Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He cherished the show’s unique characters, humor, and satirical commentary on life, while also forming a strong attachment to the Quebec dubbing. After 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the rights for the 36th season, endangering Les Simpson.
Biasotto, distressed by this decision, launched an online petition titled “Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons” (Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons) on Change.org. He felt that losing the Quebec version would mean losing a part of their cultural identity. The Quebec adaptation featured local expressions and cultural references, making it distinctively Quebecois.
The Quebec version incorporated regional accents and replaced American references with local ones, such as swapping upstate New York with the Lac-Saint-Jean region. The public outcry to save Les Simpson highlighted the significance of dubbing in Quebec’s entertainment industry, reflecting the province’s language, humor, and culture.
Dubbing has been a longstanding tradition in Quebec, allowing audiences to experience international content in their language with familiar voices and cultural nuances. Daniel Béland, director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, emphasized the importance of preserving Quebec’s mother tongue through dubbing, which also helps maintain a sense of cultural identity.
The Quebec voice actors, deeply connected to the show, were devastated by the possibility of Les Simpson not returning. Thiéry Dubé, the voice of Québécois Homer Simpson, likened the show’s cultural significance to a staple like poutine. The fans’ unwavering support played a crucial role in the show’s revival, with Biasotto’s petition garnering over 35,000 signatures and leading to a new deal with Bell Media to broadcast the show on Noovo.
The return of Les Simpson was a triumph for both fans and the dubbing industry in Quebec. Elizabeth Pélissier, vice-president of dubbing at difuze, expressed pride in being part of the show’s revival and highlighted the industry’s growth amid increasing demand from streaming platforms. Despite challenges like tight production schedules, the dubbing industry remains robust, with a focus on preserving the human touch in voice acting.
The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s popularity but also underscores the influence of its dedicated fan base in ensuring the continuation of Quebec’s unique dubbing tradition.