The Simpsons Convert to Islam

Regardless of anyone's statements on its current quality or whether they're making the jump to the big screen or not, it's a simple fact that The Simpsons is still so ingrained into American culture that many of us couldn't see television without it.

But will the Middle East see it the same way?

In an attempt to attract younger viewers, Arab satellite network MBC has just decided to broadcast an Arab translation of The Simpsons, now renamed "Al Shamshun"

The word "translation" is an important one. Considering the show itself is American as apple pie, the melting pot of different practices and humor isn't likely to be accepted with the same everyday occurence manner as it is here. In fact, many of the most basic elements of the show, Homer's love of pork products, beer, and the show's tackling of sensitive issues here and abroad, would come across downright blasphemous in the Muslim world.

And it's with that in mind that the show is forced to undergo changes. There's the expected name changes, of course: Homer is now Omar, Bart is now Badr. But along with that comes a lot of smaller changes. Beer is being replaced with soda. Donuts are now Arab pastries called cake, and certain shots of Homer eating pork products are being deleted altogether.

In effect, it's a whole new show, something Simpsons producer Al Jean is in full agreement with. Jean told ABC News, "If he doesn't drink and eat bacon and generally act like a pig, which is also against Islam, then it's really not Homer anymore."

Nevertheless, the show is going on, with the coveted 20 and younger age group as its target. Seeing as that target is 60% of the Arab world, that's no laughing matter. Says MBC rep Michel Costandi in the same ABC piece, "I think The Simpsons will open new horizons for us, into the future."