Hank Hill Is Back: King of the Hill Returns to a New Era with Familiar Charm
August 5, 2025 — After a 15-year hiatus, Hank Hill Is Back, navigating a world vastly changed since we last saw him. Hulu has revived the beloved animated sitcom King of the Hill, with 10 new episodes premiering this week, reuniting viewers with the propane-loving, beer-sipping icon and his quirky Arlen, Texas community.
Hank Hill remains the same principled, practical man, but the world around him has moved on. From boba tea to ridesharing apps and all-gender bathrooms, Hank finds himself both puzzled and amused by modern life. “What kind of food is poke?” he asks his wife, Peggy, reflecting the generational gap in the show’s latest season.
Hank Hill Is Back in a modern Arlen, grappling with new social norms, technological gadgets, and contemporary lifestyles. Yet, despite the changes, fans can rest assured that the show retains its signature tone and humor.
A Familiar Return with a Modern Twist
The show’s creators, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, are behind the revival alongside showrunner Saladin K. Patterson. The revival ensures continuity with its original voice cast and writing team, aiming to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and relevance.
“The writers have found that balance between the vintage King of the Hill that we adore and the new — and letting them coexist,” says Pamela Adlon, the voice of Bobby Hill. Indeed, Hank Hill Is Back, and so are his familiar surroundings, albeit with 2025 updates.
Life After Arlen: Where Have They Been?
In a humorous twist, we learn that Hank and Peggy have spent the last 15 years in Saudi Arabia, where Hank served as “assistant manager in charge of Arabian propane and Arabian propane accessories.” Now retired, they return to Arlen to find that life has changed significantly.
Their son Bobby, now 21, runs a “down home, German-Asian fusion” restaurant, showcasing dishes like grilled mackerel with mustard pretzels. Despite their attempts to settle into retirement, Hank rejoins his friends in the alley, beer in hand, trying to make sense of the new normal.
Hank Hill Is Back, and so are his pals: Dale remains the resident conspiracy theorist, now an “election-denier-denier”; Boomhauer offers warm hugs; and Bill, ever the lovable sad sack, has become a homebody relying on Amazon deliveries.
A Modern World Through Hank’s Eyes
The show cleverly mocks modern trends through Hank’s bewildered perspective. From high-tech grills with app connections to hipster craft ales, nothing escapes his scrutiny. “I shouldn’t have to call technical support to make a burger,” Hank says, puzzled by his smart grill.
Patterson, the showrunner, relates: “I do have a barbecue grill that is Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled. I have three devices to run it, but I’m calling tech support because I have guests coming over and the meat needs to be done.”
Through these everyday scenarios, Hank Hill Is Back to provide comedic insight into the absurdities of modern living, all while maintaining the show’s hallmark gentle humor.
Staying True to the Core
Despite the time jump, core character traits remain intact. Hank still loves propane, Dale still spins wild theories, and Bill remains comically pitiful. Patterson explains, “Those core character things had to be the same. I had a pastor who told me one time, ‘Grown folks don’t change.'”
Adlon adds that viewers will see Bobby evolving into adulthood, exhibiting traits from both parents, often unconsciously. “It’s really kind of cool because you see the similarities and all the attributes that he took from his parents that he wasn’t even aware of,” she says.
Hank Hill Is Back, and this time, fans can enjoy watching generational dynamics unfold as Bobby matures and the family adapts.
A Politics-Free Safe Space
Amid an era of political polarization, the show deliberately steers clear of divisive topics. Though set during President Donald Trump’s second term, King of the Hill avoids political debates.
Patterson emphasizes, “We want to tell relatable stories where people can see themselves in our characters or their family members in our characters.” Instead of tackling tariffs or immigration, the show focuses on cultural and relationship shifts.
Adlon reiterates, “It’s so not a Republican or a Democratic show or an independent show. It’s all of that. There’s space in the world for everybody… and that’s what this show really is.”
In this sense, Hank Hill Is Back as a symbol of common sense and moderation, representing the everyday American trying to do the right thing without stepping on toes.
A Nod to the Past
The revival pays homage to the original series, including a musical moment featuring Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” recalling the rocker’s support for the show. Such touches aim to reassure long-time fans that their beloved series hasn’t lost its soul.
The creative team respects the original audience, aiming for validation from loyal viewers. “That’s always key because you want that core fan base to validate what you’ve done,” says Patterson.
Conclusion: Hank Hill Is Back and Better Than Ever
In conclusion, Hank Hill Is Back, bringing with him a beloved cast, nostalgic charm, and a fresh lens on a changed world. Hulu’s revival captures the humor, heart, and humility that made King of the Hill a classic.
As Hank grapples with smart grills, boba tea, and fusion cuisine, fans old and new will appreciate his grounded perspective in a chaotic modern world. His gentle humor, sense of duty, and relatable struggles offer a much-needed reprieve in today’s fast-paced culture.
Whether you’re a longtime Arlen resident or a newcomer to King of the Hill, this new season invites everyone to find joy in the everyday and laughter in the ordinary.
Hank Hill Is Back, and he’s here to stay — propane, principles, and all.