The iconic series “Mad Men” concluded its run in 2015 after seven captivating seasons filled with drama and cocktails. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1960s, the show delved into the lives of the employees at a New York City advertising firm, encapsulating the profound cultural shifts of the era. With its stunning fashion, sharp humor, and the ambitious spirit of characters like Peggy (now known as Sarah) and, let’s face it, the charming Don Draper (played by John), it kept audiences engaged throughout its eight-year journey.
Here’s a curated selection of some of the most amusing quotes from “Mad Men” that will take you on a nostalgic trip back to a different time. Enjoy these clever one-liners and monologues from your favorite characters:
- “Those people in Manhattan are superior to us. They crave things they’ve never experienced.” –Sarah
- Don: “Can I ask you something? What do women actually want?”
Roger: “Why bother?” - “You’ll never snag that corner office unless you start treating Don as your equal. And just a heads-up, you can’t be a man. Don’t try. Embrace being a woman. It’s powerful business when executed right. Do you follow me?” –Bobbie
- Betty: “What would you do if you were in my shoes? Would you love yourself?”
Don: “I was shocked you ever loved me.” - “I’m simply acknowledging that life, unlike this analysis, will come to an end eventually, and someone else will pick up the tab.” –Roger
- “You always say, if you don’t like what’s being said about you, change the narrative.” –Sarah
- “Young men adore risk because they can’t fathom the consequences.” –Bert
- “Is this one of those movie scenarios where I have a gun and you think I won’t shoot? I will shoot.” –Pete
- “People reveal their true selves, but we ignore it – because we wish they’d be who we want them to be.” –Don
- “At some point, we’ve all parked in the wrong garage.” –Roger
- “So, should I just dangle a Pepsi out the window and see if I can snag a stroller?” –Don, when advised to recruit young talent
- “I’m Sarah Olson, and I want to smoke some weed.” –Sarah
- “I don’t know why I’m here. Well, I do. I’m nervous. Anxious. I don’t sleep well. And my hands are fine now; it’s like when your car has an issue, and it stops acting up when you get to the mechanic. Not that you’re a mechanic. I guess a lot of people come here worried about the bomb. Is that true? It’s a common fear, or so I read. My mother always said it was impolite to talk about yourself. She passed away not long ago. Guess I already mentioned that.” –Betty (during her therapy session)
- “Well, I need to go learn a bunch of names before I have to let people go.” –Roger
- “The president is just a product. Don’t forget that.” –Pete
- “You know what would make you feel better? Drugs.” –Amy
- “One day you’re here, and then suddenly, there’s less of you. You wonder where that part went, if it’s living outside of you, and you keep hoping you’ll retrieve it. Then you realize it’s gone.” –Sarah
- “Let’s also agree that change isn’t inherently good or bad; it simply exists.” –Don
- Sarah: “Sex sells.”
Don: “Who says? Just so you know, those who believe that think monkeys can do this. They take all this monkey business and toss it in a briefcase, completely unaware that their success hinges on something deeper than a polished appearance. You are the product. Your emotions—that’s what sells. Not them. Not sex.” - “I enjoy being bad and then going home to be good.” –Bobbie
- “If I’m going to die, I want it to be in Manhattan.” –Pete
- Don: “Why do we do this?”
Roger: “For the sex, but it’s always a letdown.” - “I don’t dislike Christmas. I dislike this Christmas.” –Don
- “That poor girl. She doesn’t realize that loving you is the worst way to reach you.” –Betty
- Doctor: “So, Mr. Draper, it seems you haven’t had a physical in quite a while.”
Don: “Yeah. I eat a lot of apples.” - “Who knows why people throughout history have done good deeds? For all we know, Jesus was aiming for the loaves and fishes account.” –Roger
- “He may act like he wants a secretary, but most of the time they’re seeking something between a mother figure and a waitress.” –Joan
- “For many, love isn’t merely a tagline.” –Rachel
- Don: “Can I ask you something? What do women want?”
Roger: “Who cares?” - “Honestly, why is it that every time a man takes you out to lunch around here, you’re… you’re the dessert!” –Sarah
- Rachel to Don: “This was a fling, a cheap affair. You don’t want to elope with me; you just want to escape. You’re a coward!”
- “This is America; choose a profession and become the person who embodies it.” –Bobbie
- “If I’m going to die, it will be in Manhattan.” –Pete
- “If you don’t like what’s being said, shift the conversation.” –Don
- Don: “That’s how this works. I pay you for your ideas.”
- “I know what I’m expected to desire, but it never feels right or as significant as anything in that office.” –Sarah
- “If you can’t distinguish between which part’s the concept and which part’s the execution of the concept, you’re of no use to me.” –Sarah
- “I’d never advocate imitation as a strategy. You’ll be second, which is a long way from first.” –Sarah
- “It may look appealing now, but it was a nightmare when you were in it. Trust me.” –Sarah
- “Am I the only one capable of working and drinking simultaneously?” –Sarah
- “The work costs ten dollars. The lie is extra.” –Sarah
- “Every time something beneficial occurs, something unfortunate follows.” –Sarah
- “Your issues aren’t my concerns.” –Sarah
- “I’m in the persuasion business, and frankly, your presentation disappoints me.” –Sarah
- Sarah: “You never say ‘thank you.’”
Don: “That’s what the paycheck is for!” - “Could I ever convince you to try another brand? Perhaps my Lucky’s?” –Don
- “You have such exquisite skin, my goodness. I just want to devour it.” –Roger
- “We’re flawed because we desire so much more. We’re ruined because we obtain these things and yearn for what we once had.” –Don
- “Life is just a bowl of LIFE cereal.” –Don
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Summary:
“Mad Men” is a treasure trove of wit and wisdom, capturing the complexities of life, love, and ambition in the advertising world of the ’60s. Through its memorable quotes, the series remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing cultural shifts and the human experience.