Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He not only cherished the iconic American animated sitcom’s eccentric characters, irreverent humor, and satirical approach to life but also cultivated a strong admiration for Quebec dubbing.
Following a decision by Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon last August not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the show’s 36th season after 35 years, the future of Les Simpson became uncertain. Distressed by this development, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition on Change.org titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons or “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.”
According to Biasotto, the Quebec version of the show was uniquely tailored to include local expressions and cultural references, making it a vital part of Quebec’s identity. For instance, the characters spoke in regional Quebec accents, incorporating the colloquial dialect known as joual, which is associated with working-class Montreal. Additionally, American references were replaced with local Quebecois elements to enhance the show’s appeal to Quebec audiences.
Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s deputy premier and a devoted Simpsons fan, joined the public outcry to preserve the Quebec version, emphasizing the show’s invaluable cultural and geographical references. The campaign to save Les Simpson tapped into a broader sentiment beyond nostalgia, highlighting the significance of dubbing in aligning international entertainment with Quebec’s language, humor, and culture.
The revival of Les Simpson was made possible through Biasotto’s petition, which garnered over 35,000 signatures. Bell Media struck a deal with Disney Entertainment to bring back the show, with the new season scheduled to premiere on Noovo on September 9. This development not only delighted fans but also signaled a resurgence in Quebec’s dubbing industry, which has experienced increased demand amid the growing volume of content from streaming platforms.
The return of Les Simpson not only underscores the enduring popularity of the show but also underscores the influence of its dedicated fan base in ensuring the preservation of Quebec’s cultural heritage through localized dubbing practices.