The new King of the Hill revival is absolutely brilliant. The show’s recently released fourteenth season did not just hit a home run out of the park, but a grand slam. Season 14 is filled with clever in-jokes that longtime fans recognize and greatly appreciate. One such reference occurs in Season 14, Episode 6, “King of the Grill.” The episode hilariously references how the FOX Network cancelled the show over fifteen years ago. It’s time to unpack one of the best meta-gags and references of King of the Hill Season 14.
‘King of the Hill’ References the Show’s Cancelation in Season 14
The title of Season 14, Episode 6, “King of the Grill” refers to a fictional, in-universe cooking show. Of course, it’s not a coincidence that its title is similar to that of the series. During the episode, Bobby Hill (Pamela Adlon) voices his interest in competing in the reality show, believing the promotion would benefit his restaurant, Robota Chane. Bobby asks his business partner, Chane Wassanasong (Ki Hong Lee), if he remembers the old cooking show, called “King of the Grill?” Chane takes the meta-joke even further as he responds, “That Texas cooking show that FOX stupidly cancelled fifteen years ago?” Chane’s joke is comedically ironic since that is basically what happened with King of the Hill when the series originally ended in 2009!
FOX Cancelled ‘King of the Hill’ Over 15 Years Ago
The Fox Network actually did cancel King of the Hill over 15 years ago at the end of its thirteenth season. Although FOX did not provide an official reason for cancelling King of the Hill, the following season, the show was replaced by the Family Guy spin-off, The Cleveland Show, on FOX’s animation block. The Cleveland Show never enjoyed the success or staying power of its animated contemporaries, and many fans likely felt that the network made a poor choice in cancelling King of the Hill when the show was still producing quality storylines and at its creative peak. King of the Hill also won two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Animated Program. Chane’s line about FOX cancelling the series is not unusual for animated revivals of series that previously aired on FOX. Futurama loves making jokes about its multiple cancellations, such as the “BOX Network” gag in the episode, “Futurama Returns,” clearly meant as a jab at the FOX Network cancelling the show years earlier.
Chane’s line likely feels validating for longtime King of the Hill fans, with the show’s recent return, and perhaps they think the show never should have gone off the air in the first place. That said, the fifteen-year gap did allow for the narrative time-jump, as the series picks up years after the original series finale, “To Sirloin With Love.” Bobby’s experiences as a young adult provide some of the best storylines in the new season. Additionally, series co-creator and star Mike Judge held no hard feelings about the show’s cancellation by FOX in 2009. Before the series finale aired, Mike Judge told The New York Times, “I actually think it’s probably a good time to stop. Then again, I kind of wanted to stop six or seven years ago, and I felt like it got really good after that.” The executive producer continued, “At the same time, I would prefer to quit while we’re ahead rather than run it into the ground.”
‘King of the Hill’ Was Almost Cancelled After Season 11
Season 13 was not the first time King of the Hill faced cancellation from the FOX Network. Originally, the series was meant to end after the Season 11 finale, “Lucky’s Wedding Suit.” An ending was even filmed, marking the episode as the series finale. As reported by The San Francisco Chronicle in January 2007, King of the Hill’s ratings and viewership had suffered from being preempted by NFL football coverage on the FOX Network. However, the show was given a reprieve and granted two more seasons, culminating in its eventual series finale in 2009. To Judge’s point, he was ready to stop King of the Hill years earlier, but he noted how the series continued to improve after he originally wanted it to end. Now that the series is finally back in 2025, that continues to be the case.
The ‘King of the Hill’ Revival Has Already Been Renewed by Hulu
The good news is that the King of the Hill revival has already been renewed for a fifteenth season. Season 14 has received an incredible reception from viewers and critics alike, scoring 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Hulu ordered two seasons for this revival similar to that seen with other successful animated shows likeThe Simpsons. Streaming viewership for this revival has also been spectacular. Variety reports that Season 14 premiere drew an impressive number of views within its first week post-release. This demonstrates that there remains a strong and loyal following eager for more antics from Hank Hill (Judge), Bobby, and their friends.
The humorous references serve as a reminder for fans who were disappointed by FOX’s decision to cancel after Season 13. Ultimately now that King of The Hillis back and thriving once more fans are delighted with its return. The strong viewership and reviews for Season 14 prove that it has maintained its quality during its fifteen-year hiatus and audiences are excited about what lies ahead for Hank and Bobby as they navigate new adventures together.
All fourteen seasons ofKing of The Hillare available to stream now on Hulu in U.S.
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