King of the Hill Reboot: Back to Arlen After 15 Years! Is it Worth It?
Arlen, Texas is back! After a 15-year hiatus, the beloved animated series King of the Hill has returned with a reboot on Hulu. Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, along with new showrunner Saladin Patterson, are bringing back the Hills and their quirky neighbors for a new generation. But does it live up to the original?
A Familiar, Yet Evolving Arlen
The reboot picks up several years after the series finale, and Arlen feels both familiar and subtly changed. Hank and Peggy Hill, voiced by Judge and Kathy Najimy respectively, return to find their town a little… different. U-turns are illegal, bathroom signage is blurring gender lines, and Bobby's partner wants vegetarian lasagna. It's a world that's evolving faster than Hank can keep up with, creating plenty of comedic friction.
The Cast Returns, Honoring Departed Friends
Stephen Root, the voice of Bill Dauterive, called returning for the reboot a “no-brainer,” emphasizing the quality of the writing and the camaraderie of the cast. Toby Huss, who voices Dale Gribble (replacing the late Johnny Hardwick), echoed this sentiment, citing his long-standing relationship with Mike Judge. The cast feels like a family, and that chemistry translates onto the screen.
- Mike Judge as Hank Hill and Jeff Boomhauer
- Kathy Najimy as Peggy Hill
- Stephen Root as Bill Dauterive
- Toby Huss as Dale Gribble
Is the Reboot Worth Watching?
Early reviews suggest that the King of the Hill reboot successfully captures the spirit of the original while offering fresh perspectives on modern issues. The humor is still sharp, the characters are still relatable, and the social commentary is as insightful as ever. If you're a fan of the original series, or if you're looking for a smart and funny animated comedy, the King of the Hill reboot is definitely worth checking out. All 10 new episodes are available now on Hulu.