'Mad Men' close to pickup

October 16, 2008 Sources said Thursday that AMC has informed producer Lionsgate of its intention to pick up the drama series for a third season, contingent upon the studio's ability to negotiate a new deal with creator/executive producer Matthew Weiner. Sunday's episode averaged 1.5 million total viewers -- but is a critical darling, becoming the first basic cable program to win a major series category at the Primetime Emmy Awards with its best drama trophy last month. Weiner won a drama series writing Emmy for his work on the show, which also was named best drama series at January's Golden Globes.

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