Skip to main content

Microsoft Backs Out of Sponsoring Family Guy Special

Microsoft Logo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Software titan Microsoft has been blitzing the media to let the world know Windows 7 is available and the company thinks people should buy it. Part of that media blitz was to include sponsoring a one-off comedy special on the Fox network, Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show on November 8. However, on actually seeing a recording of the show, Microsoft has now withdrawn its sponsorship, saying that the content was not a good match with the Windows brand.

The show is set to feature Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane (who voices several characters on the show) and Alex Borstein (who voices Lois Griffin on the show) in a half-hour sequence of comedy sketches and animated shorts. In keeping with Family Guy’s content, the special reportedly features edgy material, including jokes based on incest and the Holocaust.

“We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas,” Microsoft said in a statement.

Fox and McFarlane have not commented.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
How to remove a Microsoft account from Windows 11
Windows 11 updates are moving to once a year.

While many people love porting their Microsoft account to their new Windows 11 PC, just as many hate the experience. One of the nicest things about having a new computer is how little tabs it has over you, and letting Microsoft in from the beginning — especially in a way that feels required — is a bit letdown for privacy-minded people.

To make matters worse, getting rid of your account feels tricky. It not only feels like it, Microsoft is your direct antagonist in getting the privacy you want. Luckily, you can make a local account that is disconnected from the rest of your life to gain back the personal feel of your computer. Here's how:
Removing a Microsoft account from Windows 11

Read more
Microsoft plans to charge for Windows 10 updates in the future
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

Microsoft has confirmed it will offer security updates for Windows 10 after the end-of-life date for the operating system for consumer users but for a fee.

The brand recently announced plans to charge regular users for Extended Security Updates (ESU) who intend to continue using Windows 10 beyond the October 14, 2025 support date.

Read more
I love Macs. But here are 5 reasons I keep coming back to Windows
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

Thanks to the massive success of Apple Silicon, Macs have become increasingly tempting. Plenty of folks are heading back to the Mac for the first time in years, and in doing so, making the dramatic switch from Windows 11 to macOS.

When it comes to these operating systems, though, they're not equal across the board. And in the end, here are the five things that keep me coming back to Windows 11.
Device support

Read more