as a leading actor.
3 The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Rich Sommer As Doug
The Devil Wears Prada has left an indelible mark on popular culture, transforming the “chick flick”genre through its sharp dialogue, iconic performances, and nuanced exploration of ambition and power. Rich Sommer played Doug, a secondary character who, unlike the supportive friends portrayed in the film, often acted to undermine Andy’s growth. Though this element may not age well, Sommer’s charm shines through in a limited role.
In contrast to his role as Harry Crane in Mad Men, where he seeks to adapt to changing times, Doug’s character illustrates a more simplistic and stagnant dynamic, highlighting how multifaceted Sommer’s acting range can be.
2 Baby Driver (2017)
Jon Hamm As Jason ‘Buddy’ Van Horn
Baby Driver, created by Edgar Wright, stands as a creative tour de force and a thrilling blend of action and music. Its meticulously synchronized sequences to an unforgettable soundtrack highlight its uniqueness among recent blockbusters. Hamm was cast against type in the role of Buddy, a character that is charming yet dangerously unstable.
Since Mad Men, Hamm has taken on a diverse array of roles, from indie comedies to serious dramas, signaling his versatility as an actor. His portrayal of Buddy showcases a laid-back demeanor that gradually disintegrates into chaos, echoing undertones of Don Draper’s self-destructive tendencies but situated in an entirely different context. Baby Driver exemplifies Hamm’s evolution post-Mad Men, demonstrating his commitment to original and challenging material.
1 The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)
Elizabeth Moss As June Osborne
The Handmaid’s Tale evolved from a limited series into a cultural phenomenon, successfully expanding to six seasons and surpassing the original storyline devised by Margaret Atwood. The series offered a dystopian view that resonated deeply, with Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne/Offred at its core, embodying a fierce spirit of rebellion against oppression.
In addition to her lead performance, Moss serves as an executive producer, using her influence to amplify women’s stories in Hollywood, as seen in her acclaimed work on The Invisible Man. June’s narrative may echo elements of Peggy Olson’s fight for respect in the boardroom, but ultimately, June’s struggle is one for freedom against a totalitarian regime. Both characters exemplify Moss’s dedication to portraying strong, underestimated women.