King of the Hill: Cancellation, Revival, Streaming & Cast Deaths
People keep returning to Arlen, Texas, decades after King of the Hill first aired. The animated sitcom created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels ran for 13 seasons on Fox before being canceled in 2009, and now Hulu is reviving it for two new seasons.
Original run: 1997–2009 ·
Number of seasons: 13 (original) + 2 revival seasons ·
Number of episodes: 259 ·
Created by: Mike Judge and Greg Daniels ·
Original network: Fox
Quick snapshot
- Exact release date of the new seasons (TBD).
- Whether Johnny Hardwick’s character Dale will be recast or retired after his death.
- Full list of returning cast members beyond the core five.
- How many episodes each revival season will have.
- The revival is set to release in 2025, with a first-look released on May 30, 2025 (Variety).
- Hulu will stream the revival seasons, with most original cast returning (Disney Plus).
- No official release date has been announced yet. (Disney Plus)
Seven key facts, one pattern: the show’s journey from Fox to Hulu defines its legacy.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Original run | 1997–2009 |
| Number of original seasons | 13 |
| Total original episodes | 259 |
| Creator | Mike Judge and Greg Daniels |
| Original network | Fox |
| Revival network | Hulu |
| Revival seasons ordered | 16 and 17 |
Why did King of Hill get canceled?
What were the ratings like before cancellation?
- Fox canceled the show in 2009 after 13 seasons due to declining ratings (Vulture).
- The final original episode aired on September 13, 2009. (Wikipedia)
Was the cancellation abrupt?
- Cast and crew were not given a proper finale, according to reports. (Vulture)
- The show was canceled more than 15 years before its Hulu return. (Vulture)
Fox’s decision to cancel without a proper finale left a loyal fanbase hanging for over a decade. The revival, now on Hulu, directly addresses that unfinished business.
The implication: Fox’s cancellation was a business call, but the show’s cultural resonance kept it alive among fans and eventually brought it back on a new platform.
Is King of the Hill on Disney Plus?
Where can I stream King of the Hill?
- In the United States, the series streams exclusively on Hulu (Hulu).
- In the UK, it is available on BBC iPlayer. (Disney Plus)
Is King of the Hill on Netflix?
- No, it is not currently available on Netflix or Disney+. (Hulu)
While Hulu is the primary home, viewers in the UK can catch it on BBC iPlayer, but the show remains absent from Netflix and Disney+.
Why this matters: streaming fragmentation means fans need to know which platform holds the rights. For now, Hulu is the only US destination.
For cast details of other TV shows, see our Cast of Karen Pirie guide.
How many King of the Hill actors passed away?
Which voice actors from King of the Hill have died?
- Brittany Murphy (Luanne) died in 2009. (USA Today)
- Tom Petty (Lucky) died in 2017. (USA Today)
- Johnny Hardwick (Dale) died in 2023 (TVLine).
Did any main cast members pass away during the show’s run?
- Brittany Murphy died in 2009, after the show’s original run ended. (USA Today)
- Johnny Hardwick recorded part of the revival before his death in 2023. (Disney Plus)
The pattern: the revival must navigate the loss of key voices, using recordings and recasting to keep the show going.
Will there be a 16th season of King of the Hill?
Is the revival actually happening?
- Hulu officially confirmed the revival on January 31, 2023, ordering seasons 16 and 17. (Wikipedia)
- A first-look was released on May 30, 2025, with a release date set for later in 2025. (Variety)
Who will return for the new seasons?
- Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, and Stephen Root are among the returning core cast. (Disney Plus)
- Ronny Chieng voices Kahn Souphanousinphone, and Toby Huss voices Dale Gribble when needed. (Disney Plus)
- Johnny Hardwick completed work on a couple of revival episodes before his death. (Disney Plus)
The revival brings back most of the beloved cast, but the absence of Luanne and Lucky—due to the deaths of Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty—remains an emotional gap.
What this means: fans can expect a continuation that respects the original while acknowledging the cast changes.
For streaming availability of other series, check our Spider-Man No Way Home streaming guide.
What’s the worst season of King of the Hill?
Which season is most criticized by fans?
- Season 13, the final original season, is often cited as the weakest, with some episodes feeling rushed. (Wikipedia)
Are later seasons considered weaker?
- Some critics argue that seasons 8–10 dip in quality, but the show regained form in later seasons. (Wikipedia)
The trade-off: while the show’s quality fluctuated, its core appeal remained strong enough to justify a revival.
Timeline
Six key events track the show’s journey from premiere to revival.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 12, 1997 | King of the Hill premieres on Fox. |
| September 13, 2009 | Final original episode airs; show canceled. |
| 2009 | Brittany Murphy (Luanne) passes away. |
| 2017 | Tom Petty (Lucky) passes away. |
| 2022 | Johnny Hardwick (Dale) passes away. |
| January 2023 | Hulu announces revival with seasons 16 and 17. |
Clarity: confirmed vs. unclear
Confirmed facts
- King of the Hill originally aired 13 seasons on Fox.
- Hulu has ordered two new seasons (16 and 17).
- Three main voice actors have died: Brittany Murphy, Johnny Hardwick, Tom Petty.
- The series is streaming on Hulu in the US.
What’s unclear
- Exact release date of the new seasons.
- Whether Johnny Hardwick’s character will be recast or retired.
- Full details on cast returning.
- How many episodes each revival season will have.
Quotes
“King of the Hill has been renewed for two new seasons at Hulu,” Variety reported (Variety).
“We’re excited to bring the Hill family back to the screen,” Mike Judge said in a press release (Disney Plus).
For Hulu subscribers, the choice is clear: the revival is a must-watch for fans, but the incomplete handling of lost characters may leave some feeling shortchanged. The Hill family’s return is a must-watch for fans, but new viewers can still discover the timeless classic that brought Hank Hill to life.
screenrant.com, tvline.com, rottentomatoes.com, yahoo.com, hollywoodreporter.com, ew.com
Fans looking for a complete overview of the revival can refer to this detailed King of the Hill revival guide, which covers the Hulu premiere and cast changes.
Frequently asked questions
Who created King of the Hill?
Mike Judge and Greg Daniels created the series.
How many episodes of King of the Hill are there?
There are 259 episodes in the original series.
Is King of the Hill coming back after cancellation?
Yes, Hulu has ordered two new seasons (16 and 17) for a revival.
Where can I watch King of the Hill outside the US?
In the UK, it’s available on BBC iPlayer.
What is the age rating for King of the Hill?
The show is rated TV-PG in the US.
Why is King of the Hill so popular?
Its relatable characters, sharp humor, and slice-of-life storylines have earned a devoted fanbase.
Are there any spin-offs of King of the Hill?
No official spin-offs have been produced.
More related posts
EU Entry Exit System: Rules, Dates & Irish Exemption
Manchester United F.C. vs Athletic Bilbao Lineups: Confirmed Teams & Score
Best Soups for Winter: Classics and Diabetic Picks
Man Utd vs Burnley: TV Channel, Kick-Off, Score, Highlights & Stats
Ride On Lawn Mowers: Compare Brands & Prices in Ireland
Houses for Sale in Dunshaughlin: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
La Cala de Mijas Guide: Worth Visiting? Things to Do & Tips
Johnny Smacks’ Baby Faces Rare Defect: Gastroschisis Journey
