It’s not only the 1960s that will come to an end when “Mad Men” reaches its conclusion on May 17, but also a chapter of television history. Since its debut in 2007, this influential period drama has shaped our present while turning its lens on the past: The series, which returns for its final seven episodes on April 5, has helped to revive the fashion and pop culture of a tumultuous decade, while also reminding viewers of the racism, sexism and selfishness that was endemic to one of the most picked-over eras in American history.

Following in the tradition of HBO’s “The Sopranos,” a proving ground for the “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner, this AMC series has helped fuel a modern-day frenzy for serialized dramas, starting water-cooler conversations and (in latter seasons) Internet conspiracy theories with plot lines that played out over multiple episodes and seasons. It made the once-lowly AMC a significant purveyor of prestige TV and won four consecutive Emmys for best drama, while making stars of an ensemble cast of largely unknown players.

“We got lucky — we got really lucky,” said the actor Jon Hamm, who is several shades more modest (and bearded) than Don Draper, the irresistible if deeply flawed “Mad Men” protagonist he has played for its seven seasons. During this time, Draper has earned a reputation as a peerless advertising copywriter, a decisive office leader and a debonair ladies’ man — not to mention an incorrigible alcoholic, an unrepentant adulterer, an inadequate parent and an identity thief.