'Mad Men' Season Five To Premiere in 2012

The wait for more from Don Draper has just gotten even longer.

While Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner is still in talks with AMC, the network is moving ahead with plans for a fifth season by exercising its option with Lionsgate TV, Deadline reports. This move significantly delays the premiere date—originally scheduled for sometime this summer—which will now occur early next year. "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," the network said in a statement.

Despite winning three consecutive Emmy Awards for the '60s-era drama, Weiner and AMC remain at odds amidst negotiations that could have the creator bringing in $30 million over two years. According to Deadline, the meticulous and notoriously secretive writer is opposed to three key demands from the network: integrated product placement, cutting two minutes for commercials and eliminating or reducing two cast members for budget concerns. While fans must appreciate Weiner defending the integrity of the show, 2012 seems awfully far away. —EMILY EXTON