Fans of the long-running animated comedy have waited years for new adventures from Hank Hill and the residents of Arlen, Texas. King of the Hill Season 15 is officially in development at Hulu, marking the show’s first full return since its original finale in 2010. The revival brings back the familiar humor, warmth, and small-town charm that defined one of television’s most beloved animated series.
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Confirmed Production and Revival Details
In early 2023, Hulu announced that it had ordered a new season of King of the Hill from original creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels under their animation company, Bandera Entertainment. The project was placed under 20th Television Animation, which also manages hit shows such as The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers.
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, production teams continued working on scripts, voice recording, and animation. The new season is confirmed to feature updated visuals and audio while maintaining the art style that fans recognize instantly.
The creators have described the revival as a “time jump,” placing the characters several years older than when the original series ended. This approach allows the writers to explore modern issues while keeping the humor grounded in everyday life—the essence of what made the show timeless.
Release Window and Streaming Information
Hulu has positioned King of the Hill Season 15 as one of its flagship animated releases. While an exact premiere date has not yet been publicly announced, production updates shared in 2025 indicate that the series is scheduled to debut sometime in 2026. The new episodes will stream exclusively on Hulu in the United States.
Internationally, distribution will vary by region, with select Disney+ territories expected to carry the show under the Star banner. Each episode will run roughly 22 minutes, similar to the original series format.
Returning Voice Cast
Nearly all major cast members from the original show are returning. Fans will once again hear:
- Mike Judge as Hank Hill and Boomhauer
- Kathy Najimy as Peggy Hill
- Pamela Adlon as Bobby Hill
- Stephen Root as Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland
- Johnny Hardwick as Dale Gribble (posthumous performances included from his recorded sessions)
- Lauren Tom as Minh Souphanousinphone
- Toby Huss as Kahn Souphanousinphone
The production team confirmed that Johnny Hardwick, who voiced Dale Gribble for all 13 original seasons, completed several episodes before his passing in 2023. The revival will honor his legacy by including his recorded lines, and any future casting decisions will be handled respectfully once those episodes air.
What’s New in the Revival
While many details remain under wraps, the creative team has shared that the show’s setting remains in fictional Arlen, Texas, but with updates reflecting the modern world. Bobby Hill is now an adult navigating life, while Hank continues his steady presence as a propane salesman and father figuring out the next stage of family life.
Writers have reportedly introduced new neighbors and local businesses to show how Arlen has evolved over time. Themes of family, friendship, and community values still drive the show, but current social and technological shifts—like smartphones, electric vehicles, and online culture—add new layers to the comedy.
Behind the Scenes: Production Insights
King of the Hill Season 15 benefits from a combination of original staff and new talent. Executive producers include Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, Michael Rotenberg, and Howard Klein. The animation work is being handled by Bento Box Entertainment, ensuring visual consistency with other modern 20th Television Animation projects.
Recording sessions began in late 2023 and continued through 2024, with post-production extending into 2025. The creative team has emphasized quality over speed, focusing on the storytelling detail that made the original so authentic.
A major improvement comes from updated sound design and HD animation, giving the show a cleaner look without losing its hand-drawn charm. Longtime viewers will notice richer colors and smoother character motion while still feeling that classic King of the Hill atmosphere.
Remembering the Original Series
The original King of the Hill aired from 1997 to 2010 and produced 259 episodes across 13 seasons. It became one of Fox’s most successful animated comedies, earning multiple Emmy Awards and critical acclaim for its grounded humor and relatable characters.
Hank, Peggy, Bobby, and their circle of friends—Boomhauer, Dale, and Bill—offered a slice-of-life perspective that stood apart from other animated series focused on satire or absurdity. The show’s quiet humor and emotional depth built a loyal audience that remains active today through streaming platforms.
Since Hulu acquired the rights, the entire library of episodes has continued to perform well among both longtime fans and younger viewers discovering the show for the first time.
Why the Revival Matters
The decision to bring King of the Hill back reflects the growing demand for nostalgic but relevant storytelling. Audiences are eager for content that revisits familiar characters while addressing today’s world. The show’s humor—rooted in family values, friendship, and small-town life—resonates across generations.
Industry analysts view this revival as part of Hulu’s strategy to expand its lineup of adult animation alongside Futurama, Family Guy, and Solar Opposites. By reviving a property with a proven fan base, the platform strengthens its position against competitors in the streaming market.
Anticipated Episode Count and Format
While Hulu has not confirmed a final episode count, early production information points to an initial order of 10 to 12 episodes. The episodes are expected to release weekly rather than all at once, allowing fans to engage in discussions and build momentum across social media platforms.
Each story will continue to mix humor with moral reflection—an approach that has always distinguished King of the Hill from other animated comedies.
Quick Facts: King of the Hill Season 15
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Streaming Platform | Hulu (U.S.) |
| Animation Studio | Bento Box Entertainment |
| Production Company | Bandera Entertainment / 20th Television Animation |
| Expected Release | 2026 |
| Episode Count | Estimated 10–12 |
| Key Returning Cast | Mike Judge, Pamela Adlon, Kathy Najimy, Stephen Root |
| Setting | Arlen, Texas (time jump) |
| Format | 22-minute animated episodes |
The Legacy Continues
More than a decade after its finale, King of the Hill remains one of the most relatable animated sitcoms ever produced. Its humor doesn’t rely on shock value or constant satire; instead, it finds laughter in honesty and humanity. The upcoming season aims to preserve that authenticity while speaking to a new generation.
Fans who grew up with Hank Hill’s “propane and propane accessories” philosophy now look forward to seeing how the characters evolve. Whether it’s Bobby stepping into adulthood or Hank adapting to modern life, the series promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
With production nearly complete and anticipation at its peak, the return of Arlen’s favorite neighbors marks one of television’s most exciting comebacks. What are you most eager to see when the new season premieres? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates as the release approaches.
