Software giant Microsoft has pulled out as the exclusive sponsor of an upcoming Family Guy variety special on Fox, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
The special, titled Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show, is set to air Nov. 8 and features the animated series’ creator and star Seth MacFarlane and star Alex Borstein putting on an old-fashioned variety show combined with Family Guy-style humor.
Microsoft had originally signed on to sponsor the entire show, which instead of commercials would have featured promotions for Windows 7 woven into the show’s content.
But after viewing a tape of the special, Microsoft executives decided to pull out and issued the following statement:
‘We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of Family Guy, but after reviewing an early version of the variety show it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand. We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas. We continue to believe in the value of brand integrations and partnerships between brands, media companies and talent.’
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show will continue with another integrated brand sponsor.
