10 Best Hank Episodes to Watch Before King of the Hill’s Revival

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Get ready to revisit the iconic world of King of the Hill as it returns with a fresh season on Hulu! Before diving into the new episodes, why not refresh your memory with some classic Hank Hill moments from the original series? After a fifteen-year hiatus, the beloved animated show is back, and you’ll find yourself in a completely revamped setting for Hank and his friends. While many elements have evolved over time, the characters remain deeply rooted in their original charm that keeps fans hooked even today.

There’s no better illustration of this concept than with the character Hank. Many aspects of the original “King of the Hill” series revolved around how much Hank would or wouldn’t alter in different situations, and some of the most memorable episodes featured the most extreme examples of Hank’s transformation. To get to know Hank before the upcoming season of “King of the Hill,” here are our top ten recommended episodes to watch prior to the new premiere.

#10. Hank’s Dirty Laundry (Season 2, Episode 17)

In an unprecedented demonstration of his unwavering principles, “Hank’s Dirty Laundry” serves as a compelling illustration of the lengths Hank is prepared to go for what he believes in. Faced with allegations of owing a late fee for an adult film, Hank conducted such extensive research into these films that he was able to identify the specific title he rented was not available at the time he claimed to have rented it. Determined to validate his innocence, Hank showed no hesitation in delving into the world of adult entertainment, viewing it as a necessary step, without giving much thought to potential objections. Essentially, this incident reflects Hank’s character and unyielding commitment to truth.

#9. Beer and Loathing (Season 6, Episode 16)

In a humorous twist, Hank’s unyielding devotion to Alamo Beer sometimes lands him in trouble – like the time they traveled to Mexico to acquire it when it was out of stock. This impromptu expedition resulted in them experiencing some unpleasant stomach problems, which they then tried to conceal from Peggy. Although this episode primarily focuses on Peggy, it also underscores Hank’s deep affection for Alamo Beer. In the upcoming revival, hints suggest that Hank will encounter various modern beer brews, so understanding his attachment to Alamo Beer becomes crucial.

#8. Hank’s Bully (Season 10, Episode 14)

Throughout the duration of ‘King of the Hill’, Hank has faced numerous significant opponents, yet none compare to his young tormentor, Caleb. Initially portrayed as a boisterous new resident in the neighborhood, Caleb served as a tool to emphasize Hank’s stern parenting approach contrasting with others. The series had delved into this theme before, but presenting Hank in a predicament where he couldn’t immediately rectify the issue offered an unusual perspective on his character. This scenario highlighted both Hank’s pettiness and his underlying desire to be a responsible father and individual.

#7. Hank’s On Board (Season 10, Episode 1)

In some exceptional episodes from “King of the Hill,” we see Hank’s strong bonds with his friends, and “Hank’s On Board” stands out as a prime demonstration of his role within their group dynamics. Unlike many other episodes where Hank scolds his friends for being foolish, this is the first instance where Hank examines his position within the group. When he learns that Dale and Boomhauer have been spending time together without him, he recognizes that he may have been acting as a downer all along. Embracing this side of himself and behaving like an idiot brought forth a new facet of Hank’s personality. However, it wasn’t long before his friends understood that Hank is the one who holds them together (both emotionally and literally) – a fact that underscores why they’ve been inseparable for so long.

#6. Dances With Dogs (Season 7, Episode 5)

As an observer, I’ve noticed that the renowned ladybug, emblematic of the original “King of the Hill” series, has been notably absent from its revival promotional materials, which is somewhat disconcerting given the passing decade. This absence might unfortunately signal a less-than-ideal casting scenario for the new series. Yet, if Ladybird isn’t part of the new storyline, her significance to Hank’s character remains undiminished.

In various episodes, we see representations of what Ladybird means to Hank, but none encapsulate their relationship quite like the episode titled “Dances With Dogs.” In this episode, Hank dances with Ladybird, offering a poignant portrayal of their bond. It also offers a dual benefit by showcasing Peggy’s jealousy towards Ladybird and serving as a competition between Bobby, thereby fulfilling multiple narrative functions for this list.

#5. The Son Also Roses (Season 7, Episode 6)

Regarding Bobby and their rivalries, “The Son Also Roses” presents an unusual perspective for Hank. In this installment, we find Bobby delving into rose cultivation, piquing Hank’s curiosity when it’s disclosed that a competition is involved. Hank takes the matter excessively seriously, offering insight into his tenacious side, which can sometimes appear stubborn in a negative light. The episode highlights Hank’s competitive nature and demonstrates how he becomes fully invested in such endeavors. Given that a contest seems imminent in the revival, we can expect Hank to throw himself wholeheartedly into it.

#4. Little Horrors of Shop (Season 4, Episode 4)

In the fresh comeback of “King of the Hill,” we’ll encounter a Hank who no longer holds his previous position, leaving him with ample free time to fill in his new life. The episode titled “Little Horrors of Shop” served as an early glimpse into Hank’s character when he was compelled to take a week off work. During this period, we saw Hank excelling as a temporary shop class teacher. This version of Hank will likely dominate the upcoming episodes, as he dabbles in various activities to keep busy and discovers that he is talented at these new pursuits too. Given his nature without a job, it’s advisable to get accustomed to this side of Hank.

#3. Raise the Steaks (Season 12, Episode 6)

The episode ‘Raise the Steaks’ from King of the Hill brilliantly showcases the culmination of numerous seasons’ worth of character development for Hank. In this installment, we see not only Hank’s deep-seated affection for beef but also his ability to work with individuals he previously found distasteful. This time around, he finds himself working at a cooperative that houses non-conventional people, a group he had openly disdained in the past, all due to their quality meat offerings.

Additionally, this episode further develops Hank’s longstanding rivalry with Mega Lo Mart and introduces an unexpected twist: Hank aligning himself with environmentalism, a cause he had previously opposed. The humor lies in seeing Hank champion the environment despite his past stance on the issue. Essentially, ‘Raise the Steaks’ illustrates how Hank remains true to his values, even when it means stepping outside of his comfort zone.

#2. Chasing Bobby (Season 5, Episode 9)

In a somewhat unexpected turn for his character, Hank, who typically isn’t very emotional, had a heart-wrenching moment in “Chasing Bobby.” After witnessing an emotionally charged film at the theater, Hank found himself shedding tears in front of his friends and family when he discovered his truck was beyond repair. This scene, marked as the most emotional in the entire series for Hank, showed him forming a surprising connection with Bobby as they both faced the difficulty of parting ways. Interestingly, Hank cried more during this moment than he did at his father’s passing, offering insight into Hank’s true nature when he is alone.

#1. To Sirloin With Love (Season 13, Episode 20)

When considering the entire span of “King of the Hill,” there’s nothing more fitting to introduce the Hank we’ll encounter in the revival than through its series finale, “To Sirloin With Love.” This episode encapsulates the finest aspects of previous episodes, shedding light on various qualities that make Hank such a unique character. It portrays him as an excellent father, bonding with Bobby, demonstrates his fierce competitive spirit, showcases his affection for beef and culinary skills, and most importantly, underscores his genuine respect for his son. Although Bobby may not always meet Hank’s expectations, he remains proud of him in the end. There’s no better representation of Hank as a character, and why we can anticipate an enjoyable reunion with him in the upcoming episodes.

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2025-07-22 00:20