Elementary: 'Sherlock Holmes' will sponsor 'Family Guy' special

The World's Greatest Detective can add the case of the missing sponsor to his list of mysteries successfully solved: Robert Downey Jr.'s "Sherlock Holmes" has stepped in as sponsor of "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show."

The movie, which debuts in theaters on Christmas Day, will replace Microsoft as the variety show's backer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The software giant quick rescinded its offer after witnessing "riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest," according to Variety.

In other words, par for the course on "Family Guy." Apparently, though, Microsoft didn't realize that.

"We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of 'Family Guy,' but after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand," a Microsoft rep told Variety at the time.

The original plan was to weave references to Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system into the gags. While THR claims the special had already been taped before the company's withdrawal, there's no word on whether Seth MacFarlane & Co. had to reshoot the special to remove Microsoft references, or whether they'll go back and replace them with "Holmes" jokes.

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

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