The Simpsons Quebec French Dubbing Petition
News Context
At a glance
- The uniquely Quebec version of The simpsons, dubbed in Québécois French and tailored too local culture, has been discontinued.
- The cancellation has sparked significant backlash from fans, evidenced by the online petition.
- Disney has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding whether they would fund the continuation of the Quebecois dub.
The end of the Quebecois Simpsons Dub: An Analysis
Table of Contents
The uniquely Quebec version of The simpsons, dubbed in Québécois French and tailored too local culture, has been discontinued. This analysis examines the reasons behind this decision, the fan response, and the cultural significance of the quebecois dub.
Key Facts & timeline
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Quebecois Simpsons dub began | 35 years ago (approx. 1989) | The dub has been running continuously for 35 years,adapting the show for a Quebec audience. |
| Teletoon stops renewing broadcasting rights | Recent | Corus Entertainment (Teletoon’s owner) ceased renewing rights for The Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Dad in Quebec. |
| petition to save the dub launched | Last week | A petition started by Joshua Biasotto has garnered over 22,000 signatures as of Monday. |
| current Dub Status | On Hold | The Quebecois dub is currently on hold at season 36, while the original is on season 37. |
Reasons for Discontinuation
- loss of Exclusivity: Corus states the primary reason is the loss of exclusivity due to Disney+ offering dubbed episodes.
- Declining Viewership: Corus reported a “meaningful decline in viewership” as 2019.
- Cost of Dubbing (Not Primary): Corus explicitly stated that the cost of dubbing was *not* the main factor in their decision.
Fan Response & Cultural Significance
The cancellation has sparked significant backlash from fans, evidenced by the online petition. The Quebecois dub is considered more than just a translation; it’s a cultural adaptation.
- Cultural Adaptation: The dub incorporates Quebecois expressions, place names, politicians, and current events.
- Unique Identity: It differs significantly from the European French dub, reflecting quebecois identity and “frankness.”
- Celebrity Guest Stars: Corus previously used Quebecois celebrities to dub roles of guest stars.
- Cultural Loss: Thiéry Dubé, the voice of homer Simpson, describes the cancellation as a “huge cultural loss” and a threat to cultural diversity.
Stakeholders
- Corus Entertainment (Teletoon): Responsible for the dubbing and broadcasting rights in Quebec.
- disney+ Canada: Currently offers dubbed episodes, contributing to the loss of exclusivity for Teletoon.
- Joshua Biasotto: Initiator of the petition to save the Quebecois dub.
- Thiéry Dubé: Voice actor for Homer Simpson in the Quebecois dub.
- Quebec Fans: The primary audience and advocates for the continuation of the dub.
Disney’s Response
Disney has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding whether they would fund the continuation of the Quebecois dub.
The situation highlights the importance of localized content and the cultural value attached to adaptations that resonate with specific audiences.