Pickup rests on creator Matthew Weiner signing new deal

AMC unsurprisingly wants to order a third season of its Emmy-winning drama " Mad Men," and has told producer Lionsgate as much.

It hasn't happened yet, though, because Lionsgate and series creator Matthew Weiner are still talking about a new deal that would keep him at the show's helm.

Lionsgate doesn't have a deal with Weiner beyond this season, the showbiz trade papers report. On the heels of the show's Emmy victory for best drama and improved ratings for the second season, Weiner is seeking a pay bump. His reps have also reportedly put out feelers to other studios about development deals, at least to get a sense of what such a pact would be worth.

"Mad Men" hasn't scored huge ratings this season -- most episodes this season have drawn between 1.5 million and 2 million viewers. That's still a substantial improvement over last year, though, and the show continues to draw avalanches of critical praise and pop-cultural buzz. The show won six Emmys in September, including the best drama award -- the first ever for a series on ad-supported cable -- and a writing Emmy for Weiner.

Lionsgate is reportedly hoping to secure Weiner's services for two more years, which would then help ensure a quick fourth-season pickup from AMC for "Mad Men."

The second season of "Mad Men" wraps up Sunday, Oct. 26.