KING OF THE HILL - “First Look” - 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. Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas and enjoying his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph and Chane. (Courtesy of Hulu)
UPDATE: The highly anticipated reboot of “King of the Hill” is now streaming on Hulu, marking a significant comeback for the beloved animated series that first aired in 1997. Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson emphasizes that the timing of this revival is crucial, reflecting a society that has undergone profound cultural shifts since the original show’s finale.
The series returns with 10 new episodes featuring the iconic Hank Hill, voiced by Mike Judge, who is depicted returning to Arlen, Texas, after a decade in Saudi Arabia. This reboot aims to blend the series’ traditional humor with contemporary social commentary, addressing the changes in American values and perceptions. Patterson notes that the original show’s satire of middle-ground conservatism now presents new comedic opportunities, as Hank’s views may be perceived as outdated.
Patterson elaborates that the journey to bring back “King of the Hill” began at the San Francisco Sketch Fest in 2017, where co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels conducted a table read. Audience enthusiasm revealed a lingering appetite for the show’s characters, motivating the revival. “The fan response was just so strong… People want to know what the characters are doing,” Patterson told The Hollywood Reporter.
The reboot also navigates modern realities, with Patterson explaining how the industry’s voice casting and animation standards have evolved. The original series was known for its subtle social commentary, and the new episodes aim to maintain that essence while adapting to the current cultural landscape. Viewers can expect to see familiar characters like Dale Gribble, voiced by Toby Huss, who steps in to honor the late Johnny Hardwick.
Fans are particularly eager to see how the show addresses contemporary issues, including parenting and social interaction in a diverse society. The writing team took a field trip to Dallas to understand how the city has transformed, aiming to capture a broader spectrum of modern Texas life. “We wanted to see what’s changed over the last 10 years… It gave us an opportunity to expand Hank’s universe,” Patterson explained.
Significantly, the series pays tribute to late cast members, including Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty, by respecting their characters and acknowledging their contributions to the original. The reboot intends to address their absence thoughtfully, ensuring their legacy continues within the show’s universe.
With the series now available on Hulu, fans can binge all episodes, reflecting a shift from the traditional weekly release model. The adaptation to streaming allows for a more efficient storytelling approach, although Patterson acknowledges challenges in maintaining humor relevant to current events, especially given the lengthy animation production timeline.
This reboot of “King of the Hill” is not just a nostalgic return; it promises to engage with the complexities of modern life through the lens of its cherished characters. Viewers are encouraged to tune in and witness how Hank Hill and his family navigate a transformed world, all while retaining the humor and heart that made the original a classic.
For those eager to see how the series handles contemporary issues and character dynamics, all episodes of “King of the Hill” are now streaming on Hulu.
