Set in 1958 Manhattan, this period dramedy follows the transformation of a “Betty Draper”-type wife and mother into a career woman, and how it affects her loved ones. The show has received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, SAG, Peabody, and Critics’ Choice Awards. It has also been lauded for directing, producing, and costumes.
The characters are richly drawn, and as interesting to watch as they must be for the actors to play. If you are a fan of the Chinese zodiac, you can already guess which character correlates to which sign. See if you agree.
Rat: Miriam “Midge” Maisel
This sign screams spirit, wit, flexibility, and most of all vitality. Although sophisticated and extremely popular with others, if you want an argument this type will give it to you and can be quite uncompromising.
The super outgoing and take-charge, aka bossy, “perfect” ’50s housewife (Rachel Brosnahan) gets thrown for a loop when her husband leaves her, then turns her adversity into a career as a standup comedian hoping for familial support, but moving forward whether she gets it or not.
Dog: Susie Myerson
This most loyal friend and servant can shock others with sharp criticism and a straightforward manner. They are sensitive but rarely show it, preferring people to see a never-say-die attitude.
Outspoken, sarcastic, and no-nonsense, Midge’s manager (Alex Borstein) is loyal, has hustle, and encourages the novice entertainer to hone her act so they both benefit. Very un-superficial, she wears men’s clothing, which she eventually discloses belonged to her uncle, revealing an often unseen sentimentality.
Rooster: Joel Maisel
Bright, ambitious, and physically attractive, the flaw of this sign is that they can take on a project head-on with a lot of interest and enthusiasm then lose faith and patience, becoming disinterested.
This is the man (Michael Zegen) who had it all and blew it because he thought the grass was greener elsewhere. Midge’s ex and father of two, was being groomed to take over the family business but grew restless with this life, cheated on his wife, and wanted to break into comedy even though he wasn’t all that funny. Even after they’re no longer a couple, he’s supportive of Midge’s career and returns to his hardworking ways at his day job.
Dragon: Abe Weissman
These authority figures carry themselves with dignity, honor, and have a clear sense of right and wrong. Upright and frank, they can come off as a bit arrogant. Family is everything and always offer support, but have a hard time with anyone eccentric.
The intellectual, college professor (Tony Shalhoub) is a by-the-book straight shooter and a man of principle who is recruited to finally work at his dream job, but finds out the program is not on the up-and-up and quits. He is a loyal family man, protective of his daughter Midge, but very skeptical and prone to snap judgments.
Rabbit: Rose Weissman
Creative and graceful with a noble beauty, this moon goddess with the floppy-eared pet is a homebody who is amiable and elegant, never argumentive but has very high standards. Can feel suppressed from always putting others first.
Midge learned to take a lot of pride in her appearance from her mother (Marin Hinkle). She is very insecure and frequents fortune-tellers looking for answers and reassurances. At one point, realizing she has neglected herself while dedicating her life to her family who she believes takes her for granted. She runs away to Paris to find herself.
Horse: Moishe Maisel
Warm-hearted, upright, and pretty easygoing, people flock to be around this independent leader with a positive attitude who always finds a way to get things done.
Joel’s good-hearted father (Kevin Pollak) and owner of New York-based Maisel & Roth clothing company has been an entrepreneur for two decades. He is madly in love with his long-time wife Shirley and proud of his son. He claims that during WWII he saved 12 Jews, brought them to America, and employed them.
Snake: Lenny Bruce
This type has the ability to scare people because they are cunning and sly, and are most at home in darkness, but believe it or not are sensitive, with a wit and wisdom, and gifted in the arts.
Inspired by the real-life controversial comedian, the character of Lenny portrayed by Luke Kirby bucked the system by using vulgarity that often got him arrested in order to express his viewpoints on politics, religion, sex, and society. He paved the way for outspoken counterculture comedy and satire.
Ox: Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg
This type is conservative, industrious, and honest. They are devoted to their work, and talented leaders; the strong silent type if you will, which can be perceived as stubborn.
Tall, charming, and handsome and viewed by all as a “catch,” this medical professional (Zachary Levi) is what’s known as a stand-up guy. He does the right thing, respects traditions, and is respectful. When Midge does not seem to appreciate his interest in marrying her, he walks away with dignity and even helps her when asked a favor.
Tiger: Sophie Lennon
This group has a grandness and often compared to emperors. They are powerful, independent confident, and lay it on the line. If challenged though, they can become traitorous and act in haste.
Wealthy, poised, and sophisticated, the famous comedian (Jane Lynch) became a star playing a low-brow, homespun everywoman who her audience believes is who she actually is off stage as well. When Midge takes her on, she is vindictive, showing the fledgling comedian how powerful and unemotional she is.
Sheep: Shy Baldwin
Gentle and calm, these are people who bring beauty into the world. They are tender and kind-hearted, as well as sensitive. They need watching over as they can be timid and weak-willed.
The smooth blues singing sensation in a sharp suit (Leroy McClain) is charming and affable but has a flair for the dramatic. He hires Midge as his opening act, implying to his audience to boost his reputation as a playboy which is all a ruse, as Shy is a closeted gay man. He is child-like because he is heavily “over parented” by his manager Reggie.
Monkey: Reggie
Clever as well as smart, this type uses their intellect to keep things lively and moving along. They are quick-witted and quite gentle with those they care for, but when crossed, they don’t mince words and can come across as condescending.
Shy’s childhood BFF and a singer in his own right, this “handler” (Sterling K. Brown of This Is Us) can be intimidating, patronizing, and stoic, yet this veneer hides a heart of gold of a protector, diplomat, and adviser. Keeping the secret of his pal’s sexuality is Job-1.
Pig: Jackie
Not the brightest of animals, this type is known for its sloth and gracelessness. This personality usually behaves themselves though and doesn’t want to bring harm to others. In fact, they can be quite considerate, generous, and merciful as well as gullible.
The M.C. at the comedy club where Midge got her start (Brian Tarantina) with a deadpan sense of humor is also the ticket-taker and auditions acts. When any more is asked of him it becomes apparent just how lazy he is. A good friend to Susie, evidenced by how empathetic he when she gets up, always offering wise words.
