Ashton Kutcher Judy Greer Two and a Half Men - H 2011
CBSCBS provided several tech companies with free product placement during their most recent broadcast.
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On the series’ Sept. 26 episode, Ashton Kutcher’s character — Internet billionaire Walden Schmidt — was seen working on a laptop, which was covered in stickers promoting Foursquare, Flipboard, Hipmunk, GroupMe and Chegg. Coincidentally, these are companies which the actor holds personal investments in.
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Following the broadcast, reports surfaced that the network was seeking compensation for the free plugs, and would be blurring the decals from future episodes should the companies refuse to pay. A spokesperson for CBS tells The Hollywood Reporter that said reports are untrue, and that it is CBS’ policy to disclose any financial interests, such as Kutcher’s, at the end of the broadcast.
Given the nature of Kutcher’s character, the decorative stickers appear to be an organic addition to his laid-back and tech-savvy personality.
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“Check out @aplusk showing some @foursquare & @GroupMe laptop-sticker love on Two & a Half Men,” tweeted Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley, along with a screenshot from the show, which reached 20 million viewers.
