Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He cherished the show’s unique characters, witty humor, and satirical insights on life, while also fostering a strong attachment to Quebec dubbing. When Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season after 35 years, Biasotto took action. He launched an online petition titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons — “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons” to preserve what he deemed an essential part of Quebec’s identity.
The Quebec adaptation of the show featured regional accents and cultural references, replacing American elements with local touches. The Quebec version integrated local expressions, such as joual, and substituted U.S. locations with Quebec landmarks. The initiative to save Les Simpson garnered widespread support, including from Quebec’s deputy premier Ian Lafrenière, who praised the show’s cultural and geographical references as “sublime.”
Dubbing has long been a significant aspect of Quebec’s entertainment industry, providing audiences with a familiar and culturally relevant viewing experience. Daniel Béland of McGill University highlighted the importance of dubbing in preserving Quebec’s language and humor. He emphasized that humor and cultural nuances are essential in dubbing, as direct translations may not capture the original essence.
The potential discontinuation of Les Simpson stirred a strong emotional response in Quebec, with voice actors like Thiéry Dubé comparing the show’s significance to cultural icons like poutine. The uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, coupled with the loss of key voice actors, created a challenging period for the dubbing team. However, the overwhelming support from fans played a crucial role in the show’s revival.
Thanks to Biasotto’s petition, which garnered over 35,000 signatures, Les Simpson was brought back in May through a deal between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. The return of the show was met with enthusiasm by difuze, the primary French dubbing facility in Canada, as it symbolized a victory for Quebec’s dubbing industry. Elizabeth Pélissier of difuze expressed pride in contributing to the revival of a beloved show in the language cherished by Quebec audiences.
As Quebec’s dubbing industry continues to flourish, with difuze handling an increasing volume of content, concerns about AI-generated dubbing impacting human voice actors have emerged. However, the reassurance from Walt Disney Studios Canada that local talent will continue to dub Les Simpson signifies a commitment to preserving Quebec’s unique dubbing tradition. The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s enduring popularity but also underscores the influence of dedicated fans in shaping its future.