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The usual summer premiere of AMC’s Mad Men will likely be delayed. The network, series creator Matthew Weiner and studio Lionsgate are close to a deal for the upcoming fifth season, but protracted negotiations have pushed the production’s usual schedule.
The show typically starts shooting in the spring and debuts in July, but without an agreement for a new season in place the company will probably have to delay debuting the next batch of episodes. AMC had no comment. But EW recently asked star Jon Hamm at The Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump about the season’s storyline, and he said, “I don’t know if it even exists.”
“We’re still in limbo,” Hamm said. “Usually we start shooting in April or May, and it doesn’t seem like it’s happening now because the writers’ room is not in place.”
That said, we keep being told that a deal is “very close,” despite Weiner and Lionsgate reportedly holding out for a bigger payday on the modestly rated, yet critically beloved, series.
Weiner told EW in January, seemingly referring to AMC and Lionsgate: “They are fighting over a very lucrative property, and who is going to pay for it to get made; it’s one of the biggest perils of success — everyone wants a piece of it now, and they are fighting over who is gonna get the biggest chunk.” (Additional reporting by Christian Blauvelt)
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I can handle a bit of a delay, I just hope we don’t have to wait until the winter. I hope they can at least make a deal in time for the new season to have a fall premiere, maybe in September or October.
Does this mean they can move up [Br]eaking [Ba]d to take it’s place?
(Please?)
I would love that!!
ooh yeah. Maybe some more episodes, too!!
Love [Br]eaking [Ba]d!
I know that’s right!!! I would much rather watch BB than Mad Men anyway.
I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning; new Mad Men can’t arrive soon enough.
HOORAY!!!
This is really irritating. Why do I feel like this is Weiner’s fault, that his demands are likely unreasonable? He strikes me as a brilliant but difficult person.
I feel the same! Weiner is brilliant but at the same time he just sounds SO full of himself that I wouldn’t be surprised if the delay was because of his demands.
Because you don’t know what you’re talking about? It’s got nothing to do with Weiner at the moment — it’s AMC and Lionsgate that are duking it out. Weiner’s contract won’t even be written until that’s settled.
ITA. He is not negotiating world peace, just making a TV show.
Oil Guy, you get the imaginary star for that one: Erections have Consequences. Geez Louise!Kitty porn is a new caeogtry.I suppose the IS definition was overplayed by Slick Willy, but it might have been better than crying because you were caught Lying and falsely accusing other people. If only we believed his lies, everything would have been perfect.Stay tuned, I have a feeling the Andrew confrontation is just starting and Andrew Breitbart is going to win big time. Personally, I don’t care to see him blubber about his wife and family; the American people deserve an apology and we deserve to see his voluntary retirement from public office.Come on Breitbart, fire when ready.Reply
Weiner has created an amazing show, and I think it’s going to his head. Who knows what he’s asking for, but I assume he’s getting a raise every year, and he already has creative control. I hope he doesn’t kill is for the fans.
Since MAD MEN is NOT a ratings-grabber, Weiner should just be glad he has a show that gets renewed. And he should be glad he has a job. IMO, he’s being selfish and greedy.
ITA. Well said.
noooooo!!! “V” is gone, “Breaking Bad” isn’t due until summer, there’s no “True Blood,” and I am having withdrawls!!! I need MM
Wait, you watch V DESPITE also being aware of the existence of Mad Men and Breaking Bad?
Yeah, Weiner gives off a definite ego-maniac vibe, but the guy delivers a great show that just concluded its best season (in my opinion).
That being said, I don’t know how much money “Mad Men” makes for AMC, but it’s certainly not a ratings blockbuster. With “The Walking Dead” emerging as just that for AMC, I’m guessing he lost a bit of leverage, which might be making this take longer.
Either way, this needs to get done, so I can have “Mad Men” (led by Weiner) back on my TV!
Huh Huh, Hey Beavis – you said you want Weiner back on your TV.
+1…for a B&B reference in a “Mad Men” discussion.
I just hope they get this resolved and start shooting. Summer is teh suk without ‘Mad Men’.
I feel the same way about this as I do the football strike. The fans get screwed while millionaires fight over more money. My response will be the same to both – screw me over and lose me as a fan. I encourage them not to take their fans for granted.
I can only imagine if the shows comes on in the fall the ratings will dip with so many other shows going on. Either way I don’t care, just make sure you come back Don Draper!
get it settled already!!!
Crap. I knew Matthew Weiner’s big, fat, self-glorifying ego would eventually affect me in some way. Get over yourself, sign a contract, and start filming the best freakin’ show on TV.
This almost makes me want to cry.
I’m hoping they’ll be back this fall since it’s looking unlikely for their usual summer premiere. I’ll watch it whenever it’s on, even if I do have to wait till January. I did it with LOST and 24, so I can do it again.
Sad horns…I was looking forward to curling up with Don, Betty, Peggy and Joan while being 7-9 months pregnant this summer!! Please come back quickly.
I know this is a bit of a secret, but just between us: the show is way overrated. It started strong, then became idiotic fast.
You are so wrong. Stick to Jersey Shore re-runs.
I respectfully disagree. Mad Men has some of the best writing, characters and acting seen on stage or screen. Ever.