One of the only things worth watching on television these days is Mad Men, which delivers a detailed portrayal of a mid-century New York City, along with office politics and domestic drama. Plus lots of sex, smoking and dry martinis. Rumors surrounding the show's return have been making their way to the press in recent weeks, with word that the 5th season has been stalled, and the show possibly canceled, due to some unresolved negotiations.
According to TIME, the hold up is part advertising (ironic!)—allegedly the network wants to cut two minutes each episode for commercials, and work in more product integration. And to save some more cash, AMC wants to cut a couple of regular cast members (can the old Henny Youngman one-liner apply here? Perhaps Don Draper can tell the big wigs: "Take my (ex)wife—please.").
At any rate, AMC now confirms that the earliest we'll be seeing a new episode is 2012. So rumors of the series being canceled were likely exaggerated—it's not like AMC is going to put their most lucrative show into an early grave, nor is creator Matt Weiner going to walk away from a deal that would make him the highest-paid showrunner on basic cable. Especially when everyone involved only has through season 6, the final season, to cash in.
