Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a fondness for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He cherished the show’s unique characters, witty humor, and satirical portrayal of life, as well as his admiration for Quebec dubbing. Biasotto meticulously researched the voice actors behind each character.
However, after 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season of Les Simpson, putting the beloved show at risk. Distraught by this decision, 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.”
He felt it was essential to preserve this aspect of Quebec’s identity, as the local version incorporated regional expressions and cultural references, making it distinctly Québécois. For instance, the Quebec adaptation featured local accents and replaced American references with familiar Quebec locations.
The public outcry to save Les Simpson resonated beyond nostalgia, emphasizing the significance of dubbing in reflecting Quebec’s language, humor, and culture. Quebec has a rich tradition of adapting international entertainment to cater to local audiences, with dubbing playing a crucial role in maintaining the province’s linguistic heritage.
The Quebec dubbing industry not only provides a bridge for French speakers but also preserves the province’s distinct cultural identity. Dubbing involves more than literal translation; it requires adapting jokes and references to resonate with local viewers.
Following a successful campaign with over 35,000 signatures, Les Simpson was revived in May through a partnership between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. The return of the show was met with enthusiasm by fans and industry professionals alike, highlighting the resilience of Quebec’s dubbing industry.
As Quebec’s dubbing sector experiences a surge in demand, studios like difuze are facing new challenges due to tighter production timelines. Despite concerns about AI-generated dubbing, Quebec remains committed to maintaining its tradition of dubbing with local talent.
The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s enduring popularity but also underscores the influence of dedicated fans in shaping the entertainment landscape. The return of the show is expected to attract new audiences, further solidifying its cultural impact.