Microsoft to Seth MacFarlane: Thanks, but no thanks

Remember how Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein were going to dedicate one of their live variety shows to Microsoft's launch of Windows 7? Yes, of course you do. Before you can call up the "a funny thing happened on the way to" phrase on your predictive-text-blogging-platform (which exists only for the government at this point in beta), Microsoft's people (not Bill Gates nor even Steve Ballmer, but just people) saw the live taping of the Seth-and-Alex show and thought, well, on second thought…

Here is the Microsoft spokesrobot quote: "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." (via Variety) Sure. Sure. Good partnership! Other areas! Sounds like everything's coming up Microsoft roses!

FOX will air the Almost Live Comedy Show on Nov. 8. But what to do about all of those Windows 7 punchlines and references? Dub in a new sponsor's name? How delicious!

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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