Hulu Sets August Release for Animated Revival
Hulu has announced the return of King of the Hill, setting an August 4 premiere for the new 10-episode season. The revival continues the original animated series, which aired from 1997 to 2010 on Fox for 13 seasons. The Disney-owned streamer revealed the news with a first look at the series, showing that Bobby Hill is now an adult.
Series Continues Years Later in Arlen, Texas
The new season picks up several years after the original finale, reflecting the passage of real time. Hulu confirmed that Hank and Peggy Hill return to Arlen after working overseas. “After years working a propane job in Saudi Arabia to earn their retirement nest egg, Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Arlen, Texas, to reconnect with old friends Dale, Boomhauer and Bill,” Hulu stated.
Boomhauer, Hank Hill, Dale, and Bill on ‘King of the Hill’
Bobby Pursues Culinary Career in Dallas
Bobby Hill, once the adolescent comic relief, now appears as a 21-year-old chef living in Dallas. The official description adds, “Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas and enjoying his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph and Chane.”
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Peggy Hill, Bobby Hill, and Hank Hill in ‘King of the Hill’ revival
Opening Credits Reflect Time Shift
The show’s opening credits also reflect the time jump. The familiar alleyway returns, but with a time-lapse of several years. It includes visuals of the Hill family moving out and then returning to their house in Arlen.
Original Cast Reprises Their Roles
The revival features the original voice cast, including co-creator Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Stephen Root, Lauren Tom and Toby Huss. Johnny Hardwick, who voiced conspiracy theorist Dale Gribble, recorded for six episodes before passing away in August 2023. Huss has taken over the role of Dale for the remainder of the season.
Tributes to Original Characters Continue
Toby Huss also reprises his roles as Kahn and Cotton Hill. Brittany Murphy, who voiced Luanne Platter, passed away in 2009 and will not appear in the revival.
Production and Creative Team Returns
Mike Judge and Greg Daniels return as executive producers alongside showrunner Saladin Patterson. Michael Rotenberg, Howard Klein and Dustin Davis also serve as executive producers under Bandera Entertainment. The series is produced by 20th Television Animation.
Legacy of King of the Hill Remains Strong
King of the Hill originally aired for over a decade, becoming a staple of American animated comedy. The series won an Emmy Award and earned critical acclaim for its grounded storytelling. The revival follows Judge’s return to animation, including his 2022 Beavis and Butt-Head reboot on Paramount+, which also explored adult versions of its characters in a single episode.
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Hulu Maintains Silence on Future Seasons
Hulu has not confirmed whether additional seasons will follow the 10-episode revival. The network remains focused on the August release and its reception
Bobby Hill’s Character Evolves in Revival
The revival allows long-time fans to witness Bobby Hill’s transition from awkward teen to confident young adult. His last appearance in the 2009 finale, “To Sirloin With Love,” showed him competing in a regional meat evaluation contest. Though his team finished fourth, Bobby’s passion for cooking appears to have continued into adulthood.
Animation Industry Eyes Return of Familiar Properties
The return of King of the Hill marks another entry in the trend of rebooting nostalgic animated shows. Fans and critics will observe how the revival balances its legacy with present-day storytelling.
Hulu to Release All Episodes at Once
Hulu will release all 10 episodes of the new season on Monday, August 4. This streaming model allows viewers to experience the season in one go, unlike the weekly release pattern used by the original Fox run.
Conclusion
King of the Hill returns with a revived cast, fresh storylines and a notable time jump, presenting an older Bobby Hill. Hulu’s release on 4 August will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Arlen, Texas, and its familiar faces. The updated narrative combines familiar elements with real-time progression, continuing the Hill family’s story in a changed world.
