A controversial storyline in the new King of The Hill revival series defended by the showrunner

The eagerly awaited 14th season of King of the Hill, which is now only accessible on Hulu, premiered on August 4, 2025. In the first new season of the show in fifteen years, Bobby Hill is shown as an adult through a time jump. Steve Root, Pamela Adlon, and Mike Judge were among the original cast members who made a comeback.

Although he voiced six episodes before Toby Huss took over, Johnny Hardwick (Dale) tragically passed away during filming. The season is the first and twentieth television animation production produced by Bandera Entertainment. Hardwick and Jonathan Joss (John Redcorn) are both in their final season.

A contentious scene in the King of the Hill revival has adult Bobby in an intimate moment, unintentionally contacting Peggy. Some fans felt it was awkward or improper. Saladin K. Patterson, the showrunner, defended it, claiming that it portrays the true issue of parents recognizing their children as adults, even in awkward situations.

More about the new King of The Hill revival series

In addition to the fact that the show is returning after a 15-year sabbatical, the King of the Hill revival has sparked a lot of debate due to one of its early problematic plotlines and how the original series ended. The beloved animated sitcom returns with new character arcs, modern themes, and a fresh look at how the Hill family and their neighbors in Arlen, Texas, have evolved.

It's crucial to comprehend how King of the Hill ended before delving into the upcoming season. "To Sirloin With Love" was supposed to be the final episode of the 2009 series. Bobby joined a young meat-judging team, and Hank and Bobby bonded over their love of meat in this heartfelt and well-received conclusion.

Early in the new season, one of the most talked-about scenes from the revival occurs. Now an adult chef in Dallas, Bobby Hill is negotiating dating and adult relationships. Bobby unintentionally contacts Peggy while having a private conversation with a love partner in a startling scenario. A funny yet awkward misunderstanding occurs when Peggy believes he is just eating something. Fans who struggled to accept Bobby as an adult had conflicting reactions to the incident.

Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson addressed the controversy, saying

“Many of us have kids in their 20s. Part of growing as a parent is recognizing your child is grown — even when it’s awkward.”

Alongside creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, Patterson explained that the goal was to show how parents must come to terms with their kids growing up, often in ways that are awkward and unexpected.

A heartwarming shot of a father and son grilling together marked the series' conclusion, which was appropriate for a program that focused on community and family. "Just Another Manic Kahn-Day" was the official final episode; however, four more episodes were broadcast later in syndication. Fans seemed confused as a result, as the later episode felt more like a mid-season narrative than a conclusion and lacked Sirloin's emotional closure.

In 2025, King of the Hill will return for a new 10-episode season. The revival opens years after the events of the first series, with Hank and Peggy Hill returning to Arlen after spending several years in Saudi Arabia.

Hank had been working there in his usual capacity, managing gas and propane accessories, but the two saw that their hometown had altered dramatically. Arlen is no longer the town they remember, and Hank, in particular, struggles to adjust to modern life.

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