After seven seasons, viewers said their final goodbye to Cooper Sterling Draper Pryce last month and its chain-smoking, alcohol-chugging, womanizing advertising phenom Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm.
Matt Weiner‘s period drama took Draper on a voyage of self-discovery, culminating in a sunny mountaintop retreat where the ad man supposedly came up with one of the most iconic commercials of all time: “Buy the World a Coke.”
The series has enjoyed a long and successful run, winning Best Drama at the Emmys for its first four seasons, as well as a gazillion other awards. But its leading man has never taken home the coveted Emmy, despite earning a nomination each year the show has been eligible.
Will this be the year Don Draper finally gets his Emmy trophy?
Hamm talked to TheWrap about which scenes were the toughest to shoot (the last three episodes), which actor on the show he would give an Emmy to (hint: not who you’d expect), and whether or not he got a free year’s worth of Coca-Cola after that finale.
TheWrap: What was the toughest thing you had to do this season? Jon Hamm: I guess it was a culmination of things, but it always comes with a preface: The job is not exactly lead mining. It’s not a physically demanding job so I don’t want to act like, ‘Oh, poor me.’ But I think the trickiest part for me was having Don go on this journey for the last three to four episodes. Simply by the nature of choosing that path, it meant basically that I was on my own. It was challenging emotionally and from an acting standpoint because you establish a relationship with certain characters over seven and a half seasons and having the last few episodes all by myself was tricky.
What was the funnest thing you got to do this season?
I don’t think there’s any one thing. I had a good time coming into work almost all the time. If I had to sneak in one thing, I’d say watching Robert Morse (Bertram Cooper) dance [to “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” a vintage show tune from the 1927 musical “Good News.”]. It was obviously a very emotional scene for both the character and for us. There weren’t a lot of dry eyes watching that day.
Let’s assume someone who’s been living under a rock has never heard of “Mad Men.” What would you say to convince them to watch it?
I think it’s an intelligent and emotional journey through a difficult time in American culture and a character study of a uniquely American archetype. I guess that’s probably not going to get any more viewers to watch it [laughs].
Who else on the show really deserves an Emmy and why?
For my money, I think the one person who has been really criminally overlooked through the years has been Vincent Kartheiser (Pete Campbell). His work on the show from the beginning has been really spectacular. He’s created this character that is so easy to dislike but if you really look at the character of Pete, he’s on the right side of a lot of the arguments and you can see the frustration in that character.
Are you a binge-watcher? Once-a-weeker? What was the last thing you binge-watched?
I’m a binge watcher on certain things. I’m also a once-a-weeker on things that are not available to binge such as Sunday night programs like “Silicon Valley,” “Veep” and the “Daily Show.” But the last thing I watched all at once was probably “Arrested Development.” I watched the whole series in about three days, maybe five or six at a time. I was really into that one.
If you could add a new category to the Emmys, serious or silly, what would it be?
That’s a really good question. I’d go with something like Best Ensemble. We live in such an amazing time to be watching television right now and there are so many new approaches to narrative television and sometimes the performances don’t fit into certain categories so I think I would try and blow it up a little bit with an ensemble category.
Did Coca-Cola send you a year’s worth of free Coke? You did give them some Grade-A exposure, after all.
No, I didn’t get any free Coke for life, unfortunately. But I’m shooting a movie in Atlanta and I was able to go visit the archives of the Coca-Cola Museum, which was really kind of cool. They’ve got well over 100 years of stuff that they’ve collected and you just realize what an integral and significant part of American and pop culture Coca-Cola has been.
94 Summer TV Shows: TheWrap's Ultimate Viewing Guide (Photos)
Wednesday, May 27 "The Briefcase" (CBS) at 8/7c American families experiencing financial setbacks are presented with a briefcase containing a large sum of money and a potentially life-altering decision: they can keep all of the money for themselves, or give all or part of it to another family in need.
CBS
Wednesday, May 27 "Bullseye" (Fox) at 9/8c Kellan Lutz and Godfrey host this new game show. The goal is to hit the titular bullseye on land, over the sea and up in the air, with the competitors using their bodies as human darts. The winner leaves with $50,000.
Fox
Thursday, May 28 "Aquarius" (NBC) at 9/8c David Duchovny stars as 1960's Det. Sam Hodiak, who goes undercover to investigate the Manson family before their infamous murder spree
Friday, May 29 "Marriage Bootcamp Reality Stars" (WE TV) at 9/8c Famous reality TV couples try to salvage their relationships. This season will feature Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett, Aubrey O'Day and Travis Garland, and Jeff Schroeder and Jordan Lloyd among others
WE TV
Friday, May 29 "Nightingale" (HBO) at 9/8c "Selma" star David Oyelowo plays a lonely war veteran psychologically unravels ahead of an old friend's impending visit in this HBO original film
Saturday May 30 "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" (Lifetime) at 8/7c Kelli Garner stars as the iconic film star in this mini-series chronicle of Monroe's family life and how she succeeded in hiding her most intimate secrets from the press and an invasive world.
Lifetime
Sunday, May 31 "Halt and Catch Fire" (AMC) at 10/9c The Lee Pace-led drama returns for season 2 and continues to explore the personal computing boom of the 1980s
AMC
Monday, June 1 "Devious Maids" (Lifetime) at 9/8c The maids are back for more mayhem and drama as the third season of Lifetime's hit series returns.
Lifetime
Monday, June 1 "UnREAL" (Lifetime) at 10/9c The drama behind the scenes at a reality dating show is chronicled in Lifetime's newest series. Shiri Appleby stars.
Lifetime
Monday, June 1 "The Whispers" (ABC) at 10/9c An unseen force is manipulating society's most innocent -- children -- to act in service of its mysterious cause.
ABC
Monday, June 1 "So You Think You Can Dance" (Fox) The 12th season of this reality competition follows dancers competing to be named "America's Favorite Dancer," along with a cash prize.
Fox
Tuesday, June 2 "Chrisley Knows Best" (USA) at 9/8c Season 3 of the reality show follows the continuing adventures of millionaire Todd Chrisley and his family.
USA
Tuesday, June 2 "Pretty Little Liars" (ABC Family) at 8/7c Season 6 of the popular teen drama will answer burning questions about A and all the PLL's.
ABC Family
Tuesday, June 2 "Royal Pains" (USA) at 10/9c The seventh season of this medical dramedy follows the employees of concierge medical service HankMed struggling to keep their lives in order.
USA
Tuesday, June 2 "Stitchers" (ABC Family) at 9/8c A young woman is recruited into a secret government agency to be "stitched" into the minds of the recently deceased, using their memories to investigate murders.
ABC Family
Wednesday, June 3 "Baby Daddy" (ABC Family) at 8:30/7:30c The fifth season of this comedy series sees Ben still grappling with fatherhood in hilarious fashion.
ABC Family
Wednesday, June 3 "Melissa & Joey" (ABC Family) at 8/7c Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence return for the fourth and final season of this comedy about a woman who hire a "manny" to look after her niece and nephew.
ABC Family
Thursday, June 4 "Hannibal" (NBC) at 10/9c Hannibal has fled to Europe as the fate of the victims he left behind hangs in the balance in Season 3 of the cult favorite series.
Monday, June 8 "Becoming Us" (ABC Family) at 9/8c This unscripted series follows a 17-year-old whose father is transitioning into a woman.
ABC Family
Monday, June 8 "Odd Mom Out" (Bravo) at 10/9c A half-hour comedy that follows a woman that must navigate a clique of wealthy Upper East Side moms.
Bravo
Monday, June 8 "The Fosters" (ABC Family) at 8/7c The third season of the critically acclaimed story of a blended, multi-ethnic family living in San Diego
ABC Family
Monday, June 8 "Major Crimes" (TNT) at 9/8c Season 4 of the crime drama that explores life inside the fictional LAPD Major Crimes Division.
TNT
Monday, June 8 "Murder in the First" (TNT) at 10/9c Season 2 of the crime drama that follows two homicide detectives who investigate a Silicon Valley tycoon for murder.
TNT
Friday, June 12 "Orange Is the New Black" (Netflix) Streaming Season 3 of the popular series continues exploring the lives and loves of the women of Litchfield prison.
Monday, June 16 "The Making of the Mob: New York" (AMC) at 10/9c An 8-part miniseries about the rise of the criminal organization headed by Charles "Lucky" Luciano
AMC
Tuesday, June 16 "Proof" (TNT) at 10/9c A brilliant surgeon searches for life after death.
TNT
Tuesday, June 16 "Rizzoli & Isles" (TNT) at 9/8c The sixth season of this crime drama sees a detective teaming up with a medical examiner to solve crimes in Boston.
TNT
Tuesday, June 16 "Tyrant" (FX) at 10/9c Season 2 of the story of the son of a Middle Eastern dictator who is drawn into his family's political dealings.
FX
Thursday, June 18 "Astronaut Wives Club" (ABC) Based on the book of the same name, this series explores the lives of the women who stood by the original Mercury astronauts.
Grand Central Publishing
Thursday, June 18 "Complications" (USA) at 9/8c A doctor becomes a reluctant vigilante when he intervenes in a gang shooting.
USA
Thursday, June 18 "Mistresses" (ABC) at 9/8c Four sexy friends try to help each other navigate their scandalous personal lives.
ABC
Friday, June 19 "Killjoys" (Syfy) at 9/8c A fun-loving trio of bounty hunters attempt to remain impartial as they chase deadly warrants across the galaxy.
Syfy
Sunday, June 21 "Ballers" (HBO) at 10/9c The Rock stars as a former football player who now mentors current players in Miami.
Sunday, June 21 "The Last Ship" (TNT) at 9/8c Season 2 of this post-apocalyptic drama in which the crew of a Navy ship are the only people on the planet unaffected by a deadly virus.
TNT
Sunday, June 21 "True Detective" (HBO) at 9/8c Season 2 of the hit anthology series sees a group of police officers investigating a murder associated with an entrepreneur.
Tuesday, June 23 "Another Period" (Comedy Central) at 10:30/9:30c A turn of the century reality series about the Newports, America's "original ballers."
Comedy Central
Wednesday, June 24 "Big Brother" (CBS) at 9/8c Another group of housemates will be thrown together for more drama, competition and, if recent seasons are any indication, scandal in the 17th season of the popular reality show.
CBS
Wednesday, June 24 "Suits" (USA) at 9/8c Season 5 of this legal drama will continue the story of a brilliant lawyer -- who never attended law school -- closing cases for a major Manhattan firm.
USA
Wednesday, June 24 "Mr. Robot" (USA) at 10/9c A hacker working as a cyber-security engineer is recruited by an underground organization to destroy his own firm.
USA
Thursday, June 25 "BOOM!" (Fox) at 8/7c Contestants compete to diffuse slime-bombs and win cash by correctly answering trivia questions.
FOX
Thursday, June 25 "Graceland" (USA) at 10/9c Season 3 of the drama surrounding the intersecting lives of several undercover narcotics officers.
USA
Thursday, June 25 "Rookie Blue" (ABC) at 10/9c Season 5 of this police procedural about a group of rookie officers trying to make it in the toughest squad in the department.
ABC
Thursday, June 25 "Under the Dome" (CBS) at 9/8c Season 3 of the Stephen King adaptation about a town trapped under a mysterious force field.
Sunday, June 28 "Falling Skies" (TNT) at 10/9c Noah Wyle returns for the fifth and final season of this sci-fi series about the survivors of an alien invasion banding together to fight back.
TNT
Sunday, June 28 "Humans" (AMC) 9/8c The sci-fi series is set in a parallel present wherein humanoid robots are the latest must-have technology.
AMC
Tuesday, June 30 "Scream" (MTV) Small-screen adaptation of the Wes Craven horror series in which a group of teens is stalked by a serial killer after a cyber-bullying incident gets out of hand.
Tuesday, June 30 "Zoo" (CBS) at 9/8c A young scientist searches to find out what's causing a rash of violent animal attacks.
CBS
Tuesday, June 30 “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail” (Comedy Central) at 12:30am/11:30c The second season of this series which sees famous comedians trying out new bits in the back of a comic book store
Comedy Central
Wednesday, July 1 "Extant" (CBS) at 10/9c Halle Berry returns for season 2 of this sci-fi series about an astronaut who becomes mysteriously pregnant during a 13-month solo space mission.
CBS
Thursday, July 2 "Food Fighters" (NBC) at 8/7c A cooking game show in which amateurs square off against pro chefs for the chance to win $100,000.
NBC
Monday, July 6 "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" (CW) at 9/8c Aspiring magicians try to pull off magic tricks on masters Penn & Teller. Those who succeed earn a chance to perform in Las Vegas in the second season of this reality series.
CW
Monday, July 6 "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (CW) at 9/8c More hilarious improv returns in the 11th season of this long-running comedy show.
CW
Tuesday, July 7 "Hollywood Game Night" (NBC) at 10/9c Jane Lynch hosts the show in which various celebrities compete in competitions to win money for their select charities.
NBC
Wednesday, July 8 "Key and Peele" (Comedy Central) at 10pm/9c
Comedy Central
Wednesday, July 8 "The Spoils Before Dying" (IFC) at 9pm/8c A comedy miniseries about a 1950's jazz pianist turned private eye
IFC
Wednesday, July 8 "Why with Hannibal Buress" (Comedy Central) at 10:30/9:30c
Coomedy Central
Thursday, July 9 "Rectify" (SundanceTV) at 10/9c Season 3 of this drama about a man attempts to adjust to normal life after spending 19 years on death row for a crime he didn't commit.
SundanceTV
Friday, July 10 "Masters of Illusion" (CW) A literal magic show where some of the best illusionists baffle viewers.
CW
Friday, July 10 "Sex With Brody" (E!) at 10:30/9:30c Brody Jenner gives advice on sex, dating, and relationships with celebrity guests.
Getty Images
Sunday, July 12 "Masters of Sex" (Showtime) at 10/9c Season 3 of this biographical series about pioneering sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson.
Monday, July 13 "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" (NBC) at 10/9c The famous survivalist leads celebrities on 48-hour journeys into remote and dangerous locations
NBC
Wednesday, July 15 "The Jim Gaffigan Show" (TV Land) at 10/9c Based on the actor's real life, Gaffigan's newest sitcom follows him as he balances life between fatherhood, stand-up comedy and an insatiable appetite
TV Land
Wednesday, July 15 "Impastor" (TV Land) at 10:30/9:30c "Smallville's" Michael Rosenbaum plays a slacker and druggie who assumes the identity of a priest after his death.
TV Land
Thursday, July 16 "Impractical Jokers" (TruTV) at 10/9c Season four of this series about four lifelong friends who dare each other to do outrageous stunts
TruTv
Thursday, July 16 "Friends of the People" (TruTV) at 10:30/9:30c The midseason premier of this sketch comedy series that skewers pop culture and features parodies of your favorite 90's moments
TruTV
Thursday, July 16 "Married" (FX) at 10:30/9:30c A comedy about a couple of not-so-newlyweds struggling to live adult lives
FX
Thursday, July 16 "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll" (FX) A beind-the-scenes comedy about a rock band forced to collaborate again after splitting up 20 years earlier
FX
Saturday, July 18 "Hell on Wheels" (AMC) at 9/8c The fifth season of this period drama about a former Confederate soldier tracking the men who killed his wife
AMC
Sunday, July 19 "Welcome to Sweden" (NBC) at 8/7c Season 2 of the comedy that sees a powerful money manager move to Sweden to live with his beautiful Swedish girlfriend
NBC
Wednesday, July 22 "Last Comic Standing" (NBC) at 9/8c Season 9 of the standup competition finds comedians honing their jokes with the help of mentors for a prize worth $250,000 -- which includes a TV show development deal.
NBC
Wednesday, July 29 "The Carbonaro Effect" (TruTV) at 10/9c The second season of this reality series about a comic magician who astounds and amuses audiences at the same time
TruTV
Thursday, July 30 "Review" (Comedy Central) at 10/9c Season 2 of this series about life reviewer Forrest MacNeil
Comedy Central
Friday, July 31 "Cold Justice" (TNT) at 10:30/9:30c Season 3 of this unscripted series in which former prosecutor Kelly Siegler and crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary crack cold cases.
TNT
Friday, July 31 "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp" (Netflix) Streaming A series based on the 2001 film that explores the first days of summer at Camp Firewood
Netflix
Sunday, August 2 "Bachelor in Paradise" (ABC) at 8/7c In the tradition of "Bachelor Pad," ABC finds a new way to round up former "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" competitors, get them in their swimsuits, and get them feuding. (Oh, and maybe fall in love. Sure.)
ABC
Tuesday, August 4 "Playing House" (USA) at 10/9c Season two of this comedy about a woman who decides to help her best friend raise a baby after the friend's husband is caught cheating
USA
Wenesday, August 5 "The Carmichael Show" (NBC) at 9:30/8:30c A half hour comedy loosely based on the life of comedian Jerrod Carmichael
NBC
Wednesday, August 5 "Mr. Robinson" (NBC) at 9/8c Craig Robinson stars in this half hour comedy about a middle school music teacher.
NBC
Monday, August 17 "Public Morals" (TNT) at 10/9c Eddie Burns leads the cast of this drama set in the world of the 1960s NYPD Public Morals division.
TNT
Tuesday, August 18 "Hack My Life" (TruTV) Second season of this series in which the hosts offer time-saving tips for your everyday life
TruTv
Thursday, August 20 "Documentary Now!" (IFC) at 10/9c A mocumentary series about a different, made-up topic each week
IFC
Saturday, August 22 "Blunt Talk" (Starz) at 9/8c Patrick Stewart stars in this comedy about an unhinged British journalist who gets his own cable news show in the U.S.
Saturday, August 22 "Survivor's Remorse" (Starz) at 9:30 Season 2 of this comedy about two cousins who grapple with fame and success after making it to the NBA.
Starz
Monday, August 24 "Switched at Birth" (ABC Family) at 8/7c Season 4 of this series about two teen girls whose lives are turned upside down when they find out they were switched at birth
ABC Family
Tuesday, August 25 "Legends" (TNT) at 10/9c Sean Bean returns as an undercover FBI agent with a mysterious past he must uncover.
TNT
Tuesday, August 25 "Tosh.0" (Comedy Central) at 10/9c The seventh season of this popular series will continue skewering the best viral videos from around the internet
Comedy Central
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2015 season’s new and returning show premiere dates