So much for Stewie and Brian: Microsoft last night abruptly dropped plans to sponsor a special TV event with "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane. According to the software giant, an early peek at MacFarlane's draft for the show revealed it to be a bit too ribald 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,'" Microsoft wrote in a statement explaining its decision. "But after reviewing an early version of the variety show it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand."
MacFarlane's shows, of course, frequently step well past the bounds of good taste, and Fox, no stranger to tasteless TV, has actually refused to air a few episodes of "Family Guy." Interestingly, MacFarlane will forge ahead with his variety show, but without Microsoft. Presumably, it will air with the usual commercial interruptions—originally, Microsoft would have been the only advertiser—but perhaps they could find another sponsor.
Bad taste ... Hm. How about Apple?
Related Reading: