The Return to Arlen: Everything About the King of the Hill Reboot

It’s been over 14 years since we last checked in with the Hills and their quirky neighbours in Arlen, Texas.

Yet, somehow, King of the Hill remains as relevant as ever, a slice-of-life comedy that’s aged better than Peggy’s endless supply of boxed wine.

Now, with a reboot officially in the works, fans are gearing up to dive back into the world of propane and poorly thought-out schemes.

Here’s everything you need to know about the revival that’s set to bring one of TV’s most beloved animated series into 2025.

The Long-Awaited King of the Hill Revival

For years, rumours of a King of the Hill revival teased fans like a delicious steak dangled just out of reach of Hank’s grill.

Co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels finally confirmed early in 2023 that the show was making its grand return, now under Hulu’s banner.

The revival’s journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges, from navigating the loss of key cast members to ensuring that the reboot stays true to the spirit of the original.

What’s New in the Upcoming King of the Hill Season?

The new season of King of the Hill will pick up with a nine-year time jump, aligning the characters’ timelines with the real-world gap since the series finale.

This means Bobby Hill isn’t the awkward teenager we left behind in 2010—he’s now 21 and working as a chef.

While the creators are keeping plot specifics tightly under wraps, fans can expect fresh storylines that reflect the generational and societal shifts of the last decade.

But don’t worry—you can still count on Hank to wax poetic about the virtues of propane and propane accessories.

The Cast of King of the Hill: Familiar Faces and New Challenges

A significant portion of the original cast is returning, including:

Mike Judge: As Hank Hill and Boomhauer, Judge brings back the voices that defined the show’s everyman charm and laid-back humour.
Pamela Adlon: Returning as Bobby Hill, Adlon promises to capture Bobby’s transformation into adulthood with the same comedic timing fans have loved.
Kathy Najimy: The outspoken and ever-confident Peggy Hill remains in the hands of Najimy, ensuring Peggy’s adventures in substitute teaching and overconfidence continue.

However, the reboot also faces the bittersweet task of addressing the absence of key players:

Johnny Hardwick: The voice of conspiracy-theory enthusiast Dale Gribble, Hardwick tragically passed away in 2023. Some of his recorded lines will still feature in a few episodes, but how the show will handle Dale’s future remains uncertain.
Brittany Murphy: Luanne Platter’s unforgettable spirit, voiced by Murphy, will be honoured in a way that acknowledges her pivotal role without replacing her.

Fans can also expect new characters or guest stars to shake things up in Arlen, introducing fresh dynamics while keeping the original essence intact.

Behind the Scenes: Mike Judge and Greg Daniels Lead the Reboot

Mike Judge and Greg Daniels are back at the helm, ensuring that the reboot retains the grounded, character-driven storytelling that made the original so beloved.

With the freedom of Hulu’s platform, the creators now have room to explore themes and storylines that may have been off-limits in the show’s original network run.

Whether it’s tackling contemporary issues or leaning into the timeless humour that fans expect, the revival promises to keep Arlen both familiar and fresh.

Release Date: When Will the King of the Hill Reboot Premiere?

Fans have been eagerly speculating about the King of the Hill reboot release date.

While an official date hasn’t been set, Hulu and the creators have hinted that the new episodes will premiere in early 2025.

And yes, King of the Hill will follow Hulu’s typical weekly episode release schedule—because why binge when you can savour?

The Balance Between Nostalgia and Fresh Ideas

Reviving a classic series is always a balancing act. Fans want the nostalgia of the original but also demand fresh takes that justify revisiting old characters.

King of the Hill has a strong foundation to build on, thanks to its reputation for nuanced storytelling and endearing characters.

With Mike Judge and Greg Daniels leading the charge, the reboot has every opportunity to expand on the original’s legacy while addressing contemporary cultural landscapes.