Mad Men's Final Season to Be Expanded, Split Into Two Parts

First seven episodes will be titled "The Beginning" and the last seven will be called "The End of an Era"

By Jenna Mullins Sep 17, 2013 6:30 PMTags
Mad Men Season 6 Cast Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Double the Don Draper? Yes, please.

AMC announced today that the seventh and final season of its Emmy-winning drama series Mad Men has been expanded to 14 episodes. Those final 14 will be split into two parts, with the first seven (titled "The Beginning") airing in spring 2014 and the last seven episodes ("The End of an Era") will air in spring 2015. 

"This approach has worked well for many programs across multiple networks, and, most recently for us with Breaking Bad which attracted nearly double the number of viewers to its second half premiere than had watched any previous episode," Charlie Collier, AMC president said in a statement. "We are determined to bring Mad Men a similar showcase. In an era where high-end content is savored and analyzed, and catch-up time is used well to drive back to live events, we believe this is the best way to release the now 14 episodes than remain of this iconic series."

Adds creator Matthew Weiner: "We plan to take advantage of this chance to have a more elaborate story told in two parts, which can resonate a little bit longer in the minds of our audience. The writers, cast and other artists welcome this unique manner of ending this unique experience." 

Mad Men's sixth season bowed out with the higest-rated finale ever, with 2.7 million people tuning in. The episode found Don Draper (Jon Hamm) being asked to leave the firm and Megan (Jessica Paré) seemingly ending their marriage.

We chatted with Weiner recently at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards about remembering his first day on set and what he expects from his last days working on Mad Men. Watch out exclusive interview below!

Watch: "Mad Men" Creator Shares On-Set Memories

What do you think of Mad Men's final season being split into two parts?

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