Movie replaces Microsoft in sponsoring Fox's 'Family Guy' special

Fox network says an upcoming movie has stepped in for Microsoft to sponsor next Sunday's "Family Guy" special.

The upcoming Warner Bros. feature "Sherlock Holmes" will be the sole sponsor of "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show." A sneak preview from the December release, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, will air during the broadcast.

Last week, Microsoft abruptly backed out as sponsor of the half-hour comedy-variety program, which stars "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein, who, like MacFarlane, provides voices for the animated series.

The software giant explained that the often racy "Family Guy" style might clash with the Windows brand the company planned to promote on the show.

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Fox network is owned by News Corp.