Hulu is reigniting nostalgia with the much-anticipated revival of *King of the Hill*, first announced over two years ago. Fans of the beloved animated series now have their first look at the characters they adore, thanks to a striking new poster.
As the artwork reveals, the series is setting a different tone by advancing time significantly, allowing viewers to see the cast as older versions of themselves. This time jump adds depth, as familiar faces like Boomhauer, Hank, Dale, and the rest confront today’s fast-paced world in truly humorous ways. Boomhauer, in particular, shows the most wear and tear, while Hank Hill remains characteristically baffled by modern technology. The poster also hints at satirical updates: Bill embraces the convenience of Mega Lo Eats, Dale is engrossed in a VR headset and vaping, and Boomhauer appears deep into the content on his tablet. Adding a humorous touch, a drone can be seen delivering Alamo beer, cleverly encapsulating the show’s unique blend of satire and realism.
The revival brings back many original voices: Mike Judge will reprise his roles as Hank and Boomhauer, while Kathy Najimy returns as Peggy, Pamela Adlon as Bobby, Stephen Root as Bill, Ashley Gardner as Nancy, and Lauren Tom as Minh and Connie. Judge is also taking on the role of executive producer alongside Greg Daniels, while Saladin Patterson steps in as showrunner. Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment, Hulu, and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals, expressed excitement about the revival, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to bring back Hank, Peggy, and Bobby, and we’re eager to explore their perspectives on contemporary society while continuing the discussions we opened long ago.” He emphasized the show’s relevance in today’s animation landscape and the importance of engaging with audiences through this beloved cast.
In a poignant moment, it’s worth noting the passing of Johnny Hardwick, who voiced Dale Gribble and sadly died in 2023. Before his passing, Hardwick completed work on a few episodes of the revival, leaving fans wondering about the future of his character. The production team’s choices regarding Dale’s fate—whether to retire the character or find a new voice—remain to be seen. In a touching tribute, 20th Television Animation and Hulu reflected on Hardwick’s impact, stating, “Johnny Hardwick was a cherished member of the *King of the Hill* family, whose immense talent, sharp wit, and camaraderie will be deeply missed by everyone lucky enough to work with him over the past quarter-century.”
Excitement continues to build as a preview of the show is scheduled for a panel featuring the cast and crew at the upcoming ATX TV Festival on May 30. While an official premiere date hasn’t yet been announced, anticipation is high for the show’s debut on Hulu later this year, promising to reinvigorate a classic for both long-time fans and new viewers alike.
