'Mad Men'

This period drama about the Madison Avenue advertising scene in the '50s and '60s has taken home the Emmy for Outstanding Drama four years and counting thanks to its original concept, strong writing, powerful performances and high production values. With a keen respect for a bygone era and a conflicted leading man at its centre, 'Mad Men' drove TV snobs mad from its 2007 premiere, still inspires theme parties around America and goes into the 2012 Emmys as the nomination leader with 17. 'Mad Men' proves that soapy turns don't have to mean lowbrow TV.