In Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a fondness for watching The Simpsons in the Québécois French dialect. Beyond the show’s charm, humor, and satire, Biasotto grew a deep appreciation for Quebec dubbing, knowing each actor’s character voice. However, after 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season, jeopardizing Les Simpson.
Distressed by the potential loss, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition on Change.org titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons — “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.” The unique Quebec adaptation incorporated local expressions and cultural references, making it distinctly Quebecois. For instance, regional Quebec accents, like joual, replaced U.S. references in the show.
Quebec’s voice actors, deeply connected to the show, faced uncertainty when the future of Les Simpson was in question. The fans’ unwavering support, akin to a cultural icon like poutine, comforted them during a challenging time. Thiéry Dubé, the voice of Québécois Homer Simpson, described the show’s importance to Quebec’s cultural identity.
The petition’s success, with over 35,000 signatures, led to the revival of Les Simpson in May through a deal between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. This news delighted difuze, a prominent French dubbing facility in Canada, as they resumed dubbing the show for Quebec audiences. The resurgence of Les Simpson coincides with a bustling period for Quebec’s dubbing industry, with difuze witnessing a surge in content demand from streaming giants like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon.
While the dubbing industry thrives, challenges like tighter production timelines persist. Despite these hurdles, the return of Les Simpson underscores the show’s enduring popularity and the influence of its dedicated fanbase, which continues to grow and attract new viewers.