Dust off the lawn chairs and crack an Alamo — the King of the Hill revival is officially firing up the grill at Hulu.
Sixteen years after the original finale, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels’ beloved animated comedy is back with older characters, new technology, and that same propane-fueled heart.
Below is a complete roundup of what’s confirmed, what’s changed, and why the King of the Hill revival already feels like a perfect fit for 2025.
First-Look Poster Hints at New Tech in Arlen
Hulu’s teaser image sticks to a classic composition: Hank, Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer sipping beers in the alley. Yet one detail screams 21st century: a delivery drone lowering a case of Alamo beer, while a Mega Lo Eats bag dangles from Bill’s hand. The alley remains the heart of the series, but Arlen clearly isn’t frozen in the ’90s.
The message is clear: in the King of the Hill revival, everyday Texans navigate smart-home gadgets, food apps, and VR headsets just like the rest of us.
Returning Cast & Characters
Hulu confirmed that nearly every core voice actor is back:
| Character | Voice Actor | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hank Hill, Boomhauer | Mike Judge | Still selling “propane and propane accessories” |
| Peggy Hill | Kathy Najimy | Substitute-teacher hustle, bigger ambitions |
| Bobby Hill | Pamela Adlon | Working at a fusion-cuisine restaurant |
| Bill Dauterive | Stephen Root | Comfort-eating, drone-ordering bachelor |
| Dale Gribble | Johnny Hardwick* | VR-obsessed exterminator |
*Hardwick recorded several episodes before his unexpected passing in 2023; Hulu is honoring his work while planning respectful solutions for later installments.
Plot Snapshot: Time Jump, Same Alley
Judge and Daniels place the revival in “real time.” Bobby is now in his 30s, experimenting with miso-barbecue sliders. Peggy explores the gig economy (“PowerPoint-based real-estate coaching,” anyone?). Hank remains stubbornly analog — but even he can’t deny the appeal of drone beer.
Early loglines tease small-town conflicts blown up by modern tech: HOA email wars, conspiracy-theory podcasts, TikTok lawn-care hacks. Yet the soul of the King of the Hill revival is unchanged: four friends debating life over cans of cheap lager on a dusty back fence.
Release Window & Upcoming ATX Festival Panel
Hulu hasn’t locked an exact premiere date, but insiders say late-2025 is realistic. More specifics should emerge May 30 at Austin’s ATX TV Festival, where Judge, Daniels, and cast members will screen footage and discuss Dale’s future.
How the Revival Honors Johnny Hardwick
Dale was the show’s wild card, and Hardwick’s drawl is irreplaceable. Sources say the first revival batch uses Hardwick’s completed voice tracks without alteration. Future seasons may re-cast or retire Dale, but only after collaboration with Hardwick’s family and longtime fans.
Why the King of the Hill Revival Matters in 2025
- Generational Comedy
By aging the characters, writers can mine millennial vs. Gen-X friction: Bobby’s foodie ambitions clash with Hank’s charcoal disdain. - Texas Identity in Flux
As real-world Texas booms with tech jobs and political shifts, Arlen offers a comedic lens on changing demographics. - Comfort-Food Nostalgia
In a streaming landscape of gritty reboots, the low-stakes humor of propane, lawn care, and friendship feels refreshingly human. - Mike Judge Resurgence
Between Beavis and Butt-Head returns and now the King of the Hill revival, Judge is on a hot streak reminding viewers that blue-collar satire never goes out of style.
How to Re-Watch Classic Episodes
While waiting for new episodes, you can binge all 13 original seasons on Hulu now. For the perfect primer, start with:
- “Propane Boom” (S2 E1) — Hank faces mega-store encroachment.
- “A Fire-Fighting We Will Go” (S3 E10) — The gang recounts a disastrous volunteer stint.
- “Bobby Goes Nuts” (S6 E1) — “That’s my purse! I don’t know you!” lives eternal.
Final Word
From VR headsets on the Gribble lawn to drone-delivered six-packs, the King of the Hill revival promises fresh laughs without sacrificing the show’s laid-back soul. Check back after the ATX Festival for more updates — until then, grab a cold Alamo and practice saying, “Yup.”
