AMC’s Mad Men isn’t returning until 2012. This atrocious news was brought about by this statement from the cable network:
AMC has officially authorized production of season 5 of Mad Men, triggering our option with Lionsgate. While we are getting a later start than in years past due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations, Mad Men will be back for a fifth season in early 2012.
Contract disputes are the pits. Show creator Matthew Weiner is disputing his contract with AMC (apparently $30 mil for two seasons isn’t enough?). But to his defense, AMC is demanding that two minutes be cut for extra ads, plus they want to add product placement and cut two regular cast members (GASP!).
While Weiner shouldn’t get too greedy, can’t AMC avoid messing with a production that’s working!? I guess it’s a different world for cable: They allow quieter, niche shows the necessary time to develop and find an audience and in return, increase their demands once a show wins 1,100 Emmys. Can we blame them?
The blame game is irrelevant. Donald Draper, Peggy Olson and that delicious Joan Holloway won’t be gracing our screens until next year. It’s a lose-lose-lose for AMC, Weiner…and us.
Thanks to V.J. for the tip
I heard this morning that they want to make up for the extra $$$ they have to pay out by curtting a few of the non-primary characters. Egads!
Do you think the wait will hype up the anticipation and create more interest or that the opposite will occur?
I am thinking the opposite.
Hello “Shannon” and thank you for asking me this question. I’m kind of thinking it’ll harm more than help. The show had a good pace going…I feel that excessive time in between can only harm. Though, 24 survived a gap in programming, so maybe Mad Men will too!