or


[10/13/09 - 03:22 PM]
Microsoft and FOX One to Collaborate on Exclusive Windows 7 Brand Sponsorship of "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" (Working Title)
The half-hour special airs Sunday, November 8 at 8:30/7:30c.

[via press release from FOX]

MICROSOFT AND FOX ONE TO COLLABORATE ON EXCLUSIVE WINDOWS 7 BRAND SPONSORSHIP OF "FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: SETH & ALEX'S ALMOST LIVE COMEDY SHOW" (working title)

Windows 7 to Enhance Viewing Experience of Original Variety Show Special Airing Sunday, November 8, on FOX

Broader Multi-Platform Marketing Initiative Also Encompasses 20th Century Fox Television, Fox Licensing and Merchandising, FOX Sports, FX, FOX.com, FOXSports.com on MSN and Hulu Assets

Today, Microsoft Corp. and FOX One announced an ambitious, unique marketing collaboration that will showcase the best of Windows 7, the newest version of Microsoft's operating system that will be available in market on Oct. 22. The cornerstone of the effort is the exclusive Windows 7 sponsorship of an upcoming television event devoted to the comedy of Seth MacFarlane, creator of FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW.

Taking the idea of "commercial-free" to the next level, the original FOX variety special FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: SETH & ALEX'S ALMOST LIVE COMEDY SHOW (working title), airing Sunday, Nov. 8 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) and starring MacFarlane and his FAMILY GUY co-star Alex Borstein, will deliver simplicity for viewers � no commercial ad time, no network promotions and no commercial breaks � and instead will feature unique Windows 7-branded programming that blends seamlessly with show content. In a network first, MacFarlane and Borstein have teamed with Windows and their agencies, Universal McCann and Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, to develop, write and produce the customized branded integrations that seek to bring the old "Texaco Star Theater"-style sponsorships into the 21st century. The half-hour special will highlight the comedy duo's subversive and unique humor with original animation, live-action performances of FAMILY GUY's most memorable musical numbers, comedy sketches and surprise celebrity guests. That night, FOX turns the reins over to MacFarlane for an all-MacFarlane lineup as he also hosts all-new episodes of AMERICAN DAD (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT), FAMILY GUY (8:00-8:30 and 9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and THE CLEVELAND SHOW (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).

While the way people watch TV has evolved, their desire to be entertained, and marketers' need to deliver compelling content, hasn't changed. 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's comedy, drama, sports or reality programming on TV or on the web.

"We're working with FOX on innovative brand integrations that will show how the power and simplicity of Windows 7 can enhance the content FOX viewers love" said Gayle Troberman, general manager of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft. "We have simplified the PC with Windows 7, and together with FOX, we're simplifying entertainment."

"We're thrilled to be joining forces with Windows 7 on such an exciting, highly collaborative marketing campaign featuring the very unique talents of Seth MacFarlane as he overhauls the old Hollywood tradition of the sponsored variety show by marrying Windows 7 messaging with content," said Jean Rossi, President of FOX One and Executive Vice President of Sales for FOX. "By partnering with 20th Century Fox Television, Fox Licensing and Merchandising, FOX Sports, FX, FOXSports.com on MSN and Hulu, we have developed a complementary initiative that goes well beyond the screen with customized assets that connect consumers with Windows 7."

In addition to sponsorship of the variety show special, Microsoft and Fox Licensing and Merchandising are working together to reach more than 4.3 million college students in-person on campuses across the country. The joint 12-week college tour gives students the chance to try Windows 7 for themselves and enjoy customized entertainment created by Fox Licensing and Merchandising such as outdoor movie nights hosted by FAMILY GUY's Stewie and Brian, online videos and other customized FAMILY GUY content.

Microsoft and FOX One will roll out marketing collaboration efforts with a variety of FOX One properties including 20th Century Fox Television, FOX Sports, FX, FOX.com, FOXSports.com on MSN and Hulu.

ABOUT MICROSOFT

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

ABOUT FOX ONE

FOX ONE, formed in 2007, is a sales unit of Fox Entertainment Group. It develops and implements strategic integrated marketing opportunities and solutions crossing the full range of News Corp.'s global assets and a variety of media platforms, including broadcast, cable, digital, filmed entertainment, print and international.

ABOUT SETH MACFARLANE

One of the youngest people ever to create a television series, Seth MacFarlane is the creator/executive producer/voice actor on FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW. In 2009, FAMILY GUY received an Emmy nomination making it the second animated series ever to be nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Previously, FAMILY GUY garnered three nominations for Outstanding Animated Series.

ABOUT FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) is a unit of News Corporation and the leading broadcast television network among Adults 18-49. FOX finished the 2008-2009 season at No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year � a feat that hasn't been achieved since the mid-1990s � while continuing to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news.

ABOUT FOX LICENSING AND MERCHANDISING

A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.





  [october 2009]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
    


· AMERICAN DAD (FOX)
· CLEVELAND SHOW, THE (FOX)
· FAMILY GUY (FOX)





[12/10/25 - 04:01 PM]
Video: "Cashero" - Official Trailer - Netflix
An ordinary man who inherits super strength discovers a greater evil out to steal his power. The one catch? Every use drains money from his wallet.

[12/10/25 - 03:16 PM]
Peacock to Exclusively Stream National Coverage of Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 8 P.M. ET
Ravens-Packers marks the fourth Peacock exclusive NFL game.

[12/10/25 - 02:59 PM]
FOX NFL Scores Massive Week 14 Viewership
28 million viewers watched FOX Sports' Week 14 "America's Game of the Week," featuring the Green Bay Packers divisional win over the Chicago Bears.

[12/10/25 - 01:06 PM]
Paramount Sends Letter to Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholders
The letter "reiterates why Paramount's offer will deliver WBD shareholders with superior value and a faster, more certain path to completion than the Netflix transaction."

[12/10/25 - 12:08 PM]
NBCU's November to Remember Showcases the Power of Company's Programming
"All Her Fault" became the most-watched original series launch in Peacock history with 46 million hours.

[12/10/25 - 11:06 AM]
"LA Firestorm" Presents the Harrowing Heartbreaks and Heroics From Battles Against the Blazes that Burned Through Los Angeles Like a Blowtorch
The series premieres Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 8pm ET/5pm PT with all three parts airing back-to-back.

[12/10/25 - 11:01 AM]
Introducing - For the First Time in "The Masked Singer" History - America's Insider!
Singer, actress, dancer and social media personality Kylie Cantrall is unmasking pre-premiere and bringing fans along for the insane ride behind-the-scenes on the all-new season.

[12/10/25 - 10:03 AM]
All-New Season of "Moonshiners" Premieres Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery Channel
This season, history repeats itself as liquor prices skyrocket and trade wars cripple the legal market.

[12/10/25 - 10:01 AM]
"The Lincoln Lawyer" Season 4 - First Look & Date Announcement
Netflix's hit drama series returns for its fourth season on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

[12/10/25 - 10:01 AM]
Revisit the Beloved Classic Films from Academy Award-Winning Writer/Director/Producer James L. Brooks, Ahead of 20th Century Studios' Release of "Ella McCay," Coming to Theaters Friday
"Broadcast News," "Big," "Say Anything," "The War of the Roses," and "How Do You Know" are all available on Hulu.

[12/10/25 - 10:00 AM]
HBO Original Documentary "Music Box: Happy and You Know It" Debuts December 25
The film explores the underestimated and wildly popular genre, delving behind the scenes to tell the origin stories of some of the top names in the field.

[12/10/25 - 10:00 AM]
Celebrate Christmas Morning with "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade," Thursday, Dec. 25, on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu
This year's special features performances by Gwen Stefani, Lady A, Bebe Rexha, Nicole Scherzinger, and more.

[12/10/25 - 09:54 AM]
ABC Unwraps Holiday Presentations of Fan Favorite Shows
"Dancing with the Holidays" was the top-performing holiday-themed special across the broadcast networks among Adults 18-49 in two years.

[12/10/25 - 09:07 AM]
Candace Cameron Bure, Aaron Ashmore, and Robin Dunne Star in, "Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker," Streaming Exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, January 1
In the latest installment, Ainsley McGregor thought craft markets and book clubs, not corpses, would define her new life back home in Sweet River.

[12/10/25 - 09:02 AM]
Video: "Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Boxing disruptor Jake Paul challenges heavyweight powerhouse Anthony Joshua live in a career-defining super fight from Most Valuable Promotions.