Mad Men Back This Fall

AMC said Wednesday that its critically acclaimed, much-hyped — although not necessarily high-rated — “Mad Men” will debut Aug. 16. That means a portion of its 13 episodes will compete head-to-head with first-run broadcast series in the fall.

The show airs on Sundays in the 10 p.m. slot.

“Mad Men” is entering its third season, and AMC said the premiere episode this year will be “presented with limited commercial interruptions.” The network did not say whether a single advertiser would serve as a sponsor.