Growing up in Quebec, Joshua Biasotto developed a deep fondness for watching The Simpsons in the Québécois French dialect. He cherished the show’s eccentric characters, satirical humor, and unique Quebec dubbing style. When Corus Entertainment’s Télétoon decided not to renew the Canadian broadcast rights for the 36th season of Les Simpson last August, Biasotto took action by launching an online petition to preserve the Quebec dubbing of the beloved series.
The Quebec version of the show featured adaptations that incorporated local expressions and cultural references, making it distinctively Quebecois. For instance, regional Quebec accents, like joual, were used, and American references were swapped with local Quebec ones. The Quebec Deputy Premier Ian Lafrenière emphasized the importance of preserving the Quebec version, praising its cultural and geographical references as “sublime.”
Dubbing has a long-standing tradition in Quebec, allowing audiences to enjoy international entertainment in their language while maintaining familiar voices and cultural nuances. Daniel Béland from McGill University highlighted that dubbing goes beyond literal translation, particularly in capturing humor effectively. Quebec’s strong emphasis on preserving the French language further underscores the significance of the dubbing industry.
The possible discontinuation of Les Simpson deeply impacted Quebec’s voice actors, like Thiéry Dubé, known for voicing Québécois Homer Simpson. The show’s return in May, following a successful petition, brought relief and joy to fans and industry professionals alike. Elizabeth Pélissier from difuze, a prominent French dubbing facility, expressed pride in reviving the show and being part of Quebec’s vibrant dubbing scene.
As Quebec’s dubbing industry thrives with increased demand, concerns about AI-generated dubbing affecting human voice actors have emerged. However, the commitment to continue dubbing Les Simpson in Quebec using local talent, as confirmed by Walt Disney Studios Canada, reaffirms the industry’s dedication to preserving Quebec’s cultural identity through dubbing. The revival of Les Simpson not only celebrates the show’s enduring popularity but also underscores the influential role of its dedicated fan base in shaping the entertainment landscape.