Microsoft Backs Out of Family Guy Variety Special

LOS ANGELES: Microsoft is pulling out of its recently announced deal with FOX to exclusively sponsor a variety show from Family Guy‘s Seth MacFarlane to promote the new Windows 7 operating system.

Two weeks ago, Microsoft announced a deal with FOX One, the sales unit of Fox Entertainment Group, that included Windows 7’s exclusive sponsorship of Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show. Scheduled for November 8, the variety special was to star MacFarlane and his Family Guy co-star Alex Borstein. With no commercial ad time, no network promotions and no commercial breaks, the special was to feature Windows 7-branded programming. Microsoft has now said it had problems with the content of the show. "We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of Family Guy," a statement from Microsoft said. "But after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand."

Microsoft will continue to advertise on FOX and Family Guy, and other components of the deal, including a college tour, reportedly remain intact. Meanwhile, FOX is said to be planning to go ahead with the special with another sponsor.