Fans of the iconic animated series king of the hill have a reason to celebrate as the long-awaited revival is officially set to premiere on Hulu on August 4. The new 10-episode season will bring viewers back to Arlen, Texas, years after the original series concluded in 2010, introducing a significantly different landscape and familiar characters who have evolved with the passage of time.
A New Chapter for the Hill Family
The revival picks up with Hank and Peggy Hill returning to Arlen after an extended period in Saudi Arabia, where Hank was working in a propane job to secure their retirement nest egg. This international stint marks a significant shift for the quintessentially Texan couple. Upon their return, they will be reconnecting with their classic alley friends: Dale, Boomhauer, and Bill. The updated opening credits sequence, released recently, offers a time-lapse of the intervening years, hinting at changes within Arlen and providing glimpses of how the supporting characters have fared. For instance, Dale appears to have ventured into local politics, perhaps even running for mayor, while Boomhauer seems to have settled down and started a family.
Bobby Hill: All Grown Up
One of the most anticipated aspects of the revival is the transformation of Bobby Hill. No longer a middle schooler, Bobby is now an adult in his early twenties, living his dream as a chef in Dallas. He is navigating adulthood alongside his former classmates Connie, Joseph, and Chane. This maturation of Bobby is a rare and exciting development for an animated series, allowing for new storylines and character dynamics that were not possible in the original run of king of the hill. His culinary aspirations, a subtle nod to his love for food in the original series, offer a fresh direction for his character.
Returning Voices and Bittersweet Goodbyes
The revival boasts the return of most of the beloved original voice cast, ensuring the familiar sounds of Arlen remain intact. Co-creator Mike Judge will once again lend his voice to Hank Hill and Boomhauer. Kathy Najimy is back as Peggy Hill, and Pamela Adlon reprises her role as the adult Bobby Hill. Stephen Root returns as Bill Dauterive, and Lauren Tom is back as Minh and Connie.
However, the return is tinged with a bittersweet note due to the passing of Johnny Hardwick, the iconic voice of the conspiracy-theorist Dale Gribble, in August 2023. Fortunately, Hardwick had completed voice work for some of the revival's episodes before his death. Moving forward, veteran voice actor Toby Huss, who previously voiced Kahn Souphanousinphone and Cotton Hill in the original series, will take over the role of Dale Gribble for the remaining episodes. The absence of Brittany Murphy (Luanne Platter) and Tom Petty (Lucky Kleinschmidt), who also passed away, means their characters will likely not be a part of the new series, reflecting the real-life passage of time and its impact.
The new season of king of the hill is being touted as a direct continuation, promising to maintain the heart and humor that made it a cultural touchstone while exploring new themes related to aging, retirement, and evolving family dynamics in a changed Arlen. Fans are eagerly awaiting this new chapter of king of the hill. This next iteration of king of the hill promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh narratives.
