Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a fondness for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He not only enjoyed the show’s distinct characters, humor, and satirical commentary on life but also developed a deep appreciation for Quebec dubbing. After 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the show’s 36th season, putting Les Simpson in jeopardy.
Distraught by this decision, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition on Change.org titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons, meaning “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.” He felt it was crucial to preserve this aspect of Quebec’s identity, as the local adaptation incorporated unique expressions and cultural references that resonated with Quebec audiences.
The Quebec version featured regional accents and swapped U.S. references for local ones, such as replacing upstate New York with the Lac-Saint-Jean region in one episode. The public outcry to preserve Les Simpson highlighted the significance of dubbing in Quebec, a practice deeply rooted in adapting international content to reflect the province’s language and culture.
For Quebec voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, the potential loss of Les Simpson felt like a seismic event, given the show’s integral role in Quebec’s cultural fabric. The revival of Les Simpson became a reality after Bell Media struck a deal with Disney Entertainment, following a successful petition that garnered over 35,000 signatures. The return of the show was met with enthusiasm from difuze, a prominent French dubbing facility in Canada, as they play a vital role in bringing back the beloved series to Quebec audiences.
As Quebec’s dubbing industry thrives, challenges like tighter production schedules persist, requiring teams to put in extra effort to meet demands. Despite concerns about AI-generated dubbing, the return of Les Simpson underscores the enduring influence of dedicated fans and the show’s cultural significance in Quebec.
