Redmond, Washington — Microsoft earlier this week announced an exclusive deal sponsoring a Windows 7 television entertainment next month in collaboration with News Corp.’s Fox and “Family Guy” creator/voice actor Seth MacFarlane and his co-associate.
The show, dubbed “Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show,” and will combine Windows 7 promotions into the television special, will be aired Sunday, November 8, at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific Time), featuring the comedy creator Seth MacFarlane and co-star Alex Borstein.
In a statement, Microsoft and Fox said they expect to “bring the old Texaco Star Theater-style sponsorships into the 21st century,” and says Windows 7 promos will blend “seamlessly with show content.”
The duo will deliver a collection of original animation segments, live-action performances of “Family Guy” musical numbers, comedy skits, and celebrity guests. The network’s programing that evening will showcase an all-MacFarlane lineup, with new episodes of “American Dad,” “The Cleveland Show” and “Family Guy.”
MacFarlane, creator and primary voice of “Family Guy,” and Borstein, voice of the series’ Lois character, teamed with the folks from Microsoft, as well as Redmond’s ad agencies–Universal McCann, and Crispin, Porter & Bogusky, to create the show.
“While the way people watch TV has evolved, their desire to be entertained, and marketers’ need to deliver compelling content, has not changed,” the companies said. “Microsoft and Fox are joining forces to showcase how the power and simplicity of Windows 7 can enhance the content Fox viewers enjoy most, whether it is comedy, drama, sports, or reality programming on TV or on the Web.”
The special broadcast will be without traditional commercials and instead will feature Microsoft-branded programing that Fox said will blend with the show’s content. The show will promote Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7, which will be released October 22.
Microsoft is just not stopping with television shows, either. The Redmond, software maker is also planning a 12-week college tour with Fox that will give approximately 4.3 million college students the chance to try out Windows 7. The tour will also feature entertainment like outdoor movie nights hosted by “Family Guy’s” Stewie and Brian, online videos, and other “Family Guy” content.
This is the second time MacFarlane has teamed up with a technology company. Last year, Macfarlane presented "Seth MacFarlane’s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy" on the Google Content Network.
If you cannot wait for November, then take a taste of Windows 7 magic featuring “Family Guy” characters in this video: