Microsoft has dropped out of its sponsorship of Fox's upcoming Seth MacFarlane 'Family Guy' variety special.
The software giant was going to be the only advertiser on 'Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show', which was to include jokes and skits that would promote the new Windows 7.
However, Microsoft decided to yank its support after seeing an early version of the planned show.
"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," Microsoft says in a statement.
The show is still scheduled to air on November 8, but now with a new, yet-unknown, sponsor. Although parts of the special will need to be completed again since it included Windows 7-related humor.
Microsoft apparently sent Fox and MacFarlane several notes expressing their concern over the content but ultimately decided to drop out after it deemed that some jokes on the special, including riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest may be a bit much.
A 30-second ad during the animated comedy costs over $214,750 -- that's more than 'The Simpsons' and only less than 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Sunday Night Football' on Sunday night. So sponsoring an entire commercial-free half-hour no doubt likely put the Microsoft deal into the millions.
Along with 'Almost Live Comedy Show', the night will see new episodes of 'American Dad', 'Family Guy' and 'The Cleveland Show'.
Microsoft has dropped out of its sponsorship of Fox's upcoming Seth MacFarlane '
