Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a fondness for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French. He not only enjoyed the show’s quirky characters, irreverent humor, and satirical commentary on life but also developed a deep appreciation for Quebec dubbing.
However, last August, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season of The Simpsons, putting the Quebec version, Les Simpson, at risk. Distraught by this decision, Biasotto took action by creating an online petition on Change.org titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons — “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.”
The Quebec adaptation of the show included local expressions and cultural references, making it distinctively Quebecois. Characters spoke in regional accents, and references to U.S. locations were replaced with Quebecois counterparts to enhance the local connection.
Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s deputy premier and a devoted Simpsons fan, emphasized the importance of preserving the Quebec version, praising the cultural and geographical references embedded in the show.
Dubbing has been a longstanding tradition in Quebec, allowing locals to experience international entertainment in their language while incorporating familiar voices, expressions, and cultural nuances. Daniel Béland from McGill University highlighted the significance of dubbing in maintaining Quebec’s unique identity and language.
For voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, the potential loss of Les Simpson was deeply personal, considering the show’s integral role in Quebec’s cultural fabric. The news of the show’s revival after a successful petition campaign brought relief and joy to both fans and the dubbing industry.
Elizabeth Pélissier from difuze, a prominent French dubbing facility in Canada, expressed pride in contributing to the return of Les Simpson and highlighted the increasing demand for dubbing services in Quebec’s bustling entertainment landscape.
The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s popularity but also underscores the unwavering support of its fans, ensuring that Quebec audiences can continue to enjoy their beloved animated series in their native language.