After a 16-year break, the beloved animated sitcom King of the Hill has returned with a brand-new fourteenth season, premiering on Hulu on August 4, 2025. The revival marks a significant cultural moment in television, bringing back the Hill family and their eccentric neighbors in Arlen, Texas, with fresh storylines that reflect the evolving landscape of American life. With its signature blend of dry humor, subtle satire, and heartfelt realism, the series is once again connecting with fans both old and new.
Set in the fictional suburb of Arlen, the new season picks up years after the original show ended in 2010. In a bold but effective narrative move, creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels aged the characters naturally, allowing them to face contemporary challenges in a changed world. Hank and Peggy Hill, having spent several years working abroad in Saudi Arabia—Hank selling propane in preparation for retirement—have returned home to find that Arlen isn’t quite the same as they left it. This culture shock is a rich source of comedy, with Hank struggling to make sense of modern trends such as veganism, boba tea, gender-neutral bathrooms, and ridesharing apps.
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Meanwhile, their son Bobby, now in his twenties, has made a life for himself in Dallas, working as the executive chef at a fusion restaurant that combines German and Asian cuisines. His unconventional career path and modern lifestyle stand in amusing contrast to Hank’s traditional values, reigniting the show’s signature generational tension. Yet, there’s a clear undertone of mutual respect that reflects how the family dynamic has matured over the years.
The return of King of the Hill also marks a reunion of the original voice cast, with Mike Judge reprising his roles as Hank and Boomhauer, Pamela Adlon returning as Bobby, and Stephen Root once again voicing the lovable but tragic Bill Dauterive. The show also features the final performances of the late Johnny Hardwick as Dale Gribble, with his recorded lines featured in six of the new episodes before voice actor Toby Huss takes over the role. This respectful transition has been warmly received by fans, especially given the importance of Dale’s character in the series’ dynamic.
New characters have also been introduced to reflect the changing times. Among them is Brian Robertson, a man who rented the Hill home while they were overseas and still resides in Arlen. Voiced by Keith David, the character adds a new layer of complexity and humor to the neighborhood’s mix. Additionally, Ronny Chieng takes over the role of Kahn, offering a fresh interpretation of the Laotian-American neighbor.
The show has been praised for its ability to retain the tone and spirit of the original while addressing current societal issues. From Hank’s awkward encounters with evolving cultural norms to subtle commentaries on urban sprawl, gentrification, and the digitization of everyday life, the series manages to stay relevant without abandoning its roots. Critics have highlighted the careful balance of nostalgia and innovation, noting that the humor still comes from character and situation rather than political posturing or shock value.
One scene that has already gained fan appreciation involves Hank returning to Texas and kissing the ground in gratitude, only to be interrupted by the chaotic changes that now define his hometown. Other moments, like his befuddlement at renamed Girl Scout cookies and his encounter with non-binary bathroom signage, showcase the writers’ knack for finding gentle humor in social transformation.
Not everything in the revival has been universally acclaimed. Some critics argue that the new season leans more heavily into sitcom tropes than the grounded suburban realism that originally defined the show’s unique appeal. Nevertheless, most reviews acknowledge that the heart of the show remains intact, and many have applauded how the characters have evolved in authentic and emotionally satisfying ways. Hank, in particular, has been noted as having grown more open-minded, even if begrudgingly, showing that change is possible even in the most tradition-bound of characters.
From a strategic standpoint, Hulu’s decision to revive King of the Hill fits neatly into its broader content strategy. By pairing classic reruns with revitalized originals, the streaming platform aims to capitalize on nostalgia while also offering something new. The timing of the release—during a summer slowdown in content—positions the show as a tentpole for engagement, helping to draw in both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
The production of the new season began in earnest after it was announced in early 2023. Delayed by the Writers Guild of America strike that year, the revival eventually resumed with co-creators Judge and Daniels producing through their new animation company, Bandera Entertainment. Showrunner Saladin Patterson helped shape the modern tone of the series, ensuring that the show would stay true to its roots while offering updated perspectives. The writing team also incorporated real-life events and social commentary, carefully weaving in topical humor without veering into heavy-handed satire.
The show has already been renewed for a fifteenth season, signaling strong confidence from Hulu and its producers in the series’ continued success. The passing of Jonathan Joss, the original voice of John Redcorn, in June 2025, added a somber note to the production. He was able to complete several episodes before his death, and his performance is being honored by the production team and fans alike.
The return of King of the Hill demonstrates that well-crafted storytelling, even in animated form, can maintain its relevance across generations. As Hank, Peggy, and Bobby Hill navigate a world that seems increasingly unfamiliar, audiences are reminded of the timeless nature of family, community, and quiet resilience. In an era of rapid change and fragmented attention, the show offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective—and a lot of laughs.