After a 15-year hiatus, King of the Hill returns with a new season that captures the heart of the original while adding just enough freshness to make it feel relevant in 2025. With creator duo Mike Judge and Greg Daniels at the helm, the revival strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and evolution.
Here’s how King of the Hill Season 14 manages to honor its past while embracing its future.
Classic Americana with a Modern Touch
One of the hallmarks of King of the Hill was its grounded, naturalistic storytelling — a stark contrast to the over-the-top antics seen in shows like The Simpsons or South Park. This new season sticks to that winning formula. There are no absurd plotlines here; instead, the show remains centered around relatable suburban life, with a tone that feels more relevant than ever.
After spending time in Saudi Arabia as Aramco’s Vice President of Arabic propane, Hank Hill returns to an America vastly different from the one he left. He’s now navigating a world filled with vegans, cultural appropriation, microaggressions, and gluten-free Girl Scout cookies. Meanwhile, his struggle with retirement and a lack of purpose brings a relatable, emotional depth to the season.
The Animation: Classic Look, Sharper Quality
Despite the temptation to modernize its animation style for a new era of streaming, the show retains its pastel-colored, minimalist aesthetic. With subtle improvements like sharper lines and advanced shading, the new episodes still feel like a Norman Rockwell painting in motion — a visual style that perfectly reflects its Americana roots.
Voice Cast: Seamless Returns & Stellar New Additions
The original voice cast effortlessly slides back into their roles:
- Mike Judge as Hank and Boomhauer
- Kathy Najimy as Peggy
- Pamela Adlon as Bobby
- Stephen Root as a lonelier-than-ever Bill
- Lauren Tom as an older, wiser Connie
There are also some excellent new additions, including Keith David as new neighbor Brian Robertson and Anthony “Critic” Campos as Bobby’s sous chef, Emilio.
The only major change is with Dale Gribble. The late Johnny Hardwick had begun recording before his passing, and Toby Huss stepped in to complete the role. Episode 7 is dedicated to Hardwick’s memory, and the transition between actors is surprisingly smooth. Dale’s outrageous conspiracy theories remain one of the show’s comedic highlights, despite the shift in today’s political climate.
Bobby Hill Grows Up, and So Does the Show
Perhaps the boldest choice in the reboot is the time jump, which ages Bobby to 21 years old. Now a successful restaurateur living in Dallas, Bobby’s life is markedly different — yet he remains the sweet, awkward dreamer fans remember. His storyline often runs parallel to the rest of the cast, creating a dynamic that sometimes feels like watching two shows. But both halves are equally engaging.
This time jump not only brings freshness to the show but also redefines relationships. Episodes where Hank and Bobby reconnect — such as competing in a homebrewing contest or attending Dallas Cowboys fantasy camp — are some of the season’s strongest.
As noted in this ScreenRant review, it’s these grounded yet emotionally resonant moments that remind fans why the show has always stood apart from other animated sitcoms.
Final Verdict
King of the Hill Season 14 is that rare reboot that doesn’t just revive a franchise — it justifies its existence. With its familiar tone, evolved characters, and pitch-perfect writing, the show honors the legacy of the original while carving a compelling path forward.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this season proves that the Hill family — and Arlen, Texas — still have plenty to say.
King of the Hill Season 14 is now streaming exclusively on Hulu.
