Following some rather public negotiations, Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner has inked a long-term deal with AMC and Lionsgate, while the Emmy-winning drama series itself has been renewed for not just one but two more seasons.
Weiner’s new pact keeps him on board as Mad Men‘s show runner through both Season 5 (to premiere in early 2012) and Season 6, and even a possible Season 7.
During the aforementioned negotiations, it was revealed that AMC had asked Weiner for three concessions: more integrated product placement, the shaving of two minutes off each episode to allow added commercial time, and the cutting of two series regular cast members.
First and foremost, there will be no cast cuts, Deadline reports. As for running time, the Season 5 premiere and finale will remain 47 minutes in length, while Weiner will submit two cuts of the other 11 episodes — a 45-minute edit for broadcast, and a 47-minute version for other platforms (e.g. VOD). Product placement will be accommodated when organic to storyline and under Weiner’s complete creative control.
“I want to thank all of our wonderful fans for their support,†Weiner said in a statement. “I also want to thank AMC and Lionsgate for agreeing to support the artistic freedom of myself, the cast and the crew, so that we can continue to make the show exactly as we have from the beginning. I’m excited to get started on the next chapter of our story.â€
Yes! very happy about this.