Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 506 Matthew Weiner

Matthew Weiner, the creator and showrunner of the critically acclaimed television drama Mad Men, sits down with Tavis Smiley for the latest installment of his talk show. The episode delves into Weiner's journey as a filmmaker, his creative process on Mad Men, and his new anthology series, The Romanoffs.

Weiner talks about his early days in the industry, from his start as a production assistant to his first writing job on The Sopranos. He discusses his love of storytelling and how he honed his craft over the years, leading up to the creation of Mad Men and its depiction of 1960s America.

The conversation then turns to Mad Men itself, as Weiner reminisces about the show's early days and the challenges of maintaining its authenticity as the years progressed. He shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the difficulties in casting the lead role of Don Draper and the emotional impact of wrapping up the series after seven seasons.

Weiner's latest project, The Romanoffs, is also a topic of discussion. The anthology series tells the stories of people around the world who believe they are descendants of the Russian royal family. Weiner discusses the inspiration behind the series, the decision to film in multiple countries, and the challenges of managing such an ambitious project.

Throughout the interview, Weiner's passion for storytelling and attention to detail shine through. He reflects on the importance of character and emotion in his work, and his commitment to creating complex, nuanced narratives that explore the human experience.

As always, Tavis Smiley brings his insightful interview style to the conversation, asking thought-provoking questions and engaging in a lively dialogue with his guest. The episode is sure to be a must-watch for fans of Mad Men and anyone interested in the art of television storytelling.