King of the Hill Revival: Honoring Johnny Hardwick as Toby Huss Steps Into Dale Gribble's Shoes

The long-awaited King Of The Hill revival has finally given us our first look with new opening credits and a premiere date. This means big news for fans of the Hill family. It also means we are talking about a big change: longtime cast member Toby Huss is taking over the voice of Dale Gribble after the passing of Johnny Hardwick. It is a tough spot to fill, and it brings up a lot of feelings for those of us who have loved the show for years.

Johnny Hardwick sadly passed away in August 2023 at 64. Fans and cast members shared many kind words for him soon after. We heard at the time that he had recorded some voice work for the new season. It was clear another actor would need to step into those big conspiracy-obsessed shoes. Toby Huss, who voiced characters like Cotton Hill and Kahn Sr. in the original show, feels like a good fit to take over Dale. He also seems very humbled to have this job.

Huss shared his thoughts at ATX Fest saying: "Johnny was one-of-a-kind and a wonderful fellow. I’m not trying to copy Johnny...I guess I’m trying to be Johnny. He laid down a really wonderful goofball character...he had a lot of weird heart to him and that’s a credit to Johnny. So all I’m trying to do is hold on to his Dale-ness. We love our guy Johnny and it’s so sad that he’s not here." I think this approach to replacing a much-loved actor is the best way to go. Do not just try to do the best impression. Try to truly act like the person. I can almost hear Dale himself asking why he sounds different or if the government has replaced him with a lizard creature.

Johnny Hardwick's Lasting Presence in the King of the Hill Revival's Early Episodes

Fans Will Hear More of the Original Dale Gribble Than First Expected in Season 14

After Johnny Hardwick passed away, the word was that he had recorded a couple of episodes worth of material for the Hulu revival. However, Mike Judge, the voice of Hank Hill himself, recently set the record straight at ATX Fest. He shared that the first report undershot things quite a bit. It turns out we will get to hear more of Johnny Hardwick than first thought.

It is great news that Johnny Hardwick's Dale will be heard in six episodes. This is more than half of the show's first season back. Toby Huss's voice will start in the seventh episode of the revival. This feels much more substantial than what we first expected. It gives fans a chance to hear the familiar voice for a good chunk of the new season. I think this will be a good way to ease into the change while still honoring Hardwick's work. The show owes a lot to him for creating such a memorable character. His contributions as a writer and story editor were also a big part of the show's success.

Huss will likely not be playing Kahn Sr. again for cultural reasons. But I hope he will still lend his voice to other one-off characters or bring back some of his other recurring roles. He is a talented voice actor. Fans will also see Huss in live-action this year. He is in the upcoming Hulu series Chad Powers with Glen Powell. He is also in Zach Creggers' new horror movie Weapons. It is nice to see him getting more work.

New Adventures and Familiar Faces: What the King of the Hill Revival Brings to Arlen, Texas

How the Hill Family and Their Friends Have Changed Since We Last Saw Them Years Ago

The King of the Hill revival, which is its 14th season, will start on Monday, August 4. There will be ten new episodes. Producers shared some plot details too. The show picks up several years after we last saw the Hill family. Hank and Peggy Hill have retired. They are coming back to a changed Arlen after working in Saudi Arabia for years. Bobby is now 21 years old and living his best life as a chef in Dallas. He is navigating adulthood with his old classmates Connie, Joseph, and Chane. It sounds like there will be quite a few changes for viewers to get used to.

The cast for Season 14 includes many familiar voices: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick, Stephen Root, Lauren Tom, and Toby Huss. Original co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels are back as executive producers. Saladin Patterson joins as executive producer and showrunner. It is good to see that the core creative team is still involved. This helps to keep the show's original feel while also bringing in fresh ideas.

The show's writers are known for finding humor in everyday life. They often make fun of things that people argue about in society. Dale Gribble's character has always been a way to poke fun at conspiracy theories. The show notes that in the revival, he will still be an extreme skeptic. He will have even wilder conspiracies and schemes that are not fully thought out. I am sure these will lead to some very funny moments. It is a part of the show's humor that I have always enjoyed.

Honoring Johnny Hardwick's Legacy and the Impact of Dale Gribble

Remembering the Actor's Contribution to the Beloved Animated Series

The King of the Hill panel at ATX TV Festival became a chance to remember Johnny Hardwick. Many of his colleagues talked about him with a lot of emotion. Stephen Root, who voices Bill, was not there because he was working on another project. Kathy Najimy, who voices Peggy, was not there either. Her work was praised greatly. However, the absence of performers like Brittany Murphy (Luanne) and Tom Petty (Luanne’s husband Lucky), who have also passed away since the show's original run, was also noted. Hardwick's passing still feels very real to his co-workers.

Toby Huss spoke warmly about Hardwick. He called him "one of a kind" and a "wonderful weirdo." Huss talked about Hardwick's amazing vocal choices. He wondered "Where did he get that?" It shows how much respect the other actors had for his unique talent. Co-creator Greg Daniels remembered how important it was for the show to feel truly Texan. He and Judge would bring writers to Texas to learn about the local culture. Judge even recalled a trip to a gun show where Hardwick tried to take a photo for reference. A paranoid person told him to destroy it, and "cops got involved." Judge said "That sort of inspired Dale." It is interesting to hear how real-life moments helped shape such a beloved character.

Even though Dale will not sound exactly the same in the new season, fans can feel good knowing that the role is in good hands. Toby Huss truly wants to keep "that Daleness." Knowing that the creators trust him to take on this role is very humbling for Huss. It means the show is making an effort to preserve the character's spirit. I think this dedication to the show's original feel, while adapting to changes, is a big reason why fans have loved King of the Hill for so long. It is a show that connects with people through its humor and its relatable characters.

Where to Watch the King of the Hill Revival and What Else to Expect from the New Season

All the Details on How to Tune In and What Makes This Return So Special

The King of the Hill revival season 14 will debut on Hulu on Monday, August 4. If you have a Hulu subscription, you can be among the first to watch the new episodes. Both Hulu's Ad-Supported and Ad-Free plans let you access everything the platform has. This includes original shows and movies like What We Do in the Shadows, Tell Me Lies, The Bear, and Only Murders In The Building. New and returning customers can often get a free month before paying. Plans start from $9.99 a month.

I am looking forward to seeing how the characters have grown and changed. Bobby as a 21-year-old chef in Dallas sounds like a fun plot point. Hank and Peggy returning to Arlen after living in Saudi Arabia will certainly lead to some interesting situations. It is always a little risky bringing back a beloved show after so many years. However, with the original creators and much of the cast returning, I have a good feeling about this revival. It feels like they are handling it with the care and respect it deserves. I am ready to laugh and revisit my favorite Texans. The show has a way of making you feel like you are part of their world.