King of the Hill 3402926 225707504 2008-07-15T00:32:53Z Tj9991 192259 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/69.249.124.22|69.249.124.22]] to last version by 76.124.53.64 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{About|the television program|other uses|King of the Hill (disambiguation)}} {{infobox Television | | show_name = King of the Hill | image = [[Image:The Hills.jpg|300px|From left to right: Ladybird, Bobby, Hank, Peggy, and Luanne]] | rating = TV-PG, TV-G, TV-14 | caption = From left to right: Ladybird, Bobby, Hank, Peggy, and Luanne | format = Animated [[situation comedy|sitcom]] | picture_format = [[480i]] ([[SDTV]]) | runtime = 22 min. per episode | creator = [[Mike Judge]]<br>[[Greg Daniels]] | voices = [[Mike Judge]]<br>[[Kathy Najimy]]<br>[[Pamela Adlon|Pamela Segall Adlon]]<br> [[Brittany Murphy]] <br> [[Johnny Hardwick]] <br> [[Stephen Root]] | country = [[United States]] | network = [[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]] | first_aired = [[January 12]], [[1997]] | last_aired = present | num_seasons = 12 | num_episodes = 235 <!--As of May 18, 2008--> | list_episodes = List of King of the Hill episodes | website = http://www.fox.com/kingofthehill | imdb_id = 0118375 | tv_com_id = 250 |}} '''''King of the Hill''''' is an [[Emmy Award|Emmy]]-winning [[Television in the United States|American]] [[List of animated television series|animated television series]] created by [[Mike Judge]] and [[Greg Daniels]] for the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]]. It centers around [[List of characters in King of the Hill|the Hills]], a suburban [[Methodism|Methodist]] family proud of its [[Texas]] heritage. Unlike many animated sitcoms of its type that generally tend to feature unusual or impossible events, ''King of the Hill'' attempts to retain a realistic approach, featuring Americans with average IQs and seeking humor in the otherwise conventional or sometimes even mundane. Judge and Daniels conceived the series after a successful run with Judge's earlier ''[[Beavis and Butt-head]]'' on [[MTV]], and the series debuted on the Fox Network on [[January 12]], [[1997]], becoming an early hit. The series' popularity has also led to [[Television syndication|syndication]] by many local affiliates and [[FX (TV network)|the FX network]] as well as a number of international networks. The show has risen to become one of FOX's longest-running series, and the second longest-running [[United States|American]] animated series and [[sitcom]], behind ''[[The Simpsons]]''. In 2007, it was named by ''[[Time Magazine]]'' as one of the greatest television shows of all time.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651341_1659192_1652583,00.html The 100 Greatest Television Shows of All Time], ''[[TIME]]''. Retrieved [[2008-01-02]].</ref> The title theme was written and performed by [[The Refreshments (Arizona band)|The Refreshments]]. ''King of the Hill'' has won two [[Emmy Awards]] and has been nominated for four since its inception. On [[April 4]], [[2008]], it was announced that ''King of the Hill'' would return for a 13th season in early 2009 with 13 episodes ordered.<ref>[http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-foxrenewskingofthehillfor13thseason,0,7119886.story Lucky 13: FOX Renews 'King of the Hill' - New animated episodes will air in early 2009 - Zap2it<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Episodes== {{Main|List of King of the Hill episodes}} == Origins == In early 1995, after a successful run of ''[[Beavis and Butt-head]]'' on [[MTV]], Mike Judge co-created ''King of the Hill'' with former ''[[The Simpsons]]'' writer [[Greg Daniels]]. Judge is a former resident of [[Dallas, Texas]] suburb [[Garland, Texas|Garland]], considered the basis of the setting of the series, the fictional Arlen. Judge loosely based his creation of Hank Hill from a character in ''Beavis and Butt-Head'', [[Mr. Anderson (Beavis and Butt-head)|Mr. Anderson]].<ref name="productionhistory">''King of the Hill'' production history at [http://www.library.txstate.edu/swwc/archives/film/koth.htm Library.edu]; accessed [[January 2]] [[2007]].</ref> When Mike Judge pitched the series to Fox, he drew the characters as menacing looking, stereotypical "[[redneck]]s" with jagged teeth that protruded from their mouths when they spoke; Hank, Peggy, and Bobby were the only three characters whose present form closely resembles their original concept drawings (though originally Peggy was significantly overweight). Although rumored to be modeled after Judge himself, Dale is based on [[Robert Patrick]], whom Judge had originally wanted to voice the character.<ref>[http://www.episodeworld.com/name/0002117/ Robert Patrick] at Episode World</ref> Recently, ''King of the Hill'' joined the ranks of other Fox Network series like ''[[Futurama]]'' and ''[[Family Guy]]'' in its placement within a questionable time slot and has faced frequent preemptions from sporting events (mostly ''[[The NFL on FOX]]'') featuring overtime play and post-game commentary. The series' [[List of King of the Hill episodes#Season 10 (2005-2006)|tenth season]] was largely composed of episodes that did not get to air the previous season. During the tenth season in 2005, the show was scheduled to be canceled, however the series managed to attract high ratings and the series was renewed.<ref name="productionhistory" /> Fox renewed it for seasons eleven and twelve, making it the second longest-running animated television series after ''The Simpsons''.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/01/26/DDGF2NOE3J1.DTL&feed=rss.tgoodman King of the Hill kept alive by Fox, is in its prime. Long live the king], ''[[The San Francisco Chronicle]]'', [[2007-01-26]]. Retrieved [[2008-01-02]].</ref> After its debut, the series became a huge success for the [[Fox Network]] and was named one of the best television series by various publications, including ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', ''[[Time]]'' and ''[[TV Guide]]''. For the 1998 season, the series outperformed ''The Simpsons'' in ratings, and brought more viewers to its lead-out program ''[[The X-Files]]''. It quickly became one of the highest rated programs, finishing behind ''The X-Files'' and ahead of ''The Simpsons''. Fox also earned a double profit from the series success, since [[Twentieth Century Fox]] produced the show. == Setting == ''King of the Hill'' is set in Arlen, Texas. Arlen is a fictional town, although several references to surroundings are mentioned.<ref name="productionhistory" /> In a 1995 interview prior to the show's debut, Judge described the setting as "a town like [[Humble, Texas|Humble]]."<ref name="remote">Bruce Westbrook. "Remote control: Back home in Texas, Mike Judge keeps 'Beavis' clicking," ''Houston Chronicle'', [[October 15]], [[1995]], page 8.</ref> Like most [[fictional town]]s, the basis for the town does not originate from one specific place. However, there is much to support the theory that [[Temple, Texas|Temple]], Texas is the real location of Arlen. It is the location of Scott and White Hospital. As such, it is noted that Bobby drove to this hospital, arguably the most recognizable in all Central Texas. "Furthermore, with Bill (one of Hank's beer drinking buddies) working on a large Army base, the location of Fort Hood is right beside Temple/Killeen, Texas." Other clues also point to Temple. One episode in which Dale's wife, a weather forecaster, reports live from a wildfire points to a map that shows Arlen located just where Temple is located on a Texas map. Also in an episode titled "What Makes Bobby Run" in which Bobby, serving as Arlen's Longhorn mascot, attempts to kidnap the armadillo mascot of Arlen's arch-rival. That arch rival was Belton, located just west of Temple. Another hint that the location is actually Temple is found in Season 10 Episode 13, "The Texas Panhandler." While Bobby and Joseph stand out on the street holding signs pointing to deluxe apartments, behind Joseph's head, the word "Temple" can be seen as part of the sign for a video store. When he moves his head, the sign reads, "Temple of Videos," pointing to what is likely an in-joke and a hint at the town's location. In Season 8 Episode 15, "Apres Hank, le Deluge," a flood watch is issued for lowlying areas, including [[Travis County, Texas|Travis County]] and Heimlich County. Temple is located approximately 65 miles north of Austin, Texas, which is located in Travis County. It seems likely that, if they were affected by the same flood, the counties are adjacent or nearby. [[Bell County, Texas|Bell County]], in which Temple is located, is only two counties north of Travis County. == Themes == ''King of the Hill'' uses the standard set-up of a situational comedy or "[[sitcom]]" as its premise, depicting a family and their lives in a typical American town. It documents the Hills' day-to-day-lives in the small [[Texas]] town of Arlen, exploring modern themes ranging from parent-child relationships, to [[friendship]] and [[loyalty]], to [[justice]], [[envy]] and [[hubris]]. As an animated sitcom, however, ''King of the Hill'''s scope is generally larger than that of a regular sitcom. == Characters == {{main|List of characters in King of the Hill}} The patriarch of the Hills is [[Hank Hill]], a salesman of "propane and propane accessories," who has an obsession with his lawn, Buck Strickland, propane and the Dallas Cowboys. He is uncomfortable with [[intimacy]] and [[Human sexuality|sexuality]] but has a healthy relationship with his wife, as well as the rest of his family. Hank's trademark grunting sigh in times of discomfort and the phrase "I tell you what" are [[running gag]]s on the series. In contrast with his emotional distance with the members of his family, he dotes unashamedly on his dog, Ladybird. Hank is also known to be passively prejudicial in a sexist manner, disallowing his son Bobby from any untraditional and "feminine" activities. Hank is married to [[Peggy Hill]], a substitute [[Spanish language|Spanish]] teacher who has a poor grasp of the language (referring to it [[phonetics|phonetically]] as "es-pa-nole"). Peggy is also a freelance newspaper columnist, [[real estate]] agent, [[notary public]], and [[Boggle]] champion. Peggy frequently speaks the phrases "Oh, yeah!" when she exerts effort into a task, and "Oh, Peggy!", a self-compliment after a perceived accomplishment. Usually well-meaning and open-minded, she often displays her naïveté and arrogance; with an inflated sense of her intelligence and appearance, she considers herself knowledgeable, [[clever]] and physically attractive, but is blind to the truth due—most likely—to severe [[narcissism]]. The two have a son, [[Bobby Hill (King of the Hill)|Bobby Hill]], a chubby 13-year-old, who wants to be a famous [[prop comic]] when he is older. Bobby lacks his father's athletic prowess, dislikes most sports with the exception of wrestling, baseball, and track which he played for Tom Landry Middle School. He also attempted to play football and soccer. He has a rather wacky sense of humor that clashes with Hank's more collected manner. Hank's discomfort with Bobby's proclivities is a regular narrative element in the series, and he has stated this with phrases like "The boy ain't right" and "What has the [[MTV]] done to you, son?" because he is thought of by his father, as potentially being homosexual; however, some evidence opposes this. In addition to the lead family, the show includes an array of quirky characters: co-workers, teachers, family friends, extended relatives, townspeople and local celebrities. Occasionally, the series features [[guest stars]]. Luanne Platter is named after a plate from [[Luby's]], a [[cafeteria]] that is famous throughout Texas. ===Celebrity voices=== [[Billy West]], [[Ashley Gardner]], [[Toby Huss]], [[Lauren Tom]], [[David Herman]], [[Breckin Meyer]], [[Jonathan Joss]] and [[Tom Petty]] have recurring roles in the series. In addition, the show has many celebrity appearances &mdash; though rarely as themselves &mdash; including [[Trace Adkins]], [[Pamela Anderson]], [[Jennifer Aniston]], [[Will Arnett]], [[Tom Arnold]], [[Diedrich Bader]], [[Big Boi]], [[Clint Black]], [[Lisa Hartman Black]], [[Brooks & Dunn]], [[Dennis Burkley]], [[Gary Busey]], [[Drew Carey]], [[Kelly Clarkson]], [[Mo Collins]], [[David Cross]], [[Johnny Depp]], [[Laura Dern]], [[Ani DiFranco]], [[Dale Earnhardt]], [[Shannon Elizabeth]], [[Will Ferrell]], [[Sally Field]], [[Nathan Fillion]], [[John Force]], [[Brendan Fraser]], [[Sarah Michelle Gellar]], [[Paul Giamatti]], [[Vince Gill]], [[Jeff Goldblum]], [[John Goodman]], [[Topher Grace]], [[Green Day]], [[Kirk Hammett]], [[Ed Harris]], [[Phil Hendrie]], [[Dennis Hopper]], [[Michael Keaton]], [[Jamie Kennedy]], [[Kid Rock]], [[Johnny Knoxville]], [[Lisa Kudrow]], [[Laura Linney]], [[Lucy Liu]], [[Heather Locklear]], [[Lindsay Lohan]], [[Bernie Mac]], [[Danny Masterson]], [[Rue McClanahan]], [[Matthew McConaughey]], [[Mary Tyler Moore]], [[Willie Nelson]], [[No Doubt]], [[Brad Pitt]], [[Laura Prepon]], [[Brad Renfro]], [[Alan Rickman]], [[John Ritter]], [[Chris Rock]], [[Randy Savage|"Macho Man" Randy Savage]], [[Dax Shepard]], [[Cybill Shepherd]], [[Gene Simmons]], [[Robert Smith (musician)|Robert Smith]], [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Ben Stiller]], [[George Strait]], [[Meryl Streep]], [[Sum 41]], [[Mikey Teutul]], [[Paul Teutul Jr.]], [[Paul Teutul Sr.]], [[Billy Bob Thornton]], [[Tone Lōc]], [[Randy Travis]], [[Danny Trejo]], [[Jane Wiedlin]], [[Fred Willard]], [[Owen Wilson]], [[Reese Witherspoon]], [[Amy Hill]], [[Dwight Yoakam]], [[Renee Zellweger]] and [[ZZ Top]]. [[Jazz]] musician [[Chuck Mangione]] has a recurring part as himself. Musician [[Tom Petty]] has a recurring role as Lucky, the boyfriend (later husband) of [[Luanne Platter]]. ==Popular Culture References== {{Trivia|date=June 2008}} <!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[Image:Bt2.PNG|frame|thumb|225px|The Hills on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' with Dale, Bill and Boomhauer in the background]] --> * The series is occasionally referenced in ''[[The Simpsons]]''. The Hill family was once (briefly) seen in "[[Bart Star]]" (with [[Dale Gribble|Dale]], [[Bill Dauterive|Bill]] and [[Boomhauer]] visible in the background), where Bart Simpson and his football team badly defeat Arlen's team, with Hank making the remark: "We drove 2,000 miles for this?" In "[[Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo]]", Barney imitates Homer in order to put drinks on his tab at Moe's, saying "D'oh!, woohoo!, uh... that boy ain't right.", combining Homer's and Hank Hill's catchphrases. In "[[Helter Shelter]]", in which the Simpson house undergoes fumigation, the family questions one another on where to live. Homer decides to stand outside the house and wait. He opens a beer, and the ''King of the Hill'' theme tune plays and, as with the theme of ''King of the Hill'', time speeds up and events occur rapidly while Homer takes sips of beer, just as Hank does. Upon finding that only a few minutes have passed, Homer gives up. In "[[Missionary: Impossible]]", Hank can be seen at the end of the episode working the [[PBS]]-style pledge phonelines for the FOX network. In "[[Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens, and Gays]]", while Bart and Lisa are fighting over the remote control, it stops on one channel and although the viewer cannot see the screen they hear an imitation of Hank's voice saying "Bobby, I've got propane in my urethra," combining three recurring elements of the show. * In the ''[[Family Guy]]'' episode "[[One If By Clam, Two If By Sea]]", the guys stand in front of the alley and act out the famous "Yep" scene after their bar has been taken over by British people. In "[[Petergeist]]", Peter begins to peel off his face in front of a mirror until Hank Hill's face is revealed underneath. He then says "heheheh... propane." * In the episode "[[Cartoon Wars Part II]]" of the series ''[[South Park]]'', when [[Eric Cartman|Cartman]] and [[Kyle Broflovski|Kyle]] are fighting at Fox Studios, they pass through cubicles with signs that say "King of the Hill - 11th Season." Mike Judge has been friends with ''South Park'' creators [[Matt Stone]] and [[Trey Parker]] since he advised them on how to deal with the cult status of a cartoon in 1997 and provided the unmuffled voice of [[Kenny McCormick|Kenny]] in ''[[South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut]]''. * Hank, Bill, and Dale are parodied on ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]''; known as the "Red Neck Hunters", recurring villains who attempt to hunt Godzilla as a trophy. *In an episode of ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'', "[[Squirrel Jokes]]" when SpongeBob tells squirrel jokes, a fish that looks like Hank Hill can be seen in the audience. *Boomhauer is referenced in the [[Mystery Science Theater 3000]] episode featuring the movie ''Squirm''. A character in the movie mumbles something incoherently, to which Tom Servo replies, "Thanks, [[Hank Hill]]'s friend." *In the PC game [[Starcraft]], clicking repeatedly on a Terran Firebat unit will eventually result in the Firebat asking, "Do you have any questions about propane?" followed by "Or propane accessories?" This is a direct reference to Hank Hill's recurring statement about selling "propane and propane accessories." *In the Web Game Merry Poppings from [[Slingo]], explosive balloons are stated to be filled with "Propane and Propane Accessories", referring to Hank's famous line. *In the [[Drawn Together]] episode "[[Lost in Parking Space, Part One]]", [[Foxxy Love]] tries on a King of the Hill Boredom Helmet in [[Hot Topic]]. ==References== {{reflist}} == External links == {{Wikiquote}} * [http://www.fox.com/kingofthehill/ ''King of the Hill''] ([[Fox Broadcasting Company]] site) (requires [[Adobe Flash|Flash]]) * {{imdb title|id=0118375|title=King of the Hill}} * [http://www.bcdb.com/cartoons/Other_Studios/F/Film_Roman_Productions/King_of_the_Hill/index.html ''King of the Hill''] at the [[Big Cartoon DataBase]] * [http://www.tv.com/king-of-the-hill/show/250/summary.html?q=king+of+the+hill King of the Hill at TV.com] {{King of the Hill}} {{Mike Judge works}} [[Category:Animated sitcoms]] [[Category:King of the Hill| ]] [[Category:Fox network shows]] [[Category:1997 television series debuts]] [[Category:1990s American animated television series]] [[Category:2000s American animated television series]] [[Category:Television shows set in Texas]] [[Category:Comedy-drama television series]] [[de:King of the Hill]] [[es:King of the Hill]] [[fr:Henri pis sa gang]] [[is:King of the Hill]] [[it:King of the Hill]] [[he:המלך היל]] [[ja:キング・オブ・ザ・ヒル]] [[pl:Bobby kontra wapniaki]] [[pt:King of the Hill]] [[ru:Царь горы (мультсериал)]] [[sq:King of the Hill]] [[simple:King of the Hill]] [[fi:Kukkulan kuningas]] [[sv:King of the Hill]]