Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a strong affection for watching The Simpsons in Québécois French, embracing the show’s distinctive characters, humor, and satirical approach to life. However, when Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon chose not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season after 35 years, the future of Les Simpson became uncertain. In response, Biasotto launched an online petition titled “Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons” to preserve the Quebec dub of The Simpsons, emphasizing its integral role in the local cultural identity.
The Quebec version of the show featured adaptations that incorporated regional expressions and cultural references, making it uniquely tailored to Quebec audiences. The inclusion of local accents and the substitution of U.S. references with Quebecois elements added a distinct charm to the show. The public outcry to save Les Simpson resonated beyond mere nostalgia, highlighting the significance of dubbing in reflecting Quebec’s language, humor, and culture.
Dubbing has been a longstanding tradition in Quebec, allowing audiences to experience international entertainment in their native language while ensuring familiar voices and references. Daniel Béland, Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, emphasized the importance of maintaining the dubbing industry to preserve the province’s linguistic heritage amid a predominantly French-speaking population.
For voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, who portrays Québécois Homer Simpson, the potential loss of Les Simpson was akin to losing a cultural icon deeply rooted in Quebec’s identity. The outpouring of support from loyal fans became a source of comfort during a challenging period marked by the passing of key voice actors.
Thanks to Biasotto’s petition garnering over 35,000 signatures, Les Simpson was revived through a partnership between Bell Media and Disney Entertainment, with the new season scheduled to premiere on Noovo. This development not only celebrated the show’s return but also underscored the resilience of Quebec’s dubbing industry amidst evolving content demands.
As Quebec’s dubbing sector experiences increased activity, studios like difuze are adapting to higher workloads from streaming platforms. Elizabeth Pélissier, Vice President of Dubbing at difuze, expressed pride in contributing to the revival of Les Simpson and sustaining the art of dubbing in Quebec. Despite growth, challenges such as tighter production schedules have necessitated heightened efforts from dubbing teams.
While the dubbing industry in Quebec remains robust, concerns persist regarding the impact of AI-generated dubbing on human voice actors. Walt Disney Studios Canada reassured that the local talent would continue dubbing Les Simpson under the new agreement, emphasizing the show’s enduring popularity and the unwavering support of its dedicated fan base.
