Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He not only cherished the show’s eccentric characters and satirical humor but also cultivated a strong admiration for Quebec dubbing. After 35 years of airing, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season, endangering Les Simpson.
In response, Biasotto launched an online petition titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons — “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons,” emphasizing the unique cultural significance of the Quebec version. The Quebec adaptation incorporated local expressions and swapped U.S. references for Quebecois elements, making it a distinctive viewing experience.
The public outcry to preserve Les Simpson highlighted the importance of dubbing in Quebec, a longstanding tradition that tailors international content to reflect the province’s language and culture. Daniel Béland from McGill University noted that dubbing offers familiarity and relatability to Quebec audiences, distinguishing it from French productions from France.
The potential loss of Les Simpson had a profound impact on voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, who voiced Québécois Homer Simpson. The revival of the show, thanks to the successful petition, brought relief and joy to fans and industry professionals alike. Elizabeth Pélissier from difuze, a major French dubbing facility, expressed pride in contributing to the return of Les Simpson amidst a thriving dubbing industry in Quebec.
While the dubbing sector in Quebec faces challenges with increased demand and tighter production schedules, the commitment to preserving local talent remains strong. The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s enduring popularity but also underscores the influence and dedication of its fan base in Quebec.