Here's a story we've been remiss to get to. My apologies, the combination of finishing up the Television Critics Association Press Tour and the long holiday weekend were to blame. Despite the delay though, I felt this was too notable to not write about at all - Rejoice, fans of quality television, because Matthew Weiner has signed a new deal to remain with Mad Men as executive producer and showrunner.

Contract negotiations between Sopranos veteran Weiner and Lionsgate, the production company, had grown very tense and it was looking quite possible the show would continue without the man who had created it. Indeed, even last week, in the wake of Mad Men 's Golden Globe victory, Weiner was speaking in a way that many believed indicated his time with the show could be over. At one point, Lionsgate was apparently speaking to other notable writer/producers about taking over, if Weiner did not return - something that had most fans, myself included, very concerned.

Weiner's new deal not only keeps him attached to Mad Men for Season 3 and a potential Season 4, but also includes the development of new series for Lionsgate and possibly a feature film for the company. Lionsgate TV president Kevin Beggs tells the Hollywood Reporter, "It's been a long road to try to make this deal, but between the support of AMC and the creative deal-making of (Lionsgate TV COO) Sandra Stern, we found a way to cobble together a package that was attractive to Matthew and made sense for us."

In a statement, Weiner said working on Mad Men has been "A charmed experience, made possible by my partnership with AMC and Lionsgate. I am proud to work so closely with these two companies who love taking risks and value creativity, and I am thrilled to get back to work with the most talented cast and crew in the business."

Mad Men was renewed for a third season last fall by AMC, while Weiner's fate with the show was still in question. The show has not officially been renewed for a fourth season, however, AMC president Charlie Collier tells the Reporter, "we fully expect to have Mad Men  on for a long time." Collier also says that when it came to Weiner's involvement in future seasons, "we were always concentrated on bringing him back. He is the heart and soul of the show."

Mad Men Season 3 debuts this summer on AMC.