Family Guy Not to Sell Windows 7 Anymore [Microsoft Pulled Out; November 8 Show Still on Track]

In an unexpected turn of events, Microsoft has decided not to go through with the Windows 7-dedicated Family Guy episode. Am I the only one to notice what a bad decision this is? Has Redmond lost it all of a sudden? Not only was it going to be a unique concept, but this advertising strategy might have worked very good in Microsoft’s favor.

Sure Family Guy will have included Windows 7 in various sketches and gags during the “Almost Live Comedy Show” but that wasn’t the problem. After all, Microsoft is used to others making fun of PC in other commercials, isn’t it?

What caused all of this? Well it looks like Microsoft execs attended the tapping of the show and they didn’t like what they heard. Deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene, incest and other Family Guy jokes are not subjects that Microsoft will want to associate to Windows 7. Doesn’t anyone get jokes over at Redmond? Without those jokes Family Guy wouldn’t have been as famous in the first place. Microsoft didn’t know all this until now? Here’s what a spokesperson had to say about the whole issue:

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.

Unfortunately the joke is on Microsoft at this point. NBC will air the episode on November 8 as scheduled. A secret sponsor will replace Microsoft and this special show will be even more popular. Will more people tune in to see why Microsoft has walked away from the deal? Will we see Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein include Windows 7 jokes in their material?