10 Mad Men BTS Facts for Every Fan

Hidden Stories Behind Sterling-Cooper Drama

Think you know Mad Men? Explore surprising backstage details and creative decisions that turned everyday scenes into iconic television moments loved by fans worldwide.

John Slattery Originally Wanted to Play Don Draper

Before being cast as the charming and sharp-tongued Roger Sterling, John Slattery actually auditioned for the role of Don Draper. Although Jon Hamm ultimately won the part, Slattery joked that Hamm liked to tease him about being disappointed. Slattery later admitted he wasn’t upset, especially once he saw how naturally Hamm fit the role.

The Surprising Family Connection Behind Freddy Rumsen

Freddy Rumsen, the lovable yet troubled ad man on Mad Men, is played by Joel Murray, who happens to be the brother of legendary comedian Bill Murray. Though Freddy is known for his drinking mishaps and earnest charm, Joel’s casting brought an unexpected real-world trivia twist to the series. Fans who later discovered the family connection were often surprised, as Joel carved out the character in a way completely separate from his brother’s comedic legacy.

The Story Behind Glen Bishop’s Casting

Glen Bishop, the unsettlingly earnest neighbor boy who becomes fascinated with both Betty and later Sally Draper, was played by Marten Weiner—Matthew Weiner’s son. Surprisingly, the casting wasn’t his father’s idea. Weiner said another person suggested Marten for the role, though he was initially hesitant due to the pressures that come with working with family. Despite warnings, Marten impressed during auditions and ultimately delivered performances that perfectly matched the character’s awkward, haunting presence.

The Real Ad Legend Who Inspired Don Draper’s Character

Don Draper wasn’t created entirely from imagination, he was partially inspired by real-life ad legend Draper Daniels. Daniels worked at Leo Burnett in Chicago and was the creative force behind the famous Marlboro Man campaign. His wife later wrote an article explaining how Matthew Weiner acknowledged using Daniels as a reference for building Don’s character, even calling Daniels “one of the great copy guys.”

The Pilot That Landed Matthew Weiner a Job on The Sopranos

When Matthew Weiner finished the Mad Men pilot, he began using it as a writing sample. In 2002, he sent it to David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, even though Weiner’s agents weren’t enthusiastic about pitching him for the job. Chase later recalled that the script stood out immediately. He was impressed enough to meet with Weiner and ultimately hired him for the hit HBO series.

The Only Mad Men Episode Ever Filmed in New York

Even though Mad Men is deeply rooted in New York’s advertising world, only the show’s pilot was actually filmed in the city. After that, production moved entirely to Los Angeles, where sets and soundstages recreated the feel of 1960s Manhattan. The pilot’s New York shoot gave the series its authentic foundation, but once AMC greenlit the full season, filming on the East Coast became unnecessary and too expensive.

The Beatles Song That Cost Weiner a Quarter Million Dollars

For the “Lady Lazarus” episode, Matthew Weiner insisted on using The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” exactly as performed by the band; not a cover, not a sound-alike. Securing an authentic Beatles master recording is notoriously difficult and expensive, but Weiner felt the show needed it for true cultural accuracy. He ultimately paid $250,000 for the rights, which he considered a worthwhile investment.

Megan Draper’s Performance That Became a Chart-Topping Hit

Jessica Paré made a lasting impression in the season five premiere when she performed the flirtatious French tune “Zou Bisou Bisou” for Don Draper. The moment instantly became one of the show’s most memorable scenes, and Paré’s rendition quickly crossed over from television into mainstream music. The song gained viral attention, leading to an official release, and soon after, it climbed to the top of Billboard’s World Digital chart.

Mad Men Helped Revive Lucky Strike’s Popularity

Lucky Strike, one of the show’s most recognizable recurring brands, experienced a real-world sales boost thanks to Mad Men. The cigarette label, featured prominently from the very beginning of the series, gained renewed consumer interest simply by being woven into the storyline. During the show’s run, Lucky Strike nearly doubled its sales, amounting to an additional 10 billion cigarettes sold.

Kiernan Shipka Didn’t Watch Mad Men While Filming

Even though she played Sally Draper for years, Kiernan Shipka didn’t actually watch Mad Men while working on it. In a 2013 interview, the then-13-year-old actress explained that the show had been off-limits to her in its early seasons due to its mature content. By the time she was old enough, she preferred to wait until the series ended before watching it all at once.