Mad Men to return for series 3

Hit drama Mad Men is set to return for a summer launch on US cable network AMC despite no current deal for creator, writer and executive producer Matthew Weiner. 

AMC president Charlie Collier told press at the Television Critic’s Association that the show will launch in the summer as expected.

Weiner is currently in negotiations with AMC and producer Lionsgate on a new deal although discussions have stalled because of financial terms. Collier said that the show will be fine as long as it gets the writers’ room and running over the next few months and added that he was confident that a deal with Weiner will be agreed soon. 

However, this move does force Weiner’s hand. 

While the producer will have no problem securing a deal with rival cable broadcasters or even a deal at one of the major studios, he is thought to be keen to carry on with Mad Men, which has been a surprise hit in the States and has also sold well internationally. 

Vlad Wolynetz, VP of production, series and movies, at AMC, recently told TBIvision that the network was looking to continue to expand its slate of original programming, with ITV Productions coproduction The Prisoner set to launch later this year. 

"We’re still building towards substantial growth, brick by brick," he said.