Hulu's revival of 'King of the Hill' became an instant streaming hit after a 15-year hiatus, debuting as the second most-watched show in the U.S. with 1.2 billion minutes viewed and proving the animated classic has serious multi-generational appeal.
By the numbers: The series made its first-ever appearance in Nielsen's top 10, landing only behind Netflix’s 'Wednesday,' which drew a massive 3.7 billion minutes. The new season was the undisputed main event, with Nielsen data showing it was responsible for 77% of the total watch time.
The kids are alright: The show's success isn't just driven by nostalgia. The series is connecting with a new generation, as Deadline reports that adults 18-34 made up a surprising 43% of the viewership.
More in the can: Viewers who've already finished the new season are in luck. Vulture first reported that Hulu’s initial order was for 20 episodes, and a second batch—which will serve as the show's 15th season—has already wrapped production for a 2026 release.
The explosive debut of 'King of the Hill' is a powerful proof point for streamers that investing in beloved, long-dormant IP can still deliver a massive, cross-generational audience in a crowded market. The show's success comes as streaming continues to dominate television. According to Nielsen's Gauge report, streaming viewership hit another all-time high in July, capturing nearly half of all TV use in the United States.
