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“King of The Hill” series cover

“King of The Hill” is a 1997 comedy sitcom set in the small town of Arlen, Texas, following the Hills, a stereotypical middle class American family residing in the United States. 

The show focuses on the patriarch of the family, a man named Hank Hill (Mike Judge), an honest man with a passion for selling propane and propane accessories. Providing for his wife Peggy Hill (Kathy Najimy), and adored son Bobby Hill (Pamela Adlon), the family often goes on adventures/conflicts whether it be Peggy’s struggles as a substitute teacher, or Bobby’s aspiration to be a comedian instead of being active, to the concern of Hank.

Living in a small neighborhood, Rainey Street is a tight knit community where everyone knows one another.  Living near three of his childhood best friends Dale Gribble (Johnny Hardwick), Bill Dauterive (Stephen Root), and Boomhauer (Mike Judge). All four live across the street from each other, mainly found drinking Alamo beer together in the neighborhood alley.

One of the main reasons “King of The Hill” is so unique is because of the show’s realistic approach at life in Texas, the viewer gets to witness relatively grounded slapstick, learn the portrayed life in the armpit of Texas, and acquire a great deal of knowledge on propane and propane accessories. The show’s simple approach at the time led to them sticking out among other cartoons that came out at the time such as “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”, “Family Guy”, “The Simpsons”, “South Park”, and “American Dad”.

In 2024, it has been confirmed that in the year 2025 there will be an all new season of “King of The Hill”. Since the reboot of the show has been confirmed, the production has faced multiple challenges such as the passing of Johnny Hardwick (Dale Gribble), and Brittany Murphy (Luanne Platter). 

Dale gribble is one of the main characters in “King of The Hill, a man obsessed with guns and anti-government conspiracy theories, an anorexic chainsmoker that takes pride in rambling nonsense to anyone and everyone possible despite his unnecessary distrust in others. He works as a certified bounty hunter, the president of a gun club, and as an exterminator.  

Luanne Platter is another one of the main characters. In the show she is portrayed as a gracious and hardworking woman who is often ignorant to what is happening around her. Fortunately she was protected by the Hill Family. Before the show first aired, it was implied she was taken in as their niece from a chaotic trailer life home and abusive parents. Later in the show it is revealed that her ambitions after graduating high school is to be a hairdresser and makeup artist.

Throughout “King of The Hill’s” run, the town of Arlen, Texas, has had many special guest appearances, appearing as particular characters in the show.  Guest celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Johnny Knoxville, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt and Kid Rock, each played a unique role in the narrative of King of The Hill. These appearances came as a surprise to viewers at home, ultimately leading to rejoice as the story played out.

In an interview with Damascus World History teacher Mr. Reiter, many topics were covered, but one answer stood out among the rest, when asked what his thoughts were on the show’s resurgence in 2025, he expressed “So, I’m normally not a huge fan of a reboot, but I would definitely give this a shot. I don’t know how they will make it work, especially with two main characters passing away, Luanne and Dale. I’m not hopeful it will be super good, but I will definitely watch it for sure because of its popularity at the time.”

Following the show’s sudden cancellation in 2010, the landscape of animation and show business had greatly changed, but this hasn’t stopped Mike Judge and the rest of the cast from giving “King of The Hill” a proper storybook ending.