9 Years Later, The Simpsons’ Controversial Character Officially Returns
After six years of absence, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has officially returned to The Simpsons, making his comeback in the season 38 episode “The Revengening” on October 18, 2026. The character, a cornerstone of the long-running animated series, was stepped away from in January 2020 when voice actor Hank Azaria and the show’s producers acknowledged that the portrayal perpetuated racial stereotypes concerning Indian and South Asian characters. Following this decision, Apu and his family were quietly written into the background of the series.
The character’s return marks a significant shift in approach. Rather than retiring Apu entirely, the producers sought to reimagine the character in a more respectful and culturally appropriate manner. Sunil Malhotra, a voice actor known for work on The Legend of Vox Machina and Grey’s Anatomy, has been cast as the new voice of Apu. According to reports, Malhotra engaged in extensive discussions with the show’s production team to develop a version of the character that honors Indian and South Asian heritage without relying on harmful stereotypes.
This decision represents the show’s attempt to preserve a character that had been integral to The Simpsons for decades while addressing the legitimate concerns raised about representation. The approach demonstrates an evolution in how long-running series are handling previously problematic content—finding middle ground between complete removal and maintaining problematic characterizations.