Microsoft's Problem With "Family Guy"

Despite signing on as the exclusive sponsor of the upcoming live-action variety special from "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, Microsoft has nervously backed out of the deal over concerns that the content is too racy. So, nobody at Microsoft has ever seen "Family Guy?"

Microsoft had already announced its "unprecedented" participation in the speical, "Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show." Instead of having traditional commercials, the special would feature info and plugs about the new Windows 7 operating system written right into the actual content of the show — kind of like in the old days, when Sergeant Bilko would take a break from scheming to have a smoke and extol the virtues of Lucky Strikes.

A good idea, seemingly, until Microsoft execs attended the taping of the show, and were shocked to discover this live-action special from the creator of "Family Guy" featured the same type of content regularly seen on "Family Guy." Or, as Variety put it, jokes about "deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest." Basically the same stuff "Family Guy" has been goofing on for the past 10 years. Unless they did zero due diligence, it's not like Microsoft was promised "Father Knows Best" and were given "Lesbian Nympho Cheerleaders on Ice." "Family Guy" is what it is, and to expect any different is just stupid.

Anyhow, the horrified execs decided there was NO WAY their new software system could be associated with such a horrendous display of bad taste, and nixed the deal. Here's the statement from 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. 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."

Fox says it will attempt to line up another integrated sponsor by the time the show airs on November 7, but it remains to be seen what this will mean for the show, which has already been taped, in front of a live audience, and featured plenty of Windows 7 jokes throughout.