Thanks to DVD technology, I’ve spent the majority of my downtime snuggled up on the couch and tuned in to the hit show: Mad Men.
The show, about an early sixties advertising executive, is on a steady climb up the popularity ladder. Oprah devoted a whole show to the magic of the 1960s and paid homage to the premise behind the show. If Oprah says it’s good, it must be good, right?
Yet, as I watched, I couldn’t help thinking that the show seemed oddly familiar: the ad agency, the glory of the early sixties with all it’s costumes and attitudes; the main character, with his greasy brill-creamed hair, going home every night to his gorgeous blonde wife.
Yes, I’ve seen this before. Only last time, the gorgeous blonde wife wrinkled her nose whenever she wanted something.
Bewitched and Mad Men. One in the same?
Here’s the evidence:
Mad Men follows a handsome executive working at an ad agency in Manhattan in the early 1960
So does Bewitched.
Mad Men’s lead character has a gorgeous blonde wife
So does Bewitched
Don and Betty on Mad Men, portray the perfect couple but behind closed doors, they hide many secrets.
What a coincidence! Darrin and Samantha also hide a secret or two!
The main character on Mad Men – Don, answers to a grey haired boss who’s always drinking, making jokes and rolling his eyes at his wife.
Hey! Same on Bewitched! Wasn’t Larry Tate the quintessential silver haired skirt chaser who always went straight for the pitcher of martinis that Samantha had so dutifully prepared?
Mad Men features a flamboyant character (Salvatore) whose sexuality is a tad…ambiguant.
Umm… Uncle Arthur? Hello!!
Mad Men lead characters Don and Betty even have an adorable blonde haired little girl.
So do Darrin and Samantha on Bewitched.
Mad Men even features a mysterious doctor who treats Betty and may or may not know what he’s doing.
Calling Dr. Bombay! We need you right away!
Mad Men has enjoyed huge popularity, landing on the cover of a few entertainment magazines.
The same could be said for Bewitched!
Well? The evidence is in. What do you think? Coincidence?
My guess, is that after five seasons, the lead actor will be replaced with a guy who looks nothing like him. Everyone will pretend it never happened.
Thoughts?
This is amazing! Thanks for posting!
No wonder I like Mad Men so much! Bewitched was my favorite show as a kid!
[...] Mad Men vs. Bewitched (Kara James) As an avid Mad Men fan, this is just amazing. Coincidence? You decide. [...]
Wasn’t the lead male in Bewitched a closet gay? – Do you think Don is too?
I don’t think so personally, and besides this would spoil his image for all his female adoring fans!
I know you posted this a year ago so I am late to the table here. Great post!! I bought the first season of Bewitched at a used DVD store last weekend. After about the third episode I said “Mad Men” ripped this whole premise off. [I figured someone woud have written about it so googled Bewitched vs Mad Men and found you].
The last season of MM was set in 1964 when Bewitched premiered.
If the writers don’t throw a nod in like “Has anyone seen this show Bewitched? That will never last. Who would be interested in watching a show about advertising men?” then Mad Men is a fraud!!