Hank Hill, the beloved character from “King of the Hill,” has made his triumphant return after a 15-year hiatus, and things have certainly changed in his hometown of Arlen, Texas. In the new episodes available on Hulu, fans witness Hank grappling with modern concepts such as boba tea, ridesharing services, and all-gender bathrooms, leaving him and wife Peggy to wonder if their decision to return home was a mistake.
The show, which aims to reconnect with its original fan base while attracting new viewers, features many of the established writers and voice actors from the original series. The first ten episodes were released on Monday, and executive producer Saladin K. Patterson underscores the importance of staying true to the show’s roots. “You want that core fan base to validate what you’ve done,” Patterson notes, emphasizing the delicate balance of maintaining the show’s vintage charm while introducing contemporary themes.
In an amusing twist, Hank and Peggy reveal they spent the intervening years in Saudi Arabia, where Hank worked as “assistant manager in charge of Arabian propane and Arabian propane accessories.” Their son Bobby, now 21, has taken to the culinary scene with a German-Asian fusion restaurant—a reflection of the show’s ability to evolve while keeping its characters’ core identities intact.
As viewers dive into the distinct changes brought by time, they can expect to see familiar characters like Dale and Bill facing their own personal transformations. Yet, despite these changes, the essence of the show remains steadfast. Hank still enjoys his beer with friends, and Dale continues to voice his outlandish conspiracy theories.
With a commitment to addressing relatable life experiences over political narratives, Patterson assures fans that Hank represents a sensible, common-ground character. “We want to tell relatable stories where people can see themselves in our characters,” he said.
This revival not only explores the dynamics of family and friendship but also reflects society’s evolution in a way that encourages viewers to laugh and engage with the content. Fans old and new may find comfort in the consistent themes of community and humor, proving that while times change, the bond of friendship and family remains a timeless theme in “King of the Hill.”