US TV
The cable network's president Charlie Collier confirmed that the acclaimed drama, which follows the lives of advertising executives working for fictional agency Sterling Cooper during the early '60s, will return with or without its creator Matthew Weiner.
Sopranos veteran Weiner has only just entered into contract negotiations with producer Lionsgate TV to come back as showrunner - reportedly with $2 million-a-year salary demands.
''I want to do the show, and I have every intention of continuing with the show,'' Weiner told Entertainment Weekly.
Lionsgate is allegedly looking at alternative choices for showrunner should talks with Weiner stall.
Collier said that he remains "very optimistic" that Weiner will sign, adding: "As long as we get the writers' room up and running over the next few months, we're fine [for a summer launch]."
The new season of Mad Men will lead into the AMC/ITV remake of cult '60s classic The Prisoner.
Tube Talk
'Skins': The most violent episode ever?Tube Talk previews this week's violent episode of the E4 drama Skins.
2012-13 Season
Blythe Danner for ABC's 'Gilded Lilys'Madeline Zima is also cast in the period drama pilot produced by Shonda Rhimes.
US TV Interviews
'Celebrity Apprentice' Debbie Gibson Q&ADebbie Gibson opens up about her Celebrity Apprentice experience.
US TV Ratings
'Blue Bloods', 'Grimm' rise on FridayCBS beats ABC to win Friday night's ratings battle, thanks to Blue Bloods.
