Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He cherished the show’s eccentric characters, witty humor, and satirical commentary on life, while also cultivating a strong appreciation for Quebec dubbing.
After 35 years of airing on Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon, the Canadian broadcasting rights for The Simpsons’ 36th season were not renewed, putting the Québécois version, Les Simpson, in jeopardy. Distraught by this decision, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition on Change.org titled “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.”
The Quebec adaptation of the show featured regional accents and cultural references unique to the province. For instance, U.S. references were swapped with local Quebec elements, 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, where adapting international content to reflect the province’s language and culture has been a longstanding tradition. Daniel Béland from McGill University emphasized the importance of dubbing in maintaining Quebec’s distinct identity and language.
For the voice actors involved, the potential loss of Les Simpson was deeply personal. Thiéry Dubé, the voice of Québécois Homer Simpson, likened the show’s cultural impact to a symbol of Quebec identity, akin to poutine. The uncertainty surrounding the show’s future added to the challenges faced by the dubbing team, especially with the loss of key voice actors in recent months.
Fortunately, Biasotto’s petition garnered over 35,000 signatures, leading to Les Simpson’s revival through a deal between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. The return of the show was a significant win for the Quebec dubbing industry, with difuze, one of Canada’s largest French dubbing facilities, playing a crucial role in bringing back the beloved series.
As Quebec’s dubbing industry experiences a surge in demand, driven by the proliferation of streaming platforms, preserving local talent and maintaining the human touch in dubbing remains essential. The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s enduring popularity but also underscores the enduring influence of dedicated fans in shaping the entertainment landscape.