King of the Hill Season 14 Review: A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Return for Gen X
As a Gen X viewer who grew up with the Hill family’s deadpan humor and Alamo beer-fueled alley chats, the revival of King of the Hill on Hulu (not Netflix, as some might assume) feels like reconnecting with old friends who’ve aged just as we have. Premiering on August 4, 2025, Season 14 delivers a masterclass in how to revive a beloved series without pandering to nostalgia or losing its soul. For those of us who came of age in the ‘90s, this 10-episode run is a warm, witty hug that captures the essence of the original while tackling 2025 with sharp insight.
The show picks up eight years after the original series, with Hank and Peggy Hill (voiced by Mike Judge and Kathy Najimy) returning to Arlen, Texas, after a stint in Saudi Arabia for Hank’s propane career. For Gen Xers, this setup resonates deeply—many of us have navigated career shifts, relocations, or the disorienting return to a hometown that’s changed in ways we don’t quite recognize. Hank’s struggle with retirement, grappling with endless free time and a world of vegan diets, all-gender bathrooms, and “they/them” pronouns, mirrors our own bemusement at a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. Yet, the show never punches down. Instead, it leans into Hank’s stubborn but open-hearted nature, showing him wrestle with change while staying true to his moral core—a trait that feels like a nod to our generation’s blend of skepticism and adaptability.
What makes this revival sing is its bold choice to age the characters, especially Bobby Hill (Pamela Adlon), now a 21-year-old chef running a German-Japanese fusion restaurant in Dallas. For Gen X parents, seeing Bobby as an adult is like watching our own kids grow up—equal parts jarring and heartwarming. Bobby’s still the quirky, sensitive soul we loved, chasing dreams and navigating modern dating woes, like his crush on Connie Souphanousinphone (Lauren Tom). His storylines, though sometimes disconnected from Arlen due to the Dallas setting, offer a fresh lens on the generational divide, particularly between Gen X’s pragmatic ethos and Gen Z’s fluid, tech-savvy world. The show’s exploration of Bobby’s work-life balance and unrequited love feels universal, reminding us of our own post-college struggles to find purpose.
The writing, led by showrunner Saladin K. Patterson, is razor-sharp, blending satire with sincerity. Episodes tackle contemporary issues—cultural appropriation, the manosphere, even trading stocks—without feeling preachy. A standout is Hank and Bobby’s homebrewing contest, a father-son bonding moment that’s both hilarious and poignant, echoing the small, meaningful victories we cherished in the original run. The humor lands because it’s rooted in character, not cheap culture-war jabs. Hank’s confusion over rideshare apps or Peggy’s gloriously oblivious Arabic (mimicking her mangled Spanish from yesteryear) had me laughing out loud, a testament to the show’s ability to stay funny without betraying its low-key vibe.
The voice cast slips back into their roles effortlessly. Mike Judge’s deadpan Hank and Boomhauer are as comforting as ever, while Kathy Najimy’s Peggy remains the show’s secret weapon, her overconfidence masking a fierce loyalty. Pamela Adlon shines as adult Bobby, balancing his earnestness with newfound maturity. The loss of Johnny Hardwick stings, but Toby Huss grows into Dale Gribble’s paranoid chaos, delivering conspiracy-laden rants that feel eerily relevant in 2025’s polarized climate. New additions, like Keith David’s neighbor, add depth without overshadowing the core ensemble.
For Gen Xers, King of the Hill Season 14 is a mirror reflecting our own navigation of a world that’s both familiar and alien. It’s not just a revival; it’s a continuation that honors the past while embracing the present. With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and a greenlit Season 15, this is the rare reboot that feels necessary, proving there’s still plenty of propane left in Arlen’s tank. I’ll tell you what—it’s damn good to have the Hills back.
