Bell Media Secures Québécois Simpsons Broadcast Deal

MONTREAL Bell Media has secured a deal with Disney Entertainment to continue broadcasting the Québécois French dubbed version of "The Simpsons," ensuring fans in Quebec can access the culturally adapted series.

Under the agreement, season 36 of "Les Simpson" will premiere this fall on Bell Media's Noovo television channel and be available to stream on Crave. The announcement comes after a year of uncertainty for francophone viewers, following Corus Entertainment's decision not to renew its broadcast rights. That move had left audiences with no option but to watch new episodes in European French, prompting widespread backlash.

Fans mobilized quickly, launching an online petition that collected thousands of signatures to preserve the Québécois dubbing. For 35 seasons, the local version has incorporated Quebec-specific references, including place names, politicians, current events and popular expressions, making it a distinctive cultural touchstone.

Bell Media celebrated the deal with a video on Noovo's social media channels, featuring Bart and Lisa Simpson delivering the news in their familiar Québécois voices. The clip quickly resonated with supporters who had feared the end of...