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 representation of life, alongside his admiration for Quebec dubbing.
In a surprising turn of events, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon chose not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season of Les Simpson after holding them for 35 years, putting the Quebec version of the show in jeopardy. Distressed 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.”
The Quebec adaptation of the show was distinctive, incorporating local expressions and cultural references, including regional accents and swapped-out U.S. references for Quebecois ones. This customization made the Quebec version feel uniquely tailored for its audience.
The public outcry to preserve Les Simpson extended beyond mere nostalgia, reflecting the importance of dubbing in Quebec’s cultural identity. Dubbing has a long-standing tradition in Quebec, allowing audiences to experience international content in their language while maintaining local cultural nuances.
The Quebec dubbing industry plays a crucial role in preserving the French language in a predominantly French-speaking province. The return of Les Simpson was met with relief and joy, showcasing the dedication of fans and the significance of Quebec’s dubbing heritage.
The campaign led by Biasotto successfully garnered over 35,000 signatures, prompting Bell Media to strike a deal with Disney Entertainment to revive Les Simpson. The show is set to make a comeback on Noovo, marking a triumph for Quebec’s dubbing industry and its loyal supporters.
The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s popularity but also highlights the influence of dedicated fans in shaping the cultural landscape.