It feels like forever, but the Hills are officially coming back to Texas this summer. Hulu announced that the King Of The Hill revival will premiere on Monday, August 4. This new season picks up 14 years after the original show ended its run on Fox. For long-time fans like me, this is exciting news, especially since we are getting to see what everyone has been up to.
The official description tells us that Hank and Peggy Hill spent years working in Saudi Arabia. Hank had a propane job there, helping them save up for retirement. Now, they are back in a changed Arlen, Texas. They want to reconnect with their old friends Dale, Boomhauer, and Bill. Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream. He is a chef in Dallas and enjoying his twenties with his old classmates Connie, Joseph, and Chane. This is a big jump from the Bobby we knew, and I am certainly curious to see how he has changed.
Most of the voice cast is returning. Mike Judge is back as Hank Hill and Boomhauer. Kathy Najimy returns as Peggy Hill. Pamela Adlon voices Bobby Hill. Stephen Root is Bill Dauterive. Lauren Tom plays Minh and Connie Souphanousinphone. Toby Huss is Kahn Souphanousinphone. Ashley Gardner will also reprise her roles as Nancy Gribble and Didi Hill. Jonathan Joss is also confirmed to return as John Redcorn. It is always a good sign when the original voices come back. It really helps keep the show feeling like itself.
What the King of the Hill Revival's New Opening Credits and Poster Reveal About the CharactersA Look At How Arlen Has Changed And What Modern Life Means For Hank's World
While an official trailer has not come out yet, Hulu did give us a first look at the new opening credits for season 14. This opening gives us a quick recap of what Hank’s friends and family have been doing since we last saw them in 2010. You will need to pause the video to catch all the details. There are quick glimpses of Bobby’s son and Luanne's child, as well as another baby with Hank’s step-mother Dee Dee. This means the family has expanded, and I am excited to see how these new additions fit in.
The first official poster for the revival also shows some interesting things. Our favorite characters look a little older. Boomhauer seems to have aged the most, which is quite a surprise. Good old Hank Hill looks as frustrated by modern technology as we would expect him to be. Bill is getting a food delivery from "Mega Lo Eats," a clear sign of changing times. Dale is wearing a VR headset and vaping, which is just about the most Dale thing ever. In the background a drone is even delivering a case of Alamo beer. This certainly paints a picture of Arlen keeping up, or trying to keep up, with modern life. I can already hear Hank grumbling about it all.
The return of the show will also touch on how the Hill family temporarily moved away from Arlen. They either sold or rented their house to Earl, from Dale's gun club. Without Hank around as a solid presence, the group of Hank, Dale, Boomhauer, and Bill drifted apart for a short time. However the opening credits show Hank and Peggy moving back in to the delight of Bill. This confirms that despite the time jump and temporary relocation the core friendships will be back in full swing. I think this will be a comforting return to form for many viewers.
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Remembering Johnny Hardwick and His Lasting Impact on the King of the Hill Series
The Voice of Dale Gribble Completed Some Episodes Before His Passing
A sad note for the revival is the passing of Johnny Hardwick, the voice of Dale Gribble, in August 2023. This was truly heartbreaking news for fans. However, reports say that Hardwick completed work on a couple of the new episodes before he passed. This means we will get to hear his iconic voice as Dale at least a few more times. It is not clear what will happen to the character after those episodes. They might retire him or someone else might take over the voice. Either way, his contribution to the show has been immense.
20th Television Animation and Hulu put out a joint statement saying, “Johnny Hardwick was an incredibly beloved member of the King of the Hill family, whose tremendous talent, brilliant humor and friendship will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to work with him over the past 25 years. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family as we mourn the loss of one of the animation greats. His voice gave life to one of our most iconic characters, and he will be truly missed.” It is clear he was a cherished part of the team. His unique voice and comedic timing made Dale Gribble one of the most memorable characters on television.
This situation reminds me of other animated shows that have had to deal with the loss of voice actors. It is a tough spot for any production. I hope they handle Dale’s character with the respect and care he deserves, reflecting the humor and heart that Johnny Hardwick brought to the role. The show’s ability to blend humor with genuine human experiences was one of its strengths, and I believe they will continue that tradition.
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Why King of the Hill Continues To Be So Relevant and What Makes It Endure
The Show's Timeless Humor and Relatable Characters Keep It Popular After All These Years
The reason King of the Hill continues to matter after all these years is its ability to find humor in everyday life. It does not rely on crazy situations or over-the-top antics like some other animated comedies. Instead, it focuses on the struggles and triumphs of a working-class family in Texas. Hank Hill’s simple values, his love for propane, and his ongoing frustration with modern society make him a character many people can understand. Peggy is a confident, sometimes overly confident, woman who always means well. Bobby is a sweet, creative kid who often challenges Hank's old-fashioned ideas. These characters feel real, which is what makes the show so lasting.
The show also had a way of handling current events and social changes through the lens of its characters. It did it without being too preachy. I expect the revival will do the same, giving us Hank’s humorous takes on today’s world. The new poster, with its nods to food delivery apps, VR, and drones, already hints at this. It will be interesting to see how Hank reacts to things like social media or political correctness. I am sure his reactions will be both funny and, in a strange way, thought-provoking.
The show's humor comes from the contrast between Hank’s traditional views and the changing world around him. His relationships with his friends Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer also provide many laughs and moments of true connection. They are a group of guys who stick together through thick and thin, even if they sometimes drive each other crazy. This sense of community and friendship is a core part of the show's appeal. It reminds us that even when things change, some bonds remain strong.
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What We Can Expect From The New Season Of King of the Hill On Hulu
Setting Our Expectations For The Return To Arlen And The Lives Of The Hill Family
The new season will have 10 episodes. This is a decent number to re-establish the characters and their new lives. With Bobby now an adult chef in Dallas, we might see episodes that take the action outside of Arlen more often. This could bring new settings and new supporting characters, which would be a fresh addition. I am hoping for some funny interactions between Bobby’s big-city chef life and Hank’s traditional sensibilities.
There are also hints of other storylines. Luanne's child is seen, and we will probably see how Nancy Gribble and John Redcorn are doing. The show has a history of exploring various family dynamics. I hope they continue to give time to all the characters we love. The return to Arlen means the familiar places will be there: the alley, the propane store, and everyone's homes. This blend of new and old will hopefully satisfy both long-time fans and new viewers. I think the decision to make a time jump was a smart one. It allows the show to progress naturally while keeping the core characters and humor intact.
Overall, I am very optimistic about the King of the Hill revival. It has a proven track record of smart writing and relatable characters. The original voice cast is mostly back, which is essential. The new elements like grown-up Bobby and a changed Arlen promise fresh stories. I believe the show will continue to make us laugh and think about the simple complexities of life. So set your reminders, because Hank and the gang are coming back, and I am ready to see them.