AMC announced Tuesday that critical and popular favorite “Mad Men” won’t be back for its fifth season until 2012, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The reason: difficulties in negotiations with show creator Matthew Weiner.

As reported earlier, issues in the talks include the network’s desire to add product placement, cut two minutes from each episode to fit in more commercials, and eliminate two regular cast members to cut costs–all moves resisted by Weiner.

AMC accentuated the positive in a statement: "AMC has officially authorized production of season 5 of ‘Mad Men,’ triggering our option with Lionsgate (‘Mad Men’s’ production company). 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."

Executives at AMC were reportedly anticipating the delay. The network has other new programming in the pipeline, including new show “The Killing,” set for an April 3 premiere. Set to bow in July is season four of “Breaking Bad.”