After more than a decade off-air, the beloved animated series King of the Hill has returned with Season 14 on Hulu. Originally airing from 1997 to 2009, the show picks up in 2025 with updated storylines that reflect today’s America — but with the same Arlen, Texas charm. One of the most notable shifts is how the once fringe beliefs of Dale Gribble, the eccentric conspiracy theorist and exterminator, have become more aligned with mainstream cultural discussions.
Toby Huss, who now voices Dale following the late Johnny Hardwick, notes, “Nationally, we’ve made a turn towards Dale… I hope we’re all OK with that.” Despite modern updates, the revival avoids overt political leanings, staying true to its original tone of quiet social commentary. Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson says the show continues to explore cultural issues through the practical and respectful lens of protagonist Hank Hill, a character known for his level-headed take on changing times.
Series co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels were inspired to revive the show after a 2017 live episode reading at SF Sketchfest drew enthusiastic fan response. What brought the idea to life was imagining the characters aged into the present, including Hank, Peggy, and Bobby Hill. Rather than calling it a reboot, the creators consider it a continuation — showing how the family and their neighbors navigate a more complex modern world.
As King of the Hill makes its return, it offers both nostalgia and insight, using humor and heart to reflect the social and cultural shifts of 2025 — just as it did in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
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