WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After Mad Men
Beyond Madison Avenue: Four Shows That Echo Mad Men’s Dark Glamour
If you love the sleek, ambition‑driven world of Mad Men, you’ll find a kindred spirit in four distinct series that each capture a facet of its allure. From the freshly released, darkly comic "DTF St. Louis" to the iconic crime saga "The Sopranos," the trailblazing ’80s dramedy "Moonlighting," and Ryan Murphy’s revisionist Hollywood epic "Hollywood," these picks span new, classic, audience‑loved, and thematically resonant storytelling.
Together they form a tapestry of ambition, identity, and the high‑stakes games of professional life. "DTF St. Louis" mirrors Mad Men’s focus on mid‑life crises and the price of desire, while "The Sopranos" offers a deeper dive into family dynamics and power struggles. "Moonlighting" provides a nostalgic, genre‑blending experience that recalls the period charm of the original, and "Hollywood" reimagines the entertainment industry's golden age, echoing the show’s exploration of how personal narratives are crafted and sold. Whether you crave fresh intrigue or timeless drama, this quartet delivers the sophisticated storytelling that made Mad Men a benchmark of television excellence.
Why these shows are similar to Mad Men
Set in 1960-1970 New York, this sexy, stylized and provocative drama follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising.
These recommendations branch out from Mad Men with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
DTF St. Louis
TV • 2026
crime • drama
Why Watch Next
A freshly minted, darkly comic drama that dives into the tangled love lives and existential dread of three middle‑aged friends, echoing Mad Men’s sharp look at ambition and personal ruin.
Overview
A love triangle among three adults experiencing middle-age malaise leads to one of them ending up dead.
The Sopranos
TV • 1999
crime • drama
Why Watch Next
A fan‑favorite masterpiece that blends ruthless crime with family drama, offering the same layered character study of power, secrecy, and the search for identity that made Mad Men a cultural touchstone.
Overview
The story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads. Those difficulties are often highlighted through his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. The show features Tony's family members and Mafia associates in prominent roles and story arcs, most notably his wife Carmela and his cousin and protégé Christopher Moltisanti.
Moonlighting
TV • 1985
comedy • drama • mystery
Why Watch Next
A classic ’80s dramedy that mixes witty banter, romance, and mystery, capturing the period‑piece charm and stylish storytelling that fans of Mad Men appreciate.
Overview
After being duped and going bankrupt, model Maddie is convinced by David to become a partner in a detective agency. Together they solve various cases, while getting comfortable with each other.
Hollywood
TV • 2020
drama
Why Watch Next
A period drama set in post‑war Hollywood that explores ambition, identity, and the cut‑throat pursuit of success, mirroring Mad Men’s exploration of the advertising world’s glittering yet ruthless façade.
Overview
In post-World War II Hollywood, an ambitious group of aspiring actors and filmmakers will do almost anything to make their showbiz dreams come true.
More shows and movies featuring actors from Mad Men
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to Mad Men.
A Young Doctor's Notebook
TV • 2012
Why It’s Relevant
This period drama blends dark comedy with serious themes of addiction and professional pressure, echoing Mad Men’s stylish historical setting and complex character study.
The Veil
TV • 2024
Why It’s Relevant
This espionage drama shares Mad Men’s period intrigue and complex female leads, offering a similarly stylish, tension‑filled look at power and secrets.