US TV
Rex Features
A rep for the software giant said that the half-hour variety show, starring show creator Seth MacFarlane and actress Alex Borstein, was not "a fit with the Windows brand". Its decision to depart the instalment comes after Microsoft executives attended a taping of the programme on October 16.
"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," read a statement to Variety.
The special was to be broadcast on November 8 with Microsoft Windows 7-based adverts weaved into the episode instead of usual commercials. MacFarlane and Borstein reportedly shot Windows 7 adverts live in front of a studio audience during the taping. It is unclear if the duo will have to shoot new scenes with another sponsor.
Fox has yet to pull MacFarlane's variety show from its schedule. The network also plans to air new episodes of his other animated series - American Dad and The Cleveland Show – on the same night.
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