Full Breakdown
Bell Media Secures Québécois French Dub for *The Simpsons* Season 36
5/13/2026, 8:37:20 PM
Core Deal: Return of Québécois Dub for Season 36
Bell Media announced a partnership with Disney Entertainment that will bring the Québécois-dubbed version of *The Simpsons* back to Quebec television. Season 36 will be broadcast on the Noovo channel and streamed on Crave in the fall, restoring the localized dub that had been unavailable after the previous rights holder, Corus Entertainment, declined to renew its contract.
Background and Timeline
Corus Entertainment’s decision not to renew the broadcast rights last year forced francophone viewers to watch new episodes in European French, prompting widespread outrage. An online petition quickly gathered roughly 30,000 signatures demanding the return of the Québécois version, which had for 35 seasons incorporated local place names, politicians and popular expressions. Bell Media’s deal with Disney was announced, paving the way for the fall launch.
Key Players and Numbers
- Bell Media – Canadian broadcaster securing the new agreement.
- Disney Entertainment – Owner of *The Simpsons* franchise.
- Noovo – French-language TV channel airing season 36.
- Crave – Streaming platform streaming the season.
- Corus Entertainment – Former rights holder whose non-renewal sparked the petition.
- Thiéry Dubé – Voice actor for Homer in the Québécois dub since 2018.
Data: 30,000 petition signatures; 35 seasons already on Disney+; Québécois dub lags the U.S. version by one year (U.S. season 37 began in September).
Impact and Significance
Restoring the Québécois dub preserves a culturally specific adaptation that reflects Quebec’s linguistic identity and daily-life references. The move satisfies a vocal fan base, reinforces Bell Media’s commitment to French-language programming, and illustrates how audience activism can shape media licensing decisions.
Official Statements
Bell Media confirmed the partnership with Disney Entertainment to bring the Québécois dub to its platforms. Disney Entertainment highlighted its commitment to localized content. Noovo promoted the return with a social-media video featuring Bart and Lisa Simpson. The arrangement ensures the upcoming fall schedule includes the new season on Noovo and Crave.
Criticism and On-the-Ground Perspective
Fans criticized Corus Entertainment’s decision, arguing that the shift to European French erased local cultural references. Voice actor Thiéry Dubé told host Allison Van Rassel that seeing 30,000 signatures meant the community’s voice was heard and that the version they love is coming back. His remarks highlight the personal connection listeners feel with the regional dub.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources do not disclose the exact date of the Bell-Disney agreement or the precise rollout schedule beyond the general “fall” timeframe. Contractual details remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
Season 36 will debut on Noovo and stream on Crave in the upcoming fall. The existing catalogue of 35 seasons remains available on Disney+. Because the Québécois dub lags the U.S. version by one year, new seasons become available on a delayed schedule.
