Software giant produces comedy show

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane is to star in a half-hour comedy show on American network television, promoting Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system.

He will be teaming up with Alex Bornstein – who plays his wife Louis in the animated series – for the show, to be broadcast on Fox next month.

The show, mixing animation and live action sketches, won’t feature any commercial breaks – but will feature ‘unique Windows 7-branded programming’ among the comedy.

Fox executive Jean Rossi said: ‘We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Windows 7 on such an exciting marketing campaign featuring the unique talents of Seth MacFarlane as he overhauls the old Hollywood tradition of the sponsored variety show by marrying Windows 7 messaging with content.’

He added various marketing buzzwords about ‘complementary initiative’ and ‘customized assets that connect consumers with Windows 7’, while Microsoft’s Gayle Troberman spoke of ‘innovative brand integrations’ to ‘enhance the content.

She added, bafflingly: ‘We have simplified the PC with Windows 7, and together with Fox, we’re simplifying entertainment.’

Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show airs on November 8.

MacFarlane is no stranger to branded programming, having produced a series of internet animations backed by Burger King.

Published: 14 Oct 2009