King of the Hill, created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, originally aired 13 seasons. Between 1997 and 2010, it gained a devoted following thanks to its grounded humor and nuanced portrayal of American suburban life. Through its central characters, Hank Hill, his quirky wife Peggy and their endearing son Bobby, it depicted a satire of middle-class, small-town Texas. It is set in the fictional town of Arlen and has become popular for its subtle satire and relatable realism.
Like some other classics, the show’s legacy endures via reruns on cable, streaming services, and its fervent fan communities. Its long run and some big casting changes have led many fans to speculate whether King of the Hill will return for a 15th season. Here’s what we know about the future of the hit series following its highly anticipated return this summer.
Why did ‘King of the Hill’ get cancelled?
The original King of the Hill series concluded after its 13th season in 2009. Although this natural winddown was typical for such a long-running animated comedy, its fan base remained strong. Despite evolving viewership patterns and different production priorities, there wasn’t technically a significant cancellation. Instead, the show came to a timely conclusion, which brought an end to a beloved era. It seems there were no dramatic behind-the-scenes reasons for an official cancellation. Fortunately for fans, this temporary end was not the last they would see of the show.
Who is playing Dale in the new ‘King of the Hill’?
One of the things that day one fans might have noticed about the newest episodes is that classic characters have changed. But this is not solely due to a modern revamp of the show. In 2023, Johnny Hardwick, the original voice actor for the character Dale Gribble, tragically passed away. However, before his death, he recorded lines for the first six episodes of season 14. While his death struck fans and everyone who knew him, the gift of his iconic voice for just a few more episodes truly made an impact.
After his death, though, the show continued. As fans may have noticed in episode seven, his role was taken over. The longtime cast member, Toby Huss, embraced the character with support from the team. Huss, a big part of the King of the Hill family who has voiced other characters in the series, was a welcome selection. Obviously, though, no one can replace the unique and distinct voice that set Dale’s distinct tone for so many years.
Does Luanne appear in season 14?
Luanne Platter is the niece of Hank and Peggy, even living with the Hills during the original series. The sweet yet often naive character was originally voiced by Brittany Murphy. As fans may have noticed, she does not appear in the new season. This is no coincidence. Murphy passed away in 2009 and in order to honor her memory creators chose not to recast her role.
Instead of doing so, her absence is acknowledged quietly in the narrative. Doing things this way helped to avoid recasting or narrative forced replacements. As ScreenRant reports, this lack of acknowledgement was a bit jarring for fans. In previous seasons, her character had a child with another character named Lucky, so fans can only imagine that they moved away together.
Is there a spin-off of ‘King of the Hill’?
As of 2025, there is no official King of the Hill spin-off. The only continuation underway is the Hulu revival (season 14), which began in August 2025. This was produced with Mike Judge and Greg Daniels’ Bandera Entertainment. While the revival incorporates a more modernized style, it continues the main series, bringing characters into a new era rather than branching off into something else.
Some characters reflect a passage of time, including the central character Bobby. He is now in his early 20s, pursuing a culinary career, and his surrounding world has changed. But fans have spitballed and speculated about spin-offs possibly focused on particular characters. For example, a spin-off about Bobby, Dale or even Kahn’s family would be well received. For now, though, all eyes remain on the revival itself.
Will there be a season 15 of ‘King of the Hill’?
According to some unofficial confirmation, longtime fans of this show may have more in store. Loyal viewers can look forward to a 15th season since it has already been greenlit. As The Direct confirms, a crew member posted that the revival would be a multiseason effort. So, although only 10 episodes of season 14 have been released, fans likely have some laughs to look forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Dale know about John Redcorn?
No, Dale Gribble’s character did not know about his wife Nancy’s affair with his friend John Redcorn. In fact, in the show, the affair is a running joke, as CBR reports.
How old is Hank Hill?
As confirmed by Comic Book.com, Hank Hill was 41 in the original series and is now in his mid to late 50s.
Why does Boomhauer talk like that?
He speaks in a somewhat disorganized and incoherent way due to a mix of a regional accent and for comedic effect. The inspiration for the voice was taken from an angry voicemail sent by a viewer, per King of The Hill’s fandom website.
