Best News of the Day: AMC Officially Greenlights Season 5 of 'Mad Men,' New Season in Early 2012

It's just a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to the future of "Mad Men." Season four was, as one has come to expect, awesome, but anticipation for season five was quickly ratcheted down by stories of renogotiations between series creator Matthew Weiner and production company Lionsgate.

And then it got to be where the number one question from the press to anyone on "Mad Men" was "so what are you doing next?" John Slattery was said to be doing some writing. Christina Hendricks attached herself to numerous movies. Jon Hamm kept being the coolest guy in the room.

Last night Deadline reported that talks would potentially go off the rails - Weiner was asking for a $30 million deal that would make him one of the highest-paid talents on basic cable, and in return, Lionsgate wanted him to make up the difference by integrating product placement, shaving two minutes off each episode to make way for commercials, and canning two regular cast members. Weiner is holding his ground on all three.

With negotiations apparently still going strong, AMC will go ahead with season five regardless. The network put out an announcement giving the show the green light this morning (woohoo!):

"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."

There is still no deal in place with Weiner, and it's difficult to say what his role will even be, but I imagine we'll see clarification on this as pre-production ramps up.

"Mad Men" typically debuts in the summer, but these ongoing negotiations have pushed that all the way to early 2012.