9 Years Later, The Simpsons' Controversial Character Officially Returns

In January 2020, Hank Azaria stepped down from voicing one of the most iconic characters on The Simpsons, Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. The actor and the show's writers agreed that the portrayal of Apu was charged with racial stereotypes, and they apologized while the character and his family were quietly moved to the background of the show. On Oct. 18, 2026, in the season 38 episode "The Revengening," Apu officially returned to The Simpsons with a new voice actor.