Fans of King of the Hill have reason to celebrate—after years of anticipation, a first look at the upcoming season of the beloved animated series is just around the corner.
King of the Hill Season 14 Sneak Peek Coming This May
Hulu’s Season 14 of the hit animated series is set to debut later this summer, and audiences will get an early glimpse at the new batch of episodes during a special panel event happening in late May.
According to a recent press release, Hulu will host a King of the Hill panel on Friday, May 30th, during the ATX TV Festival. The event will feature original series creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, new showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, and cast members Pamela Adlon, Toby Huss, and Lauren Tom. The panel promises to deliver behind-the-scenes stories from the original run, along with the long-awaited first look at the upcoming season.
Adding to the celebration, a special barbecue event will follow the panel, fitting for a show known for its backyard banter and propane charm. There’s also speculation that this BBQ could serve as the official launch for the previously announced King of the Hill-inspired Alamo Beer, co-developed by Hulu and San Antonio’s Alamo Beer Company to mark the series’ return.
It remains unclear whether the Season 14 preview will be released online, meaning those attending the festival may be the first—and possibly only—viewers to catch the early footage.
What’s the New Season About?
The upcoming King of the Hill revival is rumored to be set in present-day America, introducing a time jump that places the beloved characters nearly a decade after the events of the original series. This modern take promises a fresh yet nostalgic look at life in Arlen, Texas, as the Hill family—and the town around them—adjust to the times.
While many plot details remain under wraps, cast members have teased that characters will age appropriately with the time skip. One notable update involves Bobby Hill, who is reportedly now a budding chef in Dallas. Interestingly, his culinary pursuits might clash with his father Hank’s more traditional values—a dynamic that’s sure to spark both comedy and heartwarming moments.
Beyond Bobby, the fate of the rest of Arlen’s residents is still unknown, especially those whose voice actors have sadly passed since the show’s original run. However, with a special sneak peek set for late May and the official premiere coming this summer, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see how the series reintroduces the town’s most iconic characters and relationships.
Who’s Returning for the New Season?
Several familiar voices will be returning to King of the Hill for its revival, including series co-creator Mike Judge as Hank Hill, Kathy Najimy as Peggy, Stephen Root as Bill, Pamela Adlon as Bobby, and Lauren Tom as Minh. These returning cast members promise to bring back the show’s signature charm and humor.
However, not all characters will have a clear path forward. Following the passing of Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty, the fate of their characters—Luanne and Lucky—has not yet been revealed. It also remains unconfirmed whether Toby Huss will reprise his role as Kahn.
Johnny Hardwick, beloved for voicing Dale Gribble, had been confirmed to return before his unexpected death in August 2023. Fortunately, it was later revealed that Hardwick had recorded a few episodes before his passing, allowing fans to hear his iconic voice once again in the new season.
King of the Hill’s Original Run
King of the Hill originally aired on Fox from January 12th, 1997, to May 6th, 2010, spanning 13 seasons and over 250 episodes. The show was a unique blend of low-key humor and grounded storytelling that set it apart from other animated series of its time.
The Show’s Premise
Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, King of the Hill followed the life of Hank Hill, a propane salesman with strong conservative values, and his quirky but lovable family and neighbors. The show earned praise for its realistic portrayal of middle-class American life, blending satire and sincerity without resorting to the wackiness seen in other adult animated comedies.
Reception and Legacy
The series was both a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for seven Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Animated Program in 1999. It also became one of Fox’s longest-running animated shows, second only to The Simpsons at the time. Fans and critics appreciated its slower-paced, character-driven humor, subtle satire, and emotional depth.
Why It Ended
Despite a loyal fanbase, King of the Hill was canceled by Fox in 2008, with the final episodes airing in 2010. Several factors contributed to its end:
- Shifting Network Priorities: Fox was making room for newer animated shows like The Cleveland Show.
- Declining Ratings: While still steady, the show’s ratings had tapered off in later seasons.
- Creative Closure: The writers had the opportunity to wrap up character arcs and give the series a satisfying conclusion, rather than an abrupt end.
Even after its cancellation, the show retained a strong following through syndication and streaming, eventually leading to Hulu’s decision to revive the series with a brand-new season set in the present day.