If you grew up quoting “That boy ain’t right” and watching Hank Hill sip beer with his neighbors on Rainey Street, the return of King of the Hill in 2025 might feel like a dream come true. After more than a decade off the air, the iconic animated series is returning – not on Fox this time, but as a new streaming series on Hulu and Disney+, IMDB. And yes, it’s bringing back most of the original cast, a few new voices, and plenty of propane-fueled nostalgia.
Let’s explore everything we know about the revival, from plot and characters to behind-the-scenes changes, episode teasers, and early fan reactions.(King of the Hill)
King of the Hill The Premise: Hank and Peggy Are Back (After a Propane Gig in Saudi Arabia?!)
The new season picks up years after the original finale, with Hank and Peggy returning to Arlen, Texas, after a long stint abroad. According to Hulu’s official description, Hank landed a lucrative propane job in Saudi Arabia, and Peggy ran an English program overseas. Now back in Texas and edging into retirement, the Hills are adjusting to an Arlen that’s a lot different from the one they left behind—think bike lanes, food trucks, and digital everything.
Meanwhile, Bobby Hill is all grown up, now 21 and working as a chef in Dallas. His childhood friends Connie, Joseph, and Chane are still in the picture, and it looks like we’ll get a fresh look at their adult dynamics.
A Revival Years in the Making(King of the Hill)
This reboot has been simmering for a while. King of the Hill co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels started tossing around ideas after a reunion table read at San Francisco SketchFest. The fan response was so enthusiastic, the creators asked themselves, “Why not just make more?” Hulu officially ordered the revival in early 2023, with Saladin K. Patterson (from The Wonder Years reboot) stepping in as showrunner.
Production hit a temporary pause during the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, and sadly, original Dale Gribble voice actor Johnny Hardwick passed away after recording six episodes. His absence is deeply felt, but the showrunners promise respectful tributes – and longtime voice actor Toby Huss (who originally voiced Kahn and Cotton) will take over the Dale role moving forward.
Who’s Who in 2025 Arlen(King of the Hill)
Here’s where the characters stand in the updated timeline:
- Hank Hill (voiced by Mike Judge): No longer selling propane in Arlen, Hank spent years managing operations overseas. Now he’s retired and trying to make sense of a more modern world – one filled with scooters, smartphones, and “damn liberal bike lanes.”
- Peggy Hill (Kathy Najimy): Still full of confidence and Peggy-isms, she ran English courses abroad and is now ready to reclaim her place as Arlen’s top substitute teacher—or maybe something bigger.
- Bobby Hill (Pamela Adlon): All grown up and living in Dallas, Bobby is now a sushi chef (!), finally following his own dreams instead of trying to live up to Hank’s expectations.
- Connie (Lauren Tom): In college and experimenting with modern relationships, Connie’s storyline tackles adult themes like identity and dating. And yes, she’s still in touch with Bobby.
- Joseph Gribble: Dale’s son is still hanging with Bobby and Connie – and no, the parentage issue still hasn’t been addressed out loud.
- Bill and Boomhauer: Bill’s still around and still… Bill. Boomhauer still mumbles his way through life (and possibly into retirement). Both are living out their later years near Rainey Street.
- Nancy and John Redcorn: The affair never died. Teasers show Nancy and Redcorn sneaking around again – some things never change.
- Kahn: Now voiced by comedian Ronny Chieng, Kahn’s back in Arlen and facing changes in his personal life, too. One episode even hints at a possible divorce with Minh.
As for Luanne and Lucky, they won’t appear in the revival due to the passing of Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty, and producers have opted not to recast their roles – their absence will be acknowledged quietly in the storyline.
Spoilers & Episode Highlights (So Far)(King of the Hill)
The first episode is titled “Return of the King”, and it sets the tone: the Hills are back in town, the neighbors are older, and Arlen’s changed in ways that both frustrate and amuse our propane-loving patriarch.
Previews reveal:
- Pandemic references: Yes, the world of KOTH experienced COVID-19. You’ll spot face masks and social distancing in the opening credits.
- Dale runs for office? A teaser shows Dale’s name on a political yard sign. With his conspiratorial mind, it’s not hard to imagine him trying to “drain the swamp” in Arlen.
- Nancy and Redcorn’s affair continues, complete with zoom-ins on their signature rendezvous truck.
- Boomhauer and Bill are still loyal lawn-chair bros – though aging brings its own new set of struggles.
- Hank adjusts (badly) to the new world – including modern parenting, electric grills, and young people who don’t understand the value of a propane tank.
Episode titles hint at future plots:
- “Chore Money, Chore Problems” – Maybe a Hank vs. Peggy yardwork feud?
- “Any Given Hill-Day” – Possibly a youth football episode with Hank coaching again.
- “Kahn-scious Uncoupling” – Yep, Kahn and Minh’s marriage hits turbulence.
- “Peggy’s Fadeout” – Could hint at Peggy stepping back from center stage or reinventing herself.
Is It Still the King of the Hill We Loved?
Surprisingly, yes — with some smart updates. Despite the time jump, the series feels true to its roots. The dry humor, grounded storytelling, and love for mundane suburban life are all still here. The characters may be older, but their quirks are very much intact.
However, it is more modern. The animation’s been slightly updated (not too flashy), and the world includes phones, social media, and pandemic-era references. Think of it as classic Arlen meets 2025 reality.
Fans React: “We Are So Back”
Although some fans were nervous at first, reactions to the trailers and teasers have been mostly positive. Social media has been buzzing with excitement – everything from happy tears to memes about Dale running for mayor.
There’s no Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb score yet, since the show premieres August 4, 2025. But if the early buzz is anything to go by, it’s got a real shot at success.
Where to Watch (King of the Hill)
You can catch the new King of the Hill on:
- Hulu (U.S. streaming)
- Disney+ (international, via Star hub)
- Hulu on Disney+ bundle users can also stream it directly
It won’t air on cable, so grab a subscription if you’re planning to keep up.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch?
About King of the Hill
Absolutely – but with open expectations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Pros:
- Return of original creators (Mike Judge, Greg Daniels)
- Core voice cast reunited
- Modern, relevant plotlines (but not overly preachy)
- Strong balance of nostalgia and fresh storylines
- Touching tributes to departed cast members
❌ Cons:
- Dale Gribble’s recast may divide fans (though Toby Huss is a solid choice)
- No Luanne or Lucky(King of the Hill)
- Modern themes might feel jarring to some longtime purists
- Streaming-only release may leave some fans behind
Whether you’re here for the propane or the emotional callbacks, King of the Hill’s 2025 revival looks like a thoughtful, well-made continuation rather than a cash-grab reboot. It respects where it came from – and isn’t afraid to poke fun at where we all are now
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