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[Costanza]

Microsoft has yanked its sponsorship from Fox's upcoming Seth MacFarlane comedy/variety special over content concerns.

Fox still plans to air "Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" on Nov. 8, but with another, yet-to-be-named, sponsor.

"Almost Live Comedy Show" was announced earlier this month as part of a major marketing partnership Microsoft had sealed with a wide range of News Corp. properties to promote the launch of the computer giant's Windows 7 operating system. As part of the deal, "Almost Live Comedy Show" was set to run commercial-free, with Microsoft marketing messages built into the special instead (Daily Variety, Oct. 14).

But that was before Microsoft execs attended the special's taping Oct. 16. The program included MacFarlane and Alex Borstein -- the voice of "Family Guy" matriarch Lois -- pitching Windows 7.

For most of the special, however, MacFarlane and Borstein made typical "Family Guy"-style jokes, including riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest.

Such material was apparently a bit much for Microsoft.

"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," said a Microsoft spokeswoman. "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."

In announcing the deal, Microsoft consumer engagement/advertising general manager Gayle Troberman had said she wasn't concerned about how Windows 7 might be treated on the show. The company may have been optimistic, however, in believing that MacFarlane and Borstein wouldn't be as raunchy in live performance as their animated alter egos are on "Family Guy."

In fact, the animated portions of "Almost Live Comedy Show" were the tamest parts of the show -- it was the live-action segments (such as one in which MacFarlane and Borstein play Latino housekeepers) that probably raised the most eyebrows.

Microsoft sent MacFarlane and Fox several notes expressing their concern over the show's content but ultimately decided just to drop out.

MacFarlane and Borstein pitched Windows 7 live in front of the studio audience in the middle of taping "Almost Live Comedy Show." It's unclear how the show will be edited and whether the duo will have to shoot new scenes with the replacement sponsor.

Specials vet Ken Ehrlich produced "Almost Live Comedy Show," which included the "Family Guy" 40-piece orchestra led by Walter Murphy.

Although Microsoft is no longer a part of "Almost Live Comedy Show," the rest of the company's marketing deal -- which still includes a "Family Guy" component -- remains.

Beyond the MacFarlane special, Microsoft's multimillion-dollar deal with Fox One encompasses a wide range of News Corp. properties, including Fox Sports, FX, Hulu, FoxSports.com on MSN, Fox Licensing and Merchandising and 20th Century Fox TV. Partnership includes a 12-week college tour sponsored by Fox Licensing and Merchandising -- featuring events such as "Family Guy"-themed movie nights.

Fox decided to air the "Almost Live Comedy Show" special as part of an all-MacFarlane night on Nov. 8.

MacFarlane will host the evening via interstitials. Along with "Almost Live Comedy Show," Fox will air new episodes of MacFarlane's other series that night -- "American Dad" at 7:30, "Family Guy" at 8 and 9 and "The Cleveland Show" at 9:30.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010418.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2565

this sounded like a terrible idea to begin with, now what they're doing sounds even worse. it's already filmed!

 

[gdt]

Geez, Microsoft had to know what it was gonna be like right?

All they had to do was watch one episode.

 

[Flying_Phoenix]

I use to be a fan of Seth MacFarlane but in recent years he just goes too far with his "jokes" and they seem to just be there for shock value.

I mean his shows tend to be hanging on the edge and it should have been obvious to Microsoft that this would be no different.

 

[ViperVisor]

Go safe and lame.

Go Conan of recent years.

 

[Barkley's Justice]

classic example of suits not watching the shit before making a decision...what did they honestly expect?

 

[NYR]

That sucks, Seth really needed the money....

:-/

 

[gdt]

That sucks, Seth really needed the money....

:-/

At least he has that gig on Flash Forward.

 

[exarkun]

That sucks, Seth really needed the money....

:-/

joke?

 

[Sean]

I wonder if the Microsoft execs in charge of signing this deal ever actually watched an episode of Family Guy before, or if they just knew it was "popular with the teens" or something.

I think the funniest part is that MacFarlane and co didn't even bother doing any new animations for the windows stuff. They just dubbed over an older episode:

Windows 7 special clip: http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/10/macfarlanes-microsoft-guy-preview-trailer.html
"Stewie Edits a Music Video" - February 09 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMf6V5ct29I

 

[bathala]

I only buy hip products.

 

[Windu]

joke?

no, he's dead serious

 

[Zombie James]

Fuck, I was really looking forward to the episode.

 

[TehOh]

I see two possibilities for hilarity here.

1 - Microsoft is still secretly sponsoring it and this is a PR stunt
2 - Microsoft did drop them and Apple is the new sponsor.

I doubt either is true, but both would be amusing.

 

[CaptainABAB]

I'm going with "this was the idea all along - get free publicity for zero $"

 

[rezuth]

"With a name like 'Family Guy', it MUST be good, clean, wholesome fun!" - Unnamed (former) Microsoft marketing intern

:lol

I seriously think this whole thing was doomed from the start. I never really understood it either, they we're suppose to be the dubbing live or something? How else could it be semi-live?

 

[Brinbe]

Wonder if they'll find time to sneak in a shot @ MS before it airs.

 

[Escape Goat]

Geez, Microsoft had to know what it was gonna be like right?

All they had to do was watch one episode.

most like a case of the left hand not knowing what the other hand was doing. departments and key people not talking to one another.

that or they're all idiots

 

[Buttonbasher]

At least he has that gig on Flash Forward.

He hasn't been on since a small scene in the first episode.

 

[Spasm]

If it's anything like the Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy, MS has made a wise decision. Not just cause of the shock value either. It's just not funny.

 

[Freshmaker]

Why would MS not want "Windows 7! Better than incest!" as their tagline?

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

Go safe and lame.

Go Conan of recent years.

oh you are hilarious