If you watch “Mad Men,” then you know. If you’ve never seen it, then I’ll tell you.

 It’s the best show on television.

 I know, I know — someone else has probably already told you the same thing, and you’re wondering how some show on a basic cable movie channel about people working at an ad agency in the 1960s can really be better than network ratings behemoths like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “CSI” and “24.” Well trust me, it is. And I’m not just saying that because the show happened to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama last year. I dare you to find anyone who’s ever watched an episode or two of “Mad Men” and just couldn’t get into it. Consider yourself warned: Once you watch, you’ll be hooked. Never seen the show? Below are a few of the reasons you should be watching. Already a huge fan? With just a month or so left before the Season 3 premiere on Aug. 16, let’s remember together why we love it so much.

 The Characters

“Mad Men” has a large — well, actually, giant — ensemble cast and yet manages to thoroughly explore every single character on the show. We viewers will think we know a character, but then they’ll do something completely unexpected or reveal some secret or piece of history about themselves, we’ll realize we had it all wrong, and suddenly a truly interesting character (Don, Betty, Peggy, Roger, Joan, you name ‘em) becomes absolutely riveting. Oh, and the amazing acting helps too.

 The Plot Twists, Turns, and Roller Coasters

Don’t worry, I’m not going to ruin the show for those of you who haven’t seen it yet (and will start watching as soon as you’re done reading this post, I’m sure) by giving away details of even one surprise, but fans can watch show creator Matthew Weiner and the “Mad Men” cast take a look back at the series’ top 10 show shockers here. The list goes way beyond 10, and while some of the wild plot twists may be a bit out there and take viewers a little while to process, there’s never a moment when we don’t absolutely believe it. And that’s the coolest part. Apparently, Season 3 will be the most shocking yet, so fans, start your countdown clocks and let’s try to find something to get our minds off this darn show until its return in mid-August.

All Those Details

“Mad Men” follows a group of advertising execs, creative types, and secretaries (and their families, significant others, lovers, and mistresses) working at a Manhattan advertising agency as the 1960s are just beginning. Of course we expect to see the appropriate wardrobe and mid-century decor from that era, but what we also get are dozens of details in every episode, illustrating the attitudes of a time that now seems light years away. You’ll see cigarettes just about everywhere — in restaurants, in the office, and in the mouths of pregnant women. A drunk driver is asked to pay a quick fine before being sent on his merry way. The only time you’ll spot a female in a pair of pants is on horseback. As for the children, they’re playing with toy guns, mixing cocktails for their elders, and getting disciplined by whatever adult happens to be nearby.

 Well that’s it. Now go become a die-hard “Mad Men” fan. Sorry, there is no other kind.