King of the Hill (1997–2010)
- Jan 11, 1997
- 2 min read
King of the Hill is an American animated sitcom that offered a grounded, humorous take on suburban life. Airing on Fox, the show stood out for its understated comedy, relatable characters, and sharp social observations, blending everyday struggles with subtle satire. Its focus on family values and Middle American culture made it a unique and enduring staple of animated television.
Created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, King of the Hill was developed with contributions from writers like Norm Hiscock and Wyatt Cenac. Drawing inspiration from Judge’s experiences in suburban Texas, the series premiered on January 12, 1997, and its final episode aired on May 6, 2010. Judge and Daniels crafted a show that balanced humor with heart, distinguishing it from flashier animated contemporaries.
Plot
Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, King of the Hill follows the Hill family: propane salesman Hank, his wife Peggy, a substitute teacher, and their teenage son Bobby. Alongside their quirky neighbors, like conspiracy theorist Dale Gribble and boomhauer Boomhauer, the Hills navigate suburban life, generational differences, and small-town quirks. The series explores themes of family, friendship, and personal integrity with dry humor and warmth.
Cast
Mike Judge as Hank Hill / Boomhauer
Kathy Najimy as Peggy Hill
Pamela Adlon as Bobby Hill
Brittany Murphy as Luanne Platter
Johnny Hardwick as Dale Gribble
Stephen Root as Bill Dauterive
Toby Huss as Cotton Hill / Kahn Souphanousinphone
Seasons and Episodes
Season 1 (1997) – 12 episodes
Season 2 (1997–1998) – 23 episodes
Season 3 (1998–1999) – 25 episodes
Season 4 (1999–2000) – 24 episodes
Season 5 (2000–2001) – 20 episodes
Season 6 (2001–2002) – 22 episodes
Season 7 (2002–2003) – 23 episodes
Season 8 (2003–2004) – 22 episodes
Season 9 (2004–2005) – 15 episodes
Season 10 (2005–2006) – 15 episodes
Season 11 (2007) – 12 episodes
Season 12 (2007–2008) – 22 episodes
Season 13 (2008–2010) – 24 episodes Total Episodes: 259
Cultural Impact
King of the Hill resonated with audiences for its authentic portrayal of Middle American life, influencing animated comedies like Bob’s Burgers and The Cleveland Show. Its deadpan humor and relatable characters spawned catchphrases like “I sell propane and propane accessories” and a loyal fanbase. The show’s nuanced take on cultural and social issues, from masculinity to community, made it a touchstone for grounded animated storytelling.
Honors and Recognition
King of the Hill won two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Animated Program in 1999, and earned seven Emmy nominations. It also received Annie Award nominations for its voice acting and writing. The performances of Mike Judge and Kathy Najimy, along with the show’s sharp writing, were consistently praised for their authenticity and humor.
Conclusion
King of the Hill remains a beloved cornerstone of animated television, celebrated for its subtle humor and heartfelt portrayal of suburban life. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to find comedy in the mundane while honoring family and community, making it a timeless classic.
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