10 Must-Watch King of the Hill Episodes Before the Revival Returns

The popular animated series “King of the Hill” is making a comeback this summer with a fresh revival! Now’s an excellent opportunity to revisit the original series and get up-to-speed on its events by watching ten top-notch episodes. Originally, “King of the Hill” stood out as one of the more humble animated shows of its time. Unlike many others, it presented a down-to-earth narrative about a man residing in the small Texas town of Arlen, navigating the evolving world around him. By the series’ end, even Hank Hill had transformed alongside the shifting perspectives he encountered.

The most memorable episodes from “King of the Hill” often explored significant changes, either by challenging Hank’s perspectives on fatherhood, society, and personal values, or by having his friends engage in absurd situations that required Hank’s help to resolve. This selection of ten episodes provides a perfect balance for the anticipated tone of the show’s revival, as several of these episodes lay the groundwork for potential future developments following the time gap between the original series and its upcoming continuation. Here they are for your enjoyment:

1. “Daddy Was a Space Cadet” (Season 1, Episode 5)
2. “Art School Confidential” (Season 3, Episode 7)
3. “A Homenid Named Mudge” (Season 4, Episode 9)
4. “Bobby Goes Nuts” (Season 6, Episode 10)
5. “Big in Japan” (Season 7, Episode 8)
6. “The Ex-Factor” (Season 8, Episode 13)
7. “A Hound and the Horn” (Season 9, Episode 10)
8. “Lucky Bastard” (Season 10, Episode 4)
9. “The Two-Thousand-Mile-High Strangler” (Season 11, Episode 13)
10. “The Unveiling” (Season 12, Episode 5)

Of Mice and Little Green Men (Season 6, Episode 14)

One unresolved mystery from the original “King of the Hill” series was whether Dale Gribble would discover his wife Nancy’s infidelity, and there were several episodes hinting at Dale’s knowledge about Joseph not being biologically his son. The show came closest to explicitly dealing with this in the episode “Of Mice and Little Green Men,” where it’s revealed that Dale’s genetic makeup doesn’t match Joseph’s. Initially believing Joseph to be an alien, Hank helps Dale understand that he is still Joseph’s father even if they are not genetically related. This episode could play a significant role in the revival, should either character revisit this topic.

Get Your Freak Off (Season 7, Episode 1)

Among the standout episodes on this list, “Get Your Freak On” from King of the Hill might not be the most cherished, but it certainly embodies everything that makes the show great. Hank finds himself in over his depth when he mistakes a boy band for a classic Doo-wop group, Peggy is smitten by some trendy parents and longs to join their circle without fully understanding its implications, and Bobby struggles to establish a connection with a girl he likes initially.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Hank’s perspective was indeed valid. Although his parenting style may appear rigid, it offers the guidelines that Bobby values. Moreover, this stern demeanor of Hank makes him appealing to the women in the neighborhood, which is a bonus for Peggy. Essentially, everyone gets a satisfying conclusion, and it’s enjoyable to re-experience this contentment without major upheavals.

Dances With Dogs (Season 7, Episode 5)

In the TV show “King of the Hill,” a recurring motif is Hank coming to appreciate things he previously dismissed, and one particularly amusing instance occurs in the episode “Dances With Dogs.” Initially perplexed by Bobby’s desire to dance with a deity, Hank learns that it’s actually a competitive dance scene. This connection with Ladybird demonstrates how deeply he cares for his dog. There are other moments that highlight his affection for Ladybird, but the humor in this one lies in Peggy feeling envious because Hank dances more with his dog than with her. It’s a fun episode to rewatch.

An Officer and a Gentle Boy (Season 7, Episode 15)

In the upcoming “King of the Hill” series, it’s unlikely that Hank’s father, Cotton, will play a significant role because he passed away during the original series. However, his name might come up when Hank talks about his younger brother Good Hank. To understand more about Good Hank, you should watch his debut episode (“Next of Kin”). Instead, let’s delve into a more entertaining storyline that illustrates how Cotton’s parenting methods wouldn’t fit well in today’s world.

Following the seizure of a military base, Bobby was assigned to rectify the situation. However, Cotton soon discovers that Bobby doesn’t budge an inch. Despite enduring harsh mistreatment at the hands of his grandfather, Bobby’s unwavering self-confidence prevents him from being broken. In the process, he earns respect not only from his grandfather but also Hank. This incident served as a powerful early demonstration of Bobby’s determination to remain true to himself, a trait that is likely to influence his character in the upcoming revival.

Soldier of Misfortune (Season 9, Episode 12)

In this episode, which is arguably the finest featuring Dale Gribble, Hank finds himself drawn into Dale’s antics when he enlists Dale (disguised as “Mr. Big”) to boost his self-confidence as a mercenary. The events that unfold surpass anything Dale had ever anticipated, leading us to the infamous “pocket sand” scene and offering a delightful insight into Dale’s character. By the end of it all, Dale even manages a significant triumph, making this episode not only entertaining but also revealing about his character.

Hank’s on Board (Season 10, Episode 1)

Typically, Hank serves as the level-headed character amidst the turmoil in his circle of friends, which sometimes comes off as dullness to them. However, this stereotype is occasionally called into question throughout the show’s run, and this particular episode is a strong illustration of that. In this specific episode, Hank feels left out when Dale and Boomhauer go fishing every year without him, and he realizes that his friends might not appreciate his constant reprimands as much as he thought.

However, whenever he decides to playfully act up, he ends up being reprimanded. This particular incident, though, serves as a catalyst that profoundly alters their friendships, offering fresh insights into their bond. It’s during these moments that Hank truly proves his worth by keeping them out of trouble, and they all admire him for it.

Blood and Sauce (Season 11, Episode 3)

In several pivotal episodes of “King of the Hill,” certain character developments are established that will be significant in the upcoming revival. Prior to these episodes, Bobby had expressed some curiosity about cooking, even managing to impress his father with his culinary abilities (to Peggy’s dismay). However, it was only in this specific episode where his fascination transformed into a passion for barbecue. When Bill Dauterive fretted over passing down his legacy, Bobby found a kindred spirit and the two bonded over their mutual love for food and cooking.

In the revival of “King of the Hill,” Bobby is depicted as transitioning into a chef, with barbecue skills being a significant aspect of his character. This episode marks the convergence of Bobby’s various interests, making it enjoyable to watch how Bill played a role in nurturing Bobby’s future career path that leaned more towards culinary arts rather than comedy.

Lucky’s Wedding Suit (Season 11, Episode 12)

When bringing back “King of the Hill,” one challenge the revival will need to address is the future of the characters, Luanne and Lucky, especially since Brittany Murphy (who voiced Luanne) and Tom Petty (who provided the voice for Lucky) have passed away. Notably, they had a daughter together, Gracie, but more details can be found in an episode called “Lucky’s Wedding Suit,” which serves as a fitting goodbye to both characters.

In the upcoming last two seasons of the show, Lucky could take on significant roles as a consistent sidekick to Hank in his typical escapades. However, this particular episode felt more like an ending to the series itself. There’s a well-known unused scene where Hank discloses that it has only been a year since the start of the series, providing a poignant conclusion to everything. This is why numerous characters from the show appeared at the wedding, and it’s recommended you watch it before the upcoming reboot as well.

Raise the Steaks (Season 12, Episode 6)

In this rephrasing, I’ve aimed to keep the essence of the original text while making it more accessible and engaging:

Hank finds himself in an intriguing predicament with “Raise the Steaks,” as not only does it push him towards spending time with nature-loving individuals, but he also discovers that their lifestyle results in superior-tasting meat. Throughout the series, Hank frequently clashes with hippie characters; however, he eventually teams up with them so closely that their cooperative store gains immense popularity and eventually sells out. Given Mega-Lo Mart’s significant presence in the show (and hinted to expand further in the revival), seeing Hank challenge them one last time is an enjoyable spectacle.

In the course of events so far in this show, Hank’s antics have always been a delight, and they consistently remind us of his craving for a mouthwatering steak by day’s end. He’d go to any lengths if it meant savoring superior cuisine, and these values are what drive Bobby as we approach the series finale in the upcoming season.

To Sirloin With Love (Season 13, Episode 20)

If you can only catch one episode from King of the Hill before the new series starts, it’s strongly recommended that you choose the final episode. This finale is widely considered to be the best among all episodes in the animated series due to its ability to tie up many of the show’s recurring themes. In a heartwarming moment, Hank’s son Bobby demonstrates his knowledge about cuts of meat, and for the first time, they both find a shared interest.

Bobby’s talent is so remarkable that he advances to a state-wide competition, which truly embodies his diverse passions. His passion for cooking, his enthusiasm for grand competitions, and his affection for his father are beautifully intertwined in one of the most touching farewell scenes ever depicted on TV. In fact, the challenge for future episodes is significant, as they must live up to such a moving finale.

Should you be interested in watching any of these episodes from “King of the Hill” or the entire series, you can currently stream it on Hulu.

2025-05-20 00:43