Apu Returns! The Simpsons Finally Fixes Its Biggest Mistake After Nearly a Decade

After almost a decade of struggling with the controversial portrayal of one of its most beloved characters, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, "The Simpsons" has finally brought him back with a new voice actor. Apu, the Kwik-E-Mart owner, had faced mounting criticism for his stereotypical depiction of Indian Americans, leading to actor Hank Azaria stepping away from the role in 2020 and Apu becoming voiceless and pushed into the background of the series since 2017.

The conversation around Apu's portrayal gained significant momentum with comedian Hari Kondabolu's 2017 documentary, "The Problem With Apu." This documentary explored how Apu's exaggerated Indian accent, catchphrases, and cultural stereotypes negatively impacted South Asian viewers, with many experiencing mockery or being compared to the character. The issue was exacerbated by the fact that Azaria, a white actor, had voiced Apu since 1990. Azaria himself later apologized, stating, "I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that. Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize. And sometimes I do.”

For years, "The Simpsons" producers wrestled with how to address the controversy, initially opting to keep Apu in the background without speaking roles. The show even alluded to its indecisiveness in the 2018 episode "No Good Read Goes Unpunished," where Marge and Lisa, in a meta-commentary, suggested that some issues "will be dealt with at a later date… if at all." However, this approach didn't resolve the core problem, as the issue was never Apu's existence but his problematic portrayal.

The character's return occurred in the Season 38 episode, "Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening," which aired on Sunday night. This Halloween special, credited to staffer Nick Dahan and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, offers a unique and self-aware narrative. In the episode, a mysterious figure known as "Daft Monk" seeks revenge against Springfield residents for past wrongs. The killer is eventually unmasked to be Apu, who accuses the town of "forgetting" about him and pretending he "never existed."

Through the dialogue in the episode, "The Simpsons" openly critiques its own handling of the controversy. Bart admits they were "too scared" to do anything, while Lenny and Carl joke about "internal conversations that went nowhere." Homer's heartfelt plea to Apu, reminding him of his integral role in Springfield's bowling teams, barbershop quartets, and dad rock bands, serves as a poignant acknowledgment of the character's importance and the show's past oversight. Ultimately, Apu wakes up to find it was a nightmare, and he's back in the Kwik-E-Mart with his family and Homer, ready to attend a Halloween party, signifying his official return.

Taking over the iconic role is South Asian actor Sunil Malhotra, known for his work in "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Legend of Korra." Malhotra admitted his initial discomfort with the opportunity due to the character's controversial history, but was curious if the writers' room had evolved. He sought assurances from showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, ensuring the character would be handled with care and cultural appropriateness. Malhotra, who previously turned down stereotypical Indian roles, wanted to "reclaim him in some way" and ensure Apu could evolve in a "Simpsons'-y way."

Executive producer Matt Selman confirmed that both Apu and his wife, Manjula, now voiced by Janina Gavankar ("The Morning Show"), will be seen and heard more often on the show. Selman stated, "We love this character, and wanted to bring him back in a smart, 'Simpsons'-y way that allowed him to evolve. We’re excited by what Sunil has already brought to the role, and look forward to seeing more of Apu in the future." This return aligns with "The Simpsons'" 2020 announcement that characters of color would be voiced by culturally appropriate actors, a commitment already seen with Alex Désert as Carl Carlson and Eric Lopez as Dr. Nick. While one episode cannot erase past mistakes, Apu's return with a new voice and a more thoughtful approach marks a significant step forward for the series in course-correcting and giving meaningful stories to a beloved part of Springfield.