Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a passion for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He cherished the show’s unique characters, humor, and satirical content, as well as the Quebec dubbing.
When Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season after 35 years, Les Simpson faced uncertainty. Distraught, Biasotto launched an online petition called Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons to preserve the Quebec dub.
The Quebec version featured local expressions and cultural references, making it distinct. Characters spoke with regional accents and references were tailored to Quebec, such as replacing U.S. locations with local ones.
Quebec’s dubbing tradition reflects the province’s language and culture. Dubbing is not just about translation but also adapting humor and references to resonate with local audiences. It helps preserve the French language in Quebec.
Voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, who voiced Québécois Homer Simpson, felt a deep connection to the show. The uncertain future of Les Simpson during a challenging year for the dubbing team sparked a strong reaction in Quebec.
Thanks to Biasotto’s petition with over 35,000 signatures, Les Simpson was revived in May through a deal with Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. The return was a victory for Quebec’s dubbing industry and its loyal fans.
The revival of Les Simpson signifies the resilience of Quebec’s dubbing industry amid increasing demand. While facing challenges like tighter production timelines, the industry remains vibrant and essential in preserving Quebec’s cultural identity.
The reemergence of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s popularity but also highlights the influence of dedicated fans. The commitment to keeping the show dubbed in Quebec by local talent underscores the importance of preserving Quebec’s unique cultural and linguistic identity.
