In Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep affection for The Simpsons through the Québécois French dubbed version. He cherished the show’s unique characters, witty humor, and satirical approach to life while also fostering a strong appreciation for Quebec dubbing.
After 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon, the Canadian broadcaster of the show, opted not to renew the rights, jeopardizing Les Simpson. Distraught over this decision, Biasotto launched an online petition on Change.org, titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons — “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons,” to preserve this integral part of Quebec’s identity.
The Quebec version featured local expressions and cultural references, such as regional Quebec accents and the incorporation of Quebecois locales in place of U.S. references. The show’s cancellation sparked public outcry, with Quebec’s deputy premier Ian Lafrenière emphasizing the importance of preserving the Quebec version due to its cultural significance.
Dubbing has long been a tradition in Quebec to adapt international entertainment to reflect the province’s language and culture. Daniel Béland from McGill University highlighted the importance of dubbing in providing familiar voices and references to local audiences. The practice also plays a crucial role in maintaining the French language in Quebec.
The potential loss of Les Simpson deeply affected the voice actors, including Thiéry Dubé, who voices Homer Simpson. The Quebec dubbing team faced challenges following the passing of key team members but found solace in the fans’ unwavering support for the show’s return.
Thanks to Biasotto’s petition garnering over 35,000 signatures, Les Simpson was revived in May through a deal between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment. This revival not only delighted fans but also marked a significant moment for Quebec’s dubbing industry, which has seen a surge in demand and workload.
Despite the industry’s growth, challenges like tight production timelines persist, leading to increased efforts from dubbing teams. Joey Galimi, president of the National Association of Professional Dubbers, expressed concerns about the impact of AI-generated dubbing on human voice actors but emphasized the industry’s resilience and the importance of fan support in reviving beloved shows like Les Simpson.