Quebecois Fans Rally to Save Local Dub of The Simpsons
Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for watching The Simpsons in the local French dialect, Québécois. He cherished not only the show’s eccentric characters, irreverent humor, and satirical view on life but also developed a strong attachment to Quebec dubbing.
After 35 years under Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon, the Canadian broadcast rights for The Simpsons and its dubbing were not renewed for the 36th season in August. This decision placed Les Simpson in a precarious position.
In response, Biasotto launched an online petition on Change.org titled “Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons” or “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.” He felt compelled to act, emphasizing that losing this version would mean losing a part of Quebec’s identity.
The Quebec adaptation of The Simpsons included local expressions and cultural references, making it uniquely Quebecois. Characters spoke with regional accents, incorporating joual, the colloquial dialect associated with working-class Montreal, and replaced U.S. locations with familiar Quebec references.
The public outcry to preserve Les Simpson, led by fans and supported by Quebec’s deputy premier Ian Lafrenière, highlighted the importance of dubbing in reflecting the province’s language and culture. Dubbing has been integral in Quebec, allowing audiences to experience international content in their own language while preserving their unique identity.
For voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, who voices Québécois Homer Simpson, the potential loss of the show felt like a blow to Quebec’s cultural heritage. The campaign to save Les Simpson succeeded, with over 35,000 signatures on the petition, leading to a revival through a deal between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment.
The return of Les Simpson not only delighted fans but also underscored the significance of Quebec’s dubbing industry in preserving the province’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Despite facing challenges like tighter production timelines, the industry continues to thrive, with the return of The Simpsons symbolizing the enduring power of dedicated fans and the importance of local voice actors in the dubbing process.