King of the Hill Revival Honors Its Foundations With Love, Humor, and Tribute
When a show like King of the Hill graces our screens, it doesn’t just entertain; it becomes a part of the cultural fabric. For generations of fans, the antics in Arlen, Texas, weren’t just comedy—they were stories with heart, humor, and a keen understanding of human connection. Now, 15 years after the series finale aired, Hulu’s much-anticipated revival of King of the Hill has arrived, carrying all the sharp writing, complex characters, and nostalgic warmth we hoped for. But this time, it also comes with poignant nods to some foundational figures who are, heartbreakingly, no longer with us.
The revival is a fine balance of looking forward and cherishing the past. Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson and the creative team have ensured that while they pave a future for the Hills and their neighbors, they also take time to honor Johnny Hardwick, Jonathan Joss, Chuck Mangione, and the original stars who made Arlen, Texas, feel so familiar.
A Tribute to Chuck Mangione
Chuck Mangione, a musician of prodigious talent and a frequent (and eclectic) presence in the original run as himself, left an undeniable mark on fans. Known for his flugelhorn’s smooth cadence and for being Mega Lo Mart’s odd, brassy beacon, Mangione’s untimely passing in 2025 left fans and colleagues grieving. The revival sweetly honors him early in its second episode, “The Beer Story,” with a hilarious and heartfelt nod.
When Hank Hill is inevitably drawn to Mega Lo Mart (because, of course), he’s met with a cardboard cutout of Mangione raising a glass alongside Snoop Dogg, jovially captioned, “Drank responsibly, Chuck!” This tender moment in an otherwise lighthearted episode reminds us of how integral Mangione’s quirks were to the original series. It’s an homage that feels as authentic as King of the Hill’s commitment to everyday absurdity.
Johnny Hardwick and the Legacy of Dale Gribble
It’s impossible to think of King of the Hill without Dale Gribble. Paranoid, chain-smoking, and endearingly eccentric, Dale was a stalwart of the alley crew that defined so much of Arlen’s male bonding lore. Johnny Hardwick, his voice and spirit, brought an unparalleled rhythm and humor that made every one of Dale’s conspiracies oddly plausible.
Hardwick’s unexpected death in 2023 cast a shadow over the revival, though fans will be grateful to know that he did record several episodes before his passing. For the remaining episodes, Toby Huss (known as original cast member Cotton Hill) takes over as Dale, with a careful reverence for the beloved character.
One particularly resonant episode, “Any Given Hill-Day,” captures Dale embarking on a wild extermination operation, fighting an infestation of bed bugs spreading through Arlen because of a community book-sharing nook. With a heavy dose of classic Gribble cunning (and chaos), the episode ends in a glorious Dale triumph. A final frame appears soon after, a photograph of Dale sitting proudly next to a picture of Hardwick, captioned tenderly, “In Loving Memory: Johnny Hardwick.” It’s a simple, effective reminder of what Hardwick brought to not only his character but also the soul of the show. You can almost hear Dale’s signature “WAHHH!” with bittersweet fondness.
Jonathan Joss and John Redcorn’s Voice in Arlen
Jonathan Joss, who played the wise and often hilariously self-serving John Redcorn, left behind a legacy intertwined with humor and cultural importance. Joss’s time among us was tragically cut short earlier this year, but his final performances on King of the Hill’s revival carry his spirit forward.
A particularly memorable tribute to both Joss and his character appears in the finale of the season. Here, John Redcorn pitches the agricultural venture “John Redcorn’s Red Corn” to the Hill family. As the characters gather in shared enthusiasm for his profitable project, the familiar humor masks a poignant final bow. The season concludes with another title card honoring the beloved actor, featuring a side-by-side image of Joss and his King of the Hill counterpart.
Keeping the Spirit of Arlen Alive
For veterans of the series as well as newcomers, the King of the Hill revival lands where it needs to—in the hearts of fans, young and old. While the modern world has changed since 2010, Hank, Bobby, Peggy, and the rest of Arlen still feel like neighbors we know and love.
Honoring its late stars with such gravity and humor brings the show full circle. It reminds us, as viewers, that comedy stems from humanity—that laughter and tears are often inextricably tied. The new episodes are more than nostalgic; they are proof that our favorite stories, however old, can grow with us into new eras.
All ten episodes of King of the Hill’s revival are currently available on Hulu. With its deft storytelling and heartfelt tributes, it’s not just a show to watch; it’s a piece of Americana worth treasuring.
