Jon Hamm, best known for his iconic role as Don Draper in the acclaimed series Mad Men, is stepping back into the spotlight with a new leading role in the Apple TV+ series Your Friends and Neighbors, which premiered on April 11, 2025. At 54, Hamm is navigating the complexities of portraying a character in a very different phase of life compared to his earlier work.
In Your Friends and Neighbors, Hamm plays Andrew 'Coop' Cooper, a hedge fund manager whose seemingly perfect life unravels when he is fired and his wife, Mel (played by Amanda Peet), leaves him for his best friend, Nick (Mark Tallman). Faced with financial difficulties and the need to maintain his lavish lifestyle, Coop resorts to stealing from his affluent neighbors, leading to a darkly comedic exploration of wealth and privilege.
Hamm, reflecting on the challenges of leading a series in his fifties, noted, "From an energy standpoint, it’s just the sheer workload... It’s a lot harder to do in your mid-fifties than it was to do in your mid-thirties." He acknowledges that while the physical demands of acting have changed, he finds fulfillment in the responsibility of being the lead.
Creator Jonathan Tropper aimed to delve into the world of wealth and privilege, a theme Hamm is familiar with from his own upbringing. "I grew up around a similar neighborhood like this... There are a lot of similarities even with how it was in the 1980s, when I grew up, to now," Hamm explained. He sees the series as a rich playground to examine the lives of the wealthy, revealing that they too face unhappiness despite their material possessions.
The series has already garnered attention for its sharp social commentary and dark humor. Critics have praised Hamm's performance, noting that he seamlessly transitions between dramatic and comedic moments. The show is part of a growing genre that scrutinizes the lives of the affluent, akin to hits like The White Lotus and Succession.
One of the intriguing aspects of Your Friends and Neighbors is its exploration of the moral ambiguity of its characters. Hamm pointed out the similarities between Coop and his former character Don Draper, stating, "They’re both making their peace with the fact that they seemingly have achieved what they were meant to achieve, and yet there is a hollowness to it." This reflection raises questions about the true meaning of success and fulfillment.
As the series unfolds, viewers witness Coop's descent into a life of crime, which Hamm portrays with a blend of charm and desperation. "Nobody, even the cops apparently, would suspect a guy like me," Coop confesses in the show, highlighting the absurdity of his situation. The character's actions serve as a critique of consumer culture, questioning the value of material wealth in a world driven by excess.
Hamm's portrayal of Coop is not just about the character's criminal activities but also about the deeper existential questions that arise from his circumstances. He mused, "What is the end of all this work? Is it to accumulate things that ultimately don’t have meaning?" This introspection resonates with audiences, prompting them to consider their own values and the societal pressures surrounding wealth.
Despite the darker themes, Hamm emphasizes the importance of humor in the show. He described the tone as one that balances levity with serious subject matter, making it engaging for viewers. "We wanted to have a particular tone... We wanted there to be moments of levity and humor in it," he said, highlighting the show's unique blend of drama and comedy.
The series has already made a splash, holding an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes shortly after its release. Critics have lauded it as an addictive binge-watch, with many praising Hamm's ability to embody the "likable loser" archetype. As viewers dive into the world of Your Friends and Neighbors, they are drawn into a narrative that not only entertains but also challenges perceptions of wealth and happiness.
With the first season underway and a second season already confirmed, Hamm's return to television is marked by a desire to explore contemporary issues through the lens of a character grappling with the consequences of his choices. He reflects on the cultural impact of Mad Men, stating, "It’s certainly the very first thing that was significant and meaningful in my career... Another generation is discovering it, and that means a lot to me because it means I’ve made something that people are continuing to enjoy."
As Hamm continues to navigate his career post-Mad Men, he remains aware of the lasting influence of his former character. He admits, "It gets easier with time... I don’t think about Don Draper very much, but I’m happy to talk about him with people who do." This acceptance of his past roles allows him to embrace new challenges and opportunities, like those presented in Your Friends and Neighbors.
Ultimately, Hamm's journey in Your Friends and Neighbors serves as a reflection on the complexities of modern life, the pursuit of happiness, and the often misguided values associated with wealth. As audiences tune in, they are invited to question their own lives and the societal norms that shape them, all while enjoying a captivating narrative filled with humor and drama.
