9 Years Later, The Simpsons’ Controversial Character Officially Returns

Apu has returned as a speaking character in The Simpsons, nearly nine years after the show moved him into the background amid criticism of racial stereotypes. The return matters because it addresses a long-running dispute over the character’s portrayal and who should voice characters of colour.

Sunil Malhotra now voices Apu after working with the producers on a respectful portrayal; Hank Azaria, who is white, stepped down in 2020. The controversy followed Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary, and Apu’s comeback comes in the season 38 episode “The Revengening”, where the character’s absence is explained as a dream.