It’s season five, baby! And we’re back with A Little Kiss Part 1, the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper’s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan’s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show’s most interesting character, and what Joan’s mom and a certain baby’s butt have in common. Oh, and the introduction of the most legendary character in the entire series...that's right, BOBBY 5.

We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the shocking protest scene, AMC’s behind-the-scenes budget drama, and how this premiere marks a turning point in the show’s tone, aesthetic, and yes, hairlines. Also: the debut of Mike’s new microphone. It’s a whole event.

In case this is your first time tuning in, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the lens of three different viewers: a first-timer, a rewatcher, and someone who watches the show instead of forming healthy adult friendships. You know who you are.

So whether you’re Team Peggy, Team Megan, or just here for Bert Cooper’s party game energy, pour a stiff drink and join us. We may not be ready for part two, but at least we showed up with a gift.

Extra Credits:

Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 1)” and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups).

We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 2, titled “A Little Kiss Part 2.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.