Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a strong attachment to watching The Simpsons in Quebec French, known as Québécois. He cherished not only the show’s distinctive characters, humor, and satirical commentary on life but also developed a deep appreciation for Quebec dubbing.
After 35 years, Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon, the Canadian broadcaster of The Simpsons, chose not to renew the show’s rights for the 36th season, endangering Les Simpson. Distressed by this decision, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition on Change.org titled Sauvons le doublage québécois des Simpsons, which translates to “Let’s save the Quebec dub of The Simpsons.”
The Quebec version of the show featured local expressions and cultural references, making it a unique and cherished part of Quebecois identity. For instance, the dialogue incorporated regional Quebec accents and swapped American references with local Quebec landmarks and towns.
The public outcry to preserve Les Simpson highlighted the significance of dubbing in Quebec, a practice deeply rooted in adapting international entertainment to reflect the province’s language, humor, and culture. Dubbing is not merely about translating dialogue but also involves adapting humor and cultural references to resonate with local audiences.
The return of Les Simpson was made possible through a successful campaign led by Biasotto, garnering over 35,000 signatures. Bell Media struck a deal with Disney Entertainment to revive the show, with the new season scheduled to premiere on Noovo. The revival not only delighted fans but also provided a boost to Quebec’s dubbing industry, which has been experiencing increased demand amidst a thriving entertainment landscape.
The resurgence of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s enduring popularity but also underscores the influence and dedication of its fans in preserving Quebec’s unique cultural and linguistic heritage.
