Is King of the Hill still relevant in today’s world of edgy comedies? We revisit the iconic animated series to see if its classic humor and small-town charm still hold up in 2025.
After nearly twenty years absent from the scene, “King of the Hill” has made its return with its 14th season. It is currently streaming on Hulu, as of August 4, 2025. For fans who grew up with Hank Hill’s monotonous musings about propane and traditional values, this reboot is both a familiar nostalgia trip and a renewed experience.
But does the revival still resonate in a constantly changing cultural landscape? Can a show relying on satire of suburban life in the 90s successfully engage with the breakdown of tradition and cultural identity of 2025?
Old Jokes, Familiar Characters
The best reboots don’t reinvent the wheel – they realign it, and this is just what King of the Hill does in its new season.
The Characters Haven’t Changed (Very Much)
Hank Hill remains the slow-rolling Texan salesman of propane and propane accessories. Peggy retains her delusions of grandeur. Bobby is now older, but maintains his goofy charm. Dale is wearing an all-tin-foil mind-scarf when it comes to conspiracy theories, though now with an extra layer of fear about AI and 5G, which again, is familiar and current.
Familiar Running Gags
It was clear that the writers of King of the Hill knew exactly what fans were looking for in season 14, from Hank’s “That boy ain’t right” to Boomhauer’s mix of handsomeness and hard-to-decipher drawl. Some of the things long-time King of the Hill fans will look forward to will consist of:
Call-back jokes involving propane safety that we remember from past episodes.
Peggy’s problematic (but hilarious) ego trips will offer laughs.
At least a few mentions of Luanne, providing a connection to her legacy.
Dale Heck’s distrust of the government will be reimagined to add the motif of crypto.
New Rules: Adapting to the Modern World.
In season 14, we understand that the world is different now. A lot has changed and KOTH doesn’t shy away from that fact.
Modern Issues, Same Satirical Angle.
The Hill family must now deal with the following:
Cancel culture.
Remote working.
Modern gender identity.
Tech addiction.
Fears about climate change.
Instead of preaching or pandering, the writers dealt with these themes in their trademark dry humor, and “slice of life” tone – they told a story. In Episode 3, we see Hank struggle with Bobby’s new career as a social media consultant. Instead of rejecting it as crazy, Hank ends up slowly learning how to dig in to it – providing a propane tutorial on TikTok.
It could be seen as brilliant commentary on generational disconnects – not mocking or finger-pointing.
Why It Remains Effective in 2025
Let’s unpack it:
1. Tone & Style Consistency
The animation is a little sharper but has retained its essence.
The humor is still low-key and observational, and awkwardly lovable.
No laugh tracks, no gags for gags’ sake, just bizarre incidences of the everyday.
2. A Respect For Catalyst
The show doesn’t act like the previous 13 seasons never happened.
Longtime fans who catch the clever little references are rewarded, but new viewers aren’t left behind.
3. Social Awareness Without Being “Woke”
It’s easy for reboots to overcorrect. King of the Hill is not making that mistake. Instead of condemning today’s challenges, it is examining them.
For example, Episode 6: Dale Tomlinson is recruited into an Eco-Survivalist group vetting for novice uses. His paranoia causes him to unwittingly commit acts of activism, which are both funny and reflect how fringe beliefs sometimes enter the mainstream.
Ratings: Critical & Fan
Critical Ratings
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% Fresh (Season 14)
Metacritic: 81/100
IMDb Audience Rating: 8.5/10
Fan Reviews
“Feels like my childhood returned, but with brains.” – Reddit User
“Hank Hill vs the modern world is everything I didn’t know I wanted.” – X (Twitter)
Even younger generations who never experienced the content because it aired prior to their birth are realizing its charm, due to engagement through social media channels.
How to Enjoy the Reboot:
Actionable Tips
Rewatch a Few Old Episodes:
Especially those focused on parenting, technology, and political satire. There’s just wisdom that comes from experience that enhances your enjoyment of the new season.
Watch with Family or Friends:
Generational humor contains much of the punchline. There is different humor for the older generations and younger ones. Experience the generational humor together.
Follow the Hashtags (#KingOfTheHill, #HankHill2025):
The community adds layers of humor and fun Easter egg findings.
Properly Pace Yourself:
Much like a good propane grill, it is a low and slow process. It’s not a binge, it is a simmer.
Should I Watch It?
If you are wondering in 2025, does King of the Hill still work? The answer is absolutely. This show is not just nostalgia bait — it is smart, funny, timely, and gentle rebellious in the only way Hank Hill could.
This reboot respects its roots, while still allowing for growth in the world. In short, instead of trying to be louder – it just wants to be more real.
FAQs
1. Where can I stream the new season of King of the Hill?
Season 14 is streaming exclusively on Hulu in the United States.
2. Do I need to watch the series first?
Not necessarily. Returning fans will enjoy the callbacks, while new viewers will be able to watch and enjoy the new series.
3. Is the humor still current?
Yes. The writers did a great job of keeping the original tone while updating the themes of tech, politics, parenting, etc.
4. Are all of the original voice actors back?
Several of the key actors are – Mike Judge (Hank), Kathy Najimy (Peggy), Pamela Adlon (Bobby), etc.
5. Is the reboot suitable for kids?
It is a PG-rated show, but it is suitable for teens and older, as the adult themes are subtle.
6. How many episodes are in Season 14?
The reboot has 12 episodes that will be released weekly beginning with the first episode on August 4, 2025.