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A drone flying a case of Alamo beer into modern-day Arlen? That’s right—Hulu has officially dropped the first-look poster for the King of the Hill revival, and it’s everything fans hoped for and more. From Dale rocking a VR headset to Bill indulging in Mega Lo Eats deliveries, the alleyway crew is back—just a little older and a whole lot more wired-in.
The revival’s first key visual has ignited nostalgia and sparked curiosity, showing that while time has passed, the beer and banter are still flowing. As the countdown begins, the buzz around Arlen is louder than ever, especially with hints that Hank Hill might not be the same man we left behind in 2009. The animation style stays true to the original, but with clever modern updates that make the wait worth it.
From unexpected time jumps to a grown-up Bobby living out his culinary dreams, this revival promises to be more than a nostalgic rehash—it’s a bold new chapter. We’ve rounded up every must-know detail, from new visuals to upcoming appearances and character updates.
So grab a cold Alamo and get comfy—we’re diving into everything that’s making this reboot one of the most talked-about returns in animation history. And yes, we’ll keep updating as soon as Arlen spills more secrets.
King of the Hill revival (which is the show’s season 14) will premiere Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, with 10 new episodes on Hulu.
Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, King of the Hill originally followed Hank Hill, a propane salesman rooted in tradition; his ambitious wife, Peggy, a substitute teacher and Boggle champion; and their son Bobby, whose love for comedy and cooking often clashed with Hank’s expectations. Alongside their quirky friends and neighbors—like conspiracy theorist Dale, melancholy barber Bill, smooth-talking Boomhauer, and the Souphanousinphone family—the Hills faced the everyday absurdities of suburban life.
The upcoming revival jumps forward in time, aging the characters appropriately and updating their world to reflect nearly 30 years of cultural change. According to Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich, viewers will “see Hank Hill in a whole new way” (via Variety) as the show explores how the Hill family and their friends are adapting to the present day while holding onto the heart and humor that made the original series iconic.
The logline says, "Here’s the logline for the new season: “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."
One of the most notable updates is Bobby Hill, now 21 years old, is working as a chef at a fusion restaurant in Dallas—a natural fit considering his longtime passion for food. Meanwhile, a new poster reveals that while the alleyway crew—Hank, Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer—still meet to drink beer, they’ve aged and embraced modern habits.
Dale wears a VR headset and vapes, Boomhauer is reading from a tablet, and Bill holds a takeout bag from “Mega Lo Eats,” the in-universe evolution of Mega Lo Mart. This updated Arlen blends classic charm with present-day quirks, offering fans a fresh yet familiar experience as King of the Hill returns to tackle a new era.
Check out the opening credits sequence of the show:
Yes, Johnny Hardwick will be part of the King of the Hill revival—at least for a few episodes. The poster for the new season confirms Dale Gribble’s return, and according to reports, Hardwick had completed voice work for “a couple” of episodes (via TV Line) before his unexpected passing in August 2023 at the age of 64.
While it’s not yet known how large his role will be or whether the character will be recast later, fans will get to hear his voice once more in the new season. Representatives for 20th Television Animation and Hulu shared in a joint statement (via THR):
“Johnny Hardwick was an incredibly beloved member of the King of the Hill family, whose tremendous talent, brilliant humor and friendship will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to work with him over the past 25 years. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family as we mourn the loss of one of the animation greats. His voice gave life to one of our most iconic characters, and he will be truly missed."
The revival will also have to navigate the absence of other major characters, including Luanne Platter and Lucky, whose voice actors, Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty, have also passed away since the original series concluded.
Premiering in 1997, King of the Hill centered on Hank Hill, a proud propane salesman in the small town of Arlen, Texas. A man of strong traditional values, Hank often found his worldview challenged by an evolving society, eccentric neighbors, and even his own quirky family.
Much of the show explored his efforts to raise his son Bobby, whose love for things like comedy and cooking baffled his more conservative father. The series balanced sharp social commentary with heartfelt moments, and the upcoming reboot is expected to revisit these themes in a modern context, with Bobby now an adult navigating a tech-driven world.
The King of the Hill revival is spearheaded by original creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, who return as executive producers alongside showrunner Saladin K. Patterson. The project was picked up by Hulu in 2023 after six years in development, with production handled by 20th Television Animation and Bandera Entertainment.
Joining the executive production team are 3 Arts' Michael Rotenberg and Howard Klein, as well as Bandera’s Dustin Davis. The beloved original series ran for 13 seasons on Fox, won an Emmy, and gained global acclaim with broadcasts in over 50 countries.
Fans will get a first glimpse of the reboot at the ATX TV Festival in Austin on May 30, where Hulu will host a special reunion panel and sneak peek screening. The revival is currently expected to last for two seasons, with potential for more depending on audience response.