Did anyone else miss that early 2000s feeling—when you’d tune into Malcolm in the Middle or The Simpsons after school? Well, guess what… Bwaaahh! The dang ol’ Hills are officially back in Arlen, Texas! I watched the entire new season of King of the Hill last night on Hulu, and it hit me with a wave of nostalgia. I remembered sneaking episodes as a kid—laughing in my room when I wasn’t technically allowed to watch. And now, after finishing season 14, it genuinely feels like we’ve stepped back into the early 2000s.
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I’ll admit—I was nervous. Hardcore fans were skeptical the reboot wouldn’t stay true to the original, but I’m here to tell you: no need to worry. Hank, Peggy, Bobby Hill, and the guys in the Alley are back, and it’s damn good to revisit Arlen after all these years.
It’s been 17 years since 20th Century Fox canceled the show to make room for The Cleveland Show (which… wasn’t great). Since then, Mike Judge made a few cameo appearances as Hank Hill, but fans—including me—were always hoping for a proper return. In 2023, we finally got the announcement that Mike Judge and Greg Daniels were reviving the show for today’s world.
The original series wrapped in 2008 with a wholesome moment: Hank and Bobby grilling together as the camera panned up over Arlen. Now, Hulu’s new intro keeps the original theme song but adds a 15-year time lapse, which immediately raised some big questions:
- What happened during those missing years?
- Why did Hank leave Arlen?
- Are Nancy and John Redcorn back together?
- Did Minh and Kahn get divorced?
- Is Boomhauer still chasing women?
- Will Dale ever find out about Nancy’s affair?
- Will we see Hank’s half-brother from Japan again?
- And what about Luanne, Lucky, and their daughter Gracie?
Some questions get answered. Others don’t. But that’s the beauty of it—you just have to watch and enjoy the ride.
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Sadly, not all original cast members returned. We lost Brittany Murphy (Luanne), Tom Petty (Lucky), and more recently, Johnny Hardwick (Dale Gribble), who recorded six new episodes before his passing in December 2023. Toby Huss stepped in to voice Dale going forward. In June, we also lost Jonathan Joss, the voice of John Redcorn. The creators have yet to announce how they’ll handle those characters out of respect for the actors who gave us years of laughter.
But King of the Hill season 14 also brings in some fresh talent. Legendary voice actor Keith David (Gargoyles, Rick and Morty, The Princess and the Frog) plays Brian Robertson—a musician who looked after Hank’s house while the Hills were in Saudi Arabia. Brian now fits right in with the Alley gang. Also joining the cast is Anthony ‘Critic’ Campos(Manolo on Lopez), playing Emilio, Bobby’s loyal and hilarious co-worker. Now grown up, Bobby works at a restaurant owned by his childhood bully’s father, and Emilio is a key part of his new work family.
Bringing King of the Hill into today’s world might sound risky, but the transition is seamless. The humor still hits. The heart is still there. And that Texan charm? Still dang strong.
The show’s already been renewed for another season, and after finishing season 14, I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Hills and all of Arlen, Texas.
So, if you haven’t yet, head over to Hulu and jump back into one of the most beloved animated shows of all time. I tell you what—it’s worth it.
