An animated sitcom as American as apple pie and Texas. King of The Hill debuted in 1997 off the heels of creator Mike Judge's other show, "Beavis and Butt-Head," which was canceled by MTV. Mike Judge used much influence from Beavis and Butt-head for King of The Hill. He based the main character Hank Hill on a recurring character Tom Anderson from Beavis and Butt-Head. But what makes this show so good? What makes it one of the most likable animated sitcoms of all time?
The biggest thing that makes this show so likable is the characters. Hank is an excellent ol' boy who grew up in Arlen, Texas, with his buddies. There is the fast-talking ladies' man Boomhauer, the conspiracy theorist, skeptical of everyone exterminator Dale Gribble, and the fat, self-loathing, depressed Cajun army barber Bill Dautreive, along with Hank's wife Peggy, a sometimes narcissistic substitute Spanish teacher (Who can't comprehend the language if she tried), his son Bobby who wants to be a prop comic despite Hank's wishes, and his niece Luanne who stays with the Hill Family after her mom is put into prison. We are also introduced to other side characters like Cotton Hill (Hank's dad who killed fitty men and got his shins blown off by the Japanese army in WW2), Nancy Hicks (Dale's wife), John Redcorn (Nancy's side lover), and many other zany characters who make the show enjoyable. What I like about these characters is that they have their faults and good sides.
The second thing I like about this show is the satire of the good ol' American family and everyday situations. Hank is a propane salesman by trade and is committed to the job to a fault. Much the same chagrin that many other sitcom fathers are committed to their jobs. The show uses a lot of Texas references like The Alamo, Whataburger, The Dallas Cowboys, and Friday Night Football. The boys are always in the alley drinking beer and swapping life stories. Bobby and Friends' school is named after legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. The show often makes satire of common educational controversies like No Child Left Behind, school advertising, and academic staff issues.
The show is a piece of Americana. A slice of life comedy that anyone can enjoy regardless of social status, political view, or even gender. I would pace it above Family Guy, SpongeBob, The Simpsons, and even The Flintstones as one of the most iconic animated sitcoms ever. Sure, the others have had a long run as The Simpsons have been on for 35 plus years (Starting on Tracey Ullman in 1987), The Flintstones was the first adult animated sitcom in 1960, and SpongeBob has been the longest-running cable cartoon since 1999. But, when it comes to King of The Hill, it will always be the most American show ever.
RIP Johnny Hardwick, Brittany Murphy, and Tom Petty
Most Helpful Opinions