After 15 years, ‘King of the Hill’ is returning to TV on Hulu | The Express Tribune

After more than a decade off air, King of the Hill is officially returning with a brand new season on Hulu.

The beloved animated series, which originally aired from 1997 to 2010 across 13 seasons and over 250 episodes, was known for its blend of subtle humour, heartfelt storytelling, and its grounded portrayal of small-town American life.

Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, the show followed propane salesman Hank Hill, whose conservative values often clashed with the eccentricities of his family and neighbours.

Its charm lay in its sincerity, steering away from the exaggerated antics of other adult animations of the time.

Now, Season 14 is set to premiere later this summer, marking the first batch of new episodes in 15 years. Fans will get an exclusive sneak peek during a panel at the ATX TV Festival on Friday 30 May.

The panel will include co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, new showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, and cast members Pamela Adlon, Toby Huss, and Lauren Tom.

This special event will not only provide behind-the-scenes stories from the original run but will also unveil the long-awaited first look at the revival. Fittingly, a barbecue celebration will follow the panel—an ode to the show’s backyard banter and Hank Hill’s love for propane.

It is currently unclear whether the exclusive preview will be made available online, meaning festival attendees may be the only ones to view the early footage.

What’s New in Season 14?

The revival is rumoured to be set in present-day America, featuring a time jump that advances the story nearly a decade from the series finale.

This modern setting promises a nostalgic yet updated look at life in Arlen as the Hill family and their neighbours adjust to the changing times.

While many plot details remain a mystery, cast members have shared that characters will age in line with the time skip.

One of the most notable updates is that Bobby Hill is now a budding chef based in Dallas. His new culinary lifestyle is expected to contrast sharply with Hank’s more traditional views, creating opportunities for both laughs and touching moments.

As for the other residents of Arlen, their stories are still under wraps. The revival is expected to address the absence of characters whose voice actors have sadly passed away since the show’s original run.

Who’s Back in Arlen?

Much of the original voice cast will be returning for the reboot, including Mike Judge as Hank, Kathy Najimy as Peggy, Stephen Root as Bill, Pamela Adlon as Bobby, and Lauren Tom as Minh. Their return is set to revive the unique comedic rhythm and warmth fans associate with the series.

However, not every character’s future is clear.

The passing of Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty leaves questions around the characters of Luanne and Lucky. It also remains to be seen whether Toby Huss will return as Kahn.

One emotional highlight of the new season will be the return of Dale Gribble. Johnny Hardwick, who voiced the fan-favourite character, had recorded several episodes before his sudden death in August 2023.

These recordings mean fans will get to hear his iconic voice one last time.