By Carmen Voss, Senior Correspondent
The 14th annual ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, held from May 29 to June 1, 2025, became a nostalgic haven for fans of the beloved animated series “King of the Hill.” On May 30, the Paramount Theatre buzzed with excitement as co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, along with voice actors Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, and Toby Huss, unveiled insights into the show’s much-anticipated revival, set to premiere on Hulu on August 4, 2025.
A Modern Return to Arlen
After a 16-year hiatus, the Hills are back, navigating the complexities of contemporary life in Arlen, Texas. The revival picks up with Hank and Peggy Hill returning from a stint in Saudi Arabia, only to find their hometown transformed by modern challenges like electric scooters, urban development, and shifting community values. Their son, Bobby, now 21, has grown into an ambitious culinary talent, working as a chef at a trendy German-Japanese fusion restaurant in Dallas.
While Bobby’s career choice might ruffle Hank’s conservative feathers, it also highlights the show’s evolution to address generational shifts. The original charm of the Hill family remains, but new dynamics and modern-day conflicts inject fresh energy into the beloved series.
Honoring Legacy and Embracing Change
The panel also took time to reflect on the legacy of Johnny Hardwick, the original voice of Dale Gribble, who passed away in 2023. Hardwick had completed voice work for six episodes before his untimely passing. His portrayal of Dale remains an iconic part of the show, and Toby Huss, known for voicing Kahn and Cotton Hill, will assume the role for the remainder of the season.
The decision to continue Dale’s character is both a tribute and a challenge. The team emphasized their commitment to preserving Dale’s quirky essence while allowing the character to grow. In the revival, Dale is portrayed as having slightly adjusted his staunch viewpoints, now leaning a bit “left of right,” a subtle nod to the nuanced evolution of American political discourse.
Character Growth in a Familiar Landscape
Longtime fans will notice how much the characters have grown. Connie Souphanousinphone, once the studious neighbor girl, is now portrayed as a progressive, open-minded young woman pursuing a career in science. Bill Dauterive remains as hapless as ever, and Peggy Hill continues to exude her trademark confidence and occasional obliviousness.
The show maintains its sharp observational humor and down-to-earth storytelling. It explores the intersection of tradition and progress, showing how even the most entrenched characters can adapt to a rapidly changing world.
A Texan Celebration of Culture
The panel concluded with a celebration that felt straight out of an Arlen backyard. Festival-goers enjoyed Texas-style barbecue, themed photo booths, and live country music that captured the spirit of the series. Attendees, many of whom dressed as their favorite characters, shared memories and favorite lines, reaffirming the show’s deep cultural resonance.
The creators revealed that the upcoming season would consist of 12 episodes, with more planned depending on audience reception. They hinted at storylines involving TikTok trends confusing Boomhaeur, climate activism at Tom Landry Middle School, and a possible return of fan-favorite characters from past seasons.
Anticipation for the Premiere
As the premiere date nears, the anticipation among fans and critics is palpable. This revival isn’t just a continuation; it’s a reinvigoration of a show that offered a slice-of-life look at suburban America through an affectionate, often satirical lens. By weaving in contemporary themes while honoring its roots, “King of the Hill” aims to reclaim its spot as one of television’s most thoughtful comedies.
Hulu’s investment in bringing the series back demonstrates a broader industry trend of reviving classic shows with modern sensibilities. For the creators, this revival is not about capitalizing on nostalgia alone but rather expanding the universe they’ve lovingly built, showing that even the simplest characters can have new stories to tell.
