Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made his first appearance on “The Simpsons” since 2017 in the recent episode “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening.” Despite being seen in the background in the intervening years, Apu had been silent due to concerns about perpetuating racial stereotypes.

Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work in “The Legend of Korra,” now voices Apu, taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had portrayed the character for 27 years. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021 for his involvement in creating and performing Apu, expressing regret and a sense of personal responsibility.

The character’s return was a surprise and was kept under wraps until the episode aired. In his comeback, Apu is reintroduced dramatically, declaring, “I am Apu,” in a pivotal moment on the show.

The decision to bring back Apu with a new voice aligns with the show’s commitment, announced in June 2020, to have characters of color portrayed by actors of the same ethnicity. This recasting also extends to other characters on the show, with Alex Désert now voicing Carl Carlson and Kevin Michael Richardson as Dr. Julius Hibbert.

Following the episode, reactions to Apu’s return have been mixed, with some fans welcoming the character’s comeback while others express reservations or nostalgia for the previous portrayal. The show’s producers have indicated that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, aiming to evolve the character in a way that respects past criticisms and embraces diversity.

The return of Apu to “The Simpsons” has sparked discussions online, with varying opinions on the decision and the show’s continued relevance in contemporary television culture.