Joshua Biasotto, a native of Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, Quebec, developed a deep affection for the Québécois French version of The Simpsons during his upbringing in the province. He not only cherished the show’s eccentric characters, irreverent humor, and satirical outlook on life but also cultivated a strong appreciation for Quebec dubbing.
After 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon, the broadcaster responsible for the Canadian rights and dubbing of the show, chose not to renew the agreement for the 36th season, putting Les Simpson in jeopardy. Distressed by this decision, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition on Change.org titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons, which translates to “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.”
The Quebec version of the show was tailored to include local expressions and cultural references, giving it a distinctively Québécois feel. For instance, characters spoke with regional Quebec accents, including the colloquial dialect joual, representing working-class Montreal. Furthermore, American references were swapped with local Quebecois places like Lac-Saint-Jean, Jonquière, and Alma.
Quebec’s Deputy Premier, Ian Lafrenière, a devoted Simpsons enthusiast, advocated for preserving the Quebec version, emphasizing the significance of the cultural and geographical references within the show. The public outcry to safeguard Les Simpson tapped into a broader sentiment beyond nostalgia.
Dubbing has a rich tradition in Quebec, adapting global entertainment to align with the province’s language, humor, and culture. Daniel Béland, Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, highlighted how dubbing allows audiences to experience international content in a familiar context, preventing a cultural disconnect that might arise with foreign versions.
The uncertainty surrounding the return of Les Simpson deeply affected the Quebec dubbing team, particularly following the loss of key voice actors. Thiéry Dubé, the voice of Québécois Homer Simpson, likened the show’s importance to Quebec’s cultural identity, equating it to a cherished local delicacy like poutine.
Fortunately, Biasotto’s petition garnered over 35,000 signatures, leading to the revival of Les Simpson in May through a broadcast deal between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. The show is set to premiere its new season on Noovo on September 9, much to the delight of fans and industry professionals alike.
The resurgence of Les Simpson comes at a time of heightened activity in Quebec’s dubbing sector, with studios like difuze experiencing increased demand due to the expansion of streaming platforms. Despite challenges like tighter production schedules, industry experts remain optimistic about the future of Quebec’s dubbing industry and the enduring appeal of shows like The Simpsons.