Which HBO series hired Matthew Weiner after its creator read the Mad Men pilot?

The HBO series that hired Matthew Weiner after its creator read the Mad Men pilot was The Sopranos.

The creator was David Chase, who read Weiner’s spec script in 2002. Chase was impressed by its distinctive perspective: the script used advertising in the 1960s as a way to explore recent American history, rather than treating the period merely as decorative background.

Chase recruited Weiner to join The Sopranos, where Weiner worked as a writer and later held producing roles. He joined before the show’s fifth season and ultimately received Emmy recognition as part of the Sopranos production team.

The connection between the two series is important because The Sopranos helped give Weiner the experience and industry standing that supported Mad Men’s eventual production. HBO had considered Mad Men but wanted Chase involved; after that effort failed, AMC later revived the project and made it its breakthrough original drama. Mad Men premiered in 2007, shortly after The Sopranos ended.