Hank Hill finds himself in a transformed environment as he reappears in the upcoming 'King of the Hill' installments
After a 15-year absence, the beloved animated series King of the Hill is back, now available on Hulu. The new season, titled 14, features significant plot and character developments that reflect the passage of time.
One of the most notable changes is the evolution of Bobby Hill, Hank and Peggy's son, who is now the chef of a German-Asian fusion restaurant in Dallas. Bobby shares an apartment with Joseph Gribble, who is implied to be the biological son of John Redcorn. The season opens with Bobby encountering his first girlfriend, Connie Souphanousinphone, on a university campus, beginning a "will-they-or-won't-they" romance storyline.
Pamela Adlon, who continues to voice an adult Bobby, notes that the character has similarities and attributes from his parents that he wasn't aware of as a boy, which he now uses to keep his business going and move himself forward.
Hank Hill, the character who represents a sensible, common-sense middle, not aligning with any specific political party, has returned to his hometown of Arlen, Texas, only to find a changed world. Hank is now unfamiliar with boba tea, ridesharing, and all-gender bathrooms. Despite this, the show maintains its gentle mocking of modern life, including hipsters, craft ales, bike lanes, and modern outdoor grills with sensors and app connections.
Dale Gribble, another character, has become more paranoid and is now an "election-denier-denier." On the other hand, Hank Hill's friend Bill has let himself go and lives off Amazon deliveries.
The creators, including Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butt-Head, and Greg Daniels, co-creator of The Office, have found a balance between the vintage and modern styles of King of the Hill. Saladin K. Patterson, the executive producer and showrunner for the new season, states that some things are immutable, such as Hank still drinking beer, Dale still being a conspiracy theorist, and Bill still being a lovable sad sack.
The new episodes will focus on relatable stories and avoid politics, such as tariffs and immigration policy. Hank Hill's friends will navigate new chapters in upcoming episodes, including the relationship between an adult Bobby and his parents.
Hank Hill spent time in Saudi Arabia as the assistant manager of Arabian propane and propane accessories before returning to Arlen. The voice cast largely reprises their original roles, with Johnny Hardwick, the original voice of Dale Gribble who passed away in 2023, recording six episodes for the revival before Toby Huss took over the role for the remainder of the season.
The new season of King of the Hill promises to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while also offering fresh, modern twists. Don't miss out on the return of this classic animated series on Hulu, starting August 4, 2025.
1.Hank Hill, fighter of political neutrality, faces a changed world filled with modern concepts like boba tea, ridesharing, and all-gender bathrooms, yet the show still humorously criticizes contemporary life.
- Amidst the vibrant Dallas entertainment scene, Bobby Hill, son of Hank and Peggy, operates a German-Asian fusion restaurant, embarking on a romantic journey with Connie Souphanousinphone, while navigating his newfound business acumen rooted in wellness attributes learned from his parents.
