Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a fondness for watching The Simpsons in the Québécois French dialect. He cherished the show’s distinctive characters, witty humor, and satirical commentary on life, as well as his admiration for Quebec dubbing.
However, after 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon chose not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season of Les Simpson, putting the show in jeopardy. Fearing the loss of this integral part of Quebec’s identity, 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 version was unique due to its incorporation of local expressions and cultural references, such as regional Quebec accents like joual and substitution of U.S. elements with local Quebecois references. The community rallied behind the cause, with even Quebec’s deputy premier Ian Lafrenière advocating for the preservation of the Quebec version.
Dubbing has long been a tradition in Quebec, allowing audiences to enjoy international content in their native language while adapting humor and cultural references for local relevance. This practice is crucial for maintaining Quebec’s distinct culture and language.
The uncertainty surrounding the show’s future deeply affected voice actors like Thiéry Dubé, who emphasized the cultural significance of Les Simpson to Quebecers. The outpouring of support from fans played a pivotal role in the show’s revival after Bell Media secured a deal with Disney Entertainment, ensuring its return in May.
The resurgence of Les Simpson is a testament to the power of dedicated fans and the significance of preserving Quebec’s dubbing industry. The industry’s growth presents new challenges, but the commitment to maintaining local talent in dubbing remains strong, emphasizing the importance of human voice actors amidst technological advancements.