AMC reportedly wants two minutes of 'Mad Men' in the upcoming season dedicated to commercial breaks.
- May 29, 2009
AceShowbiz - "Mad Men" has been given a 3rd season order but the execs are looking for a way to increase their profit now that it has garnered reviews and ratings. AMC takes a step toward anticipating the economy crisis by trimming the lauded Emmy Award-winning series, taking two minutes off each episode to give room for ads.
The cable network, according to Nikki Finke of Deadline Hollywood, has told Lionsgate TV to bring a shorter version of the series to the table so that it can add commercial break each hour. While it may appear as a small matter, Finke pointed out that it's still "galling given how well the show has done, how carefully it's put together, and how much money it's already making AMC and parent company Cablevision."
AMC's response to bad economy, however, is not expected to be a loss. A source close to the show said, "'Mad Men' has the most programming with the least amount of commercials of any show on television. Even with the addition of a commercial that will remain true. It's a bad economy and we want to make sure the show stays on television. That's what the focus should be on."
The third season of "Mad Men" is scheduled for August.
