Anthony Bergamini
King of the Hill was a popular adult animated series that aired on Fox from 1997 to 2009, spanning 13 seasons. Like many of Fox’s animated shows, King of the Hill offered a counterpoint to the network’s typical conservative rhetoric—though it did so in a more subtle and nuanced way than sister programs like Family Guy. The series follows the life of Hank Hill and his friends and family in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, representing clear stereotypes of conservative American life. Ironically, much of this satire went over the heads of conservative viewers, who often failed to realize they were the butt of the joke—until the show made it blatantly obvious.
What makes the show so delightful is how it presents its characters as likable and enjoyable while still letting the audience see who they truly are at their core. For example, the lead character, Hank Hill, is portrayed as a typical conservative dad—overly dedicated to his job and happiest when drinking beer with his friends in his front yard. On paper, that may sound boring or uninspired. However, the show leans into these tropes, exaggerating the everyday values of such characters to the point that they become entertaining and funny.
It’s worth noting that the show was co-created by Mike Judge, who also created Beavis and Butt-Head. While these two shows are very different in execution, they share some common ground: both lean heavily into character stereotypes and often poke fun at the more obvious, overlooked elements of everyday life. A great example from King of the Hill is the scene where Hank tries to open a stuck door using WD-40—but the can’s cap is also stuck, so he pulls out a smaller can of WD-40 from his belt to unstick the larger one. It’s this kind of absurd, deadpan humor that highlights the connection between King of the Hill and Beavis and Butt-Head, despite their differences in tone and subject matter.
Because the show deals heavily with conservative characters, it inevitably includes portrayals of others through that same lens—often caricatured, sometimes uncomfortably so. For example, the Hills have a Laotian neighbor, Kahn Souphanousinphone, who is frequently portrayed as a harsh stereotype of Asian Americans. In many other shows, this would come across as outright racist and potentially ruin the show’s credibility. But in King of the Hill, these stereotypes are intentionally exaggerated to reflect the narrow worldview of the conservative characters, highlighting their ignorance rather than validating it. The same goes for John Redcorn, a Native American character portrayed through stereotypical imagery. Yet again, the show uses this portrayal to satirize how conservative Americans might view Native people, flipping the script and making those stereotypes the punchline rather than the truth.
A typical episode centers around the exaggerated flaws of a central character. One episode might follow Dale, the classic conspiracy theorist, as he gets wrapped up in some wild theory. Another might focus on Bill, the lovable yet clueless former soldier who has let himself go and remains completely out of touch with reality. It’s these strong character traits that drive the show’s humor and plotlines, producing some of the most memorable and hilarious moments in animated television.
Although the show mocks conservative stereotypes, it also takes time to explore real-world issues—albeit through that conservative lens, which is itself part of the satire. A great example is when Peggy Hill is asked to teach a sex education class. As a semi-religious and conservative woman, she’s incredibly uncomfortable, which leads to both funny and thought-provoking moments. The show tackles topics like this—longstanding societal debates—in a way that invites laughter but also subtly challenges viewers to think.
King of the Hill is set to return with a new series that picks up years after the original show ended, introducing fresh stories and challenges for the characters. The original series was a product of its time, and its humor reflected the cultural and political climate of the late ’90s and early 2000s. It will be fascinating to see how the reboot navigates the evolution of conservative values—especially as the Republican Party has shifted toward a Trump-centric identity, rather than the broader traditional ideals once shared among politicians. Regardless, there’s little doubt that the show will find a way to retain its charm and continue delivering sharp, poignant humor.
