First of all, let us preface this by saying don’t shoot the messenger. OK then. So it looks like you’re going to have to go a full calendar year without experiencing the joy of a new episode of Mad Men. The official statement from AMC, which was sent out this morning, reads as follows: “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.”
In other words, yes, it’s all Matthew Weiner’s fault, but he’s not just being greedy — he’s reportedly also pushing back against integrated product placement, shorter run-times, and “the elimination or reduction of two series regular cast members.” Are you as bummed out by this news are we are? [via TVLine]