The Ultimate King of the Hill Episode Ranking: Unveiling the Absolute Best!

Summary

King of the Hill is a grounded animated series that tells stories about relatable everyday situations, unlike other adult-oriented cartoons.

On Hulu, the revival of King of the Hill will showcase the older versions of Hank, Peggy, and Bobby as they navigate the modern world, injecting humor into the ordinary moments of everyday life. The show's well-known episodes explore various subjects, such as Hank's unintentional purchase of crack cocaine, coping with workplace harassment, and experiencing first love.

King of the Hill, created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, offers a plethora of amusing and heartfelt episodes. Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, the show revolves around the life of the mild-mannered propane salesman Hank Hill, his wife Peggy, and their son Bobby. Unlike other adult-oriented animated series such as The Simpsons and Family Guy, King of the Hill stands out for its grounded approach to storytelling. Instead of relying on far-fetched plots and celebrity appearances, it focuses on relatable everyday situations.

Hulu has recently announced the revival of King of the Hill, adding to the list of classic sitcoms being updated for a new generation of viewers. The reboot will portray an older version of Hank, Peggy, and Bobby as they navigate the challenges of the modern world. Given the show's knack for finding humor in ordinary daily experiences, the writers are sure to provide insightful commentary on the current state of affairs. In the meantime, fans can catch up on the iconic King of the Hill episodes before the reboot premieres on Hulu.

25 Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

Most TV shows take time to find their rhythm, but King of the Hill had already mastered its characters and comedic style right from the start. In the pilot episode, we are immediately introduced to the relationship between Hank and Bobby. Hank is desperate to see Bobby succeed in his baseball team, but quickly discovers that Bobby is completely hopeless. Things take a comical turn when Bobby ends up with a black eye after a sporting accident, leading to rumors spreading and social services getting involved. This pilot episode of King of the Hill perfectly showcases the show's ability to set up a humorous situation and take it to the most absurd extremes.

24 Jumpin' Crack Bass (Season 2, Episode 5)

Hank unknowingly purchases crack cocaine while shopping for fishing bait, resulting in his arrest for drug possession in the second season episode titled "Jumpin’ Crack Bass." Hank's intense aversion to drugs means that any episode in which he unintentionally becomes entangled in the realm of drugs is bound to become a classic. In terms of Hank's drug-related storylines, mistakenly purchasing crack as fishing bait is only surpassed in its impact by accidentally smoking a joint.

23 Soldier Of Misfortune (Season 6, Episode 2)

When Dale accidentally shoots a cash register in "Soldier of Misfortune," his chances of being re-elected as the president of his gun club become extremely slim. However, his friends come together to uplift his spirits. In this episode, Gary Busey delivers a characteristically unpredictable performance as Dale's well-named rival, Mad Dog. Among Hank's group, Dale stands out as the wildcard - the most eccentric individual, yet also arguably the most sensitive and vulnerable. It is always a pleasure to see him take center stage in his own episode.

22 Jon Vitti Presents: "Return To La Grunta" (Season 3, Episode 16)

In a highly unique episode addressing the issue of sexual harassment, Luanne encounters continuous harassment at her newly acquired position at a country club while Hank experiences an unexpected incident involving a dolphin attempting to mate with him. Although the Hank storyline playfully references the concept of When Animals Attack, the Luanne storyline earnestly delves into the challenges of confronting workplace harassment. Titled "Jon Vitti Presents: 'Return to La Grunta'," this episode utilizes a preposterous narrative involving a dolphin's pursuit of Hank to delve into the shadowy realm of corporate enablers and scandalous cover-ups.

21 Hilloween (Season 2, Episode 4)

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20 Chasing Bobby (Season 5, Episode 9)

, the first of King of the Hill's two Halloween episodes, appropriately titled "Hilloween," the banishment of Halloween festivities from Arlen is pursued by a meddlesome individual from the local church. This individual claims that the holiday originates from witchcraft and Devil worship. Sally Field delivers an unforgettable guest performance as Junie Harper, the nefarious character in this episode. Usually, it is Hank's role to embody authority in King of the Hill episodes, as he sets arbitrary rules for Bobby and Luanne to adhere to. Therefore, it is satisfying to witness an episode where Hank challenges the notion of authority and its nonsensical regulations.

In the episode "Chasing Bobby" of the fifth season, Hank adamantly holds onto his worn-out truck despite being warned by a mechanic that it is on the brink of breaking down. The unwavering attachment of a suburban father to his reliable, yet aging vehicle is both humorously relatable and endearing. This particular episode unexpectedly strengthens the bond between Hank and Bobby, portraying a heartwarming narrative.

19 A Firefighting We Will Go (Season 3, Episode 10)

The satirization of volunteer firefighters can be seen across popular shows like The Simpsons and I Love Lucy. It is amusing to witness amateurs taking on such a crucial and risky profession. In the season 3 episode "A Firefighting We Will Go" of King of the Hill, Hank and his friends embark on a journey as volunteer firefighters, resulting in hilarious situations. Their firefighting career starts off disastrously when they accidentally burn down the firehouse. This episode offers a comical perspective, showcasing the Rashomon effect as Hank, Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer each present their own version of the events.

18 How To Fire A Rifle Without Really Trying (Season 2, Episode 1)

In "How to Fire a Rifle Without Really Trying" from season 2, Bobby discovers his natural talent for shooting and aspires to compete in a shooting tournament. Hank, on the other hand, faces conflicting emotions as he takes pride in Bobby excelling in an athletic activity, yet is haunted by the childhood trauma inflicted by his own father. Notably, this episode features the distinctive voice of Wallace Shawn, who portrays Phillip Ny—a character designed to resemble the iconic actor himself.

17 Square Peg (Season 1, Episode 2)

16 And They Call It Bobby Love (Season 3, Episode 2)

The writers of King of the Hill ingeniously crafted one of their most memorable episode concepts in only the show's second episode. Titled "Square Peg," the storyline revolves around Peggy being tasked with providing sex education to Bobby's classmates. This highly provocative scenario places Peggy, known for her conservative and traditional values, in an uncomfortable position, while simultaneously adding to Bobby's existing social alienation. Adding to the hilarity, Hank finds himself caught in the middle, serving as the perfect comedic foil.

Bobby's journey into adulthood is beautifully captured in Season 3's heartwarming episode, "And They Call It Bobby Love." As he falls head over heels for an older girl who appreciates his sense of humor, Bobby experiences the sheer bliss of young love. But along with the excitement comes the darker underbelly of romance. When the object of his affection dances with other guys, Bobby's insecurities take hold, revealing his struggle to navigate the turbulent waters of jealousy and possessiveness. "And They Call It Bobby Love" is truly King of the Hill's own version of Licorice Pizza, masterfully exploring the complexities of adolescence.

15 Ho, Yeah! (Season 5, Episode 13)

14 The Final Shinsult (Season 2, Episode 18)

In the episode "Ho, Yeah!" of season 5, the Hills inadvertently extend an invitation to a sex worker to stay at their residence. This leads to a clash between Hank and her pimp, Alabaster Jones. Notably, this episode showcases captivating guest performances by Renée Zellweger, who portrays Tammi, the sex worker residing with the Hills, and Snoop Dogg, who plays Alabaster Jones, an adversary of Hank. Unbeknownst to Hank, he unintentionally transforms into a pimp and starts promoting Tammi's services throughout the town.

In "The Final Shinsult," Cotton makes a comeback and joins forces with Dale to orchestrate a daring museum heist. Their target? The revered wooden leg of a legendary Mexican general, currently exhibited in Arlen's museum. Dale's eccentric plans never fail to entertain, but this particular endeavor is especially comical due to his unlikely accomplice: Hank's cantankerous father. As always, Hank finds himself cleaning up his father's messes, and this criminal scheme ranks among Cotton's most chaotic exploits.

13 Naked Ambition (Season 4, Episode 15)

12 Hank's Unmentionable Problem (Season 1, Episode 6)

: In a classic sitcom twist, one character stumbles upon the sight of another character in the buff, leading to a series of awkward and comedic moments. In the episode "Naked Ambition" of King of the Hill, Bobby unintentionally walks in on Luanne in her birthday suit, triggering feelings of envy in Joseph. This causes Connie to become increasingly suspicious that the two are discussing her secretively. However, the show infuses its own brand of eccentricity through its vibrant cast of characters, offering a fresh and entertaining take on this well-known sitcom trope. Adding to the hilarity, there is a playful side story involving Boomhauer, who is mistakenly admitted to a mental institution.

In the episode "Hank's Unmentionable Problem" from season 1, Hank experiences a case of constipation. However, the true struggle for the traditional Hill family patriarch lies not in the constipation itself but in Peggy's tendency to announce it to everyone in the neighborhood. Consequently, Hank becomes inundated with unsolicited advice from the locals on how to relieve his condition. It is worth noting that any episode of King of the Hill featuring Hank's public humiliation and subsequent repercussions is certain to deliver comedic brilliance.

11 A Beer Can Named Desire (Season 4, Episode 6)

When Hank emerges as the victor of an Alamo Beer competition in "A Beer Can Named Desire," he is granted an opportunity to potentially win $1 million by successfully tossing a football through a hoop during a Dallas Cowboys game. Now faced with a dilemma, Hank finds himself torn between two options: either personally completing the throw for a shot at the grand prize or relinquishing the ball to former Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith for a chance at winning $100,000. As Hank grapples with this pivotal decision, the B-plot ventures to Chateau Dautrive, where an assortment of eccentric individuals from Bill's extended family await their encounter.

10 I Don't Want To Wait (Season 5, Episode 3)

In "I Don't Want to Wait," Bobby celebrates his 13th birthday and realizes that his friend Joseph, who is a year younger, has already hit puberty. Joseph has grown taller, his voice has deepened, and other physical changes have occurred. Meanwhile, Bobby remains the same height with a high-pitched voice. This episode delves into the relatable insecurities of adolescence as Bobby becomes increasingly envious of the attention Joseph receives due to his physical maturity. The story also carries a heartwarming message: everyone harbors insecurities. Surprisingly, Bobby discovers that Joseph is equally envious of him because he admires Bobby's confidence and outspoken nature.

9 Escape From Party Island (Season 3, Episode 17)

8 Keeping Up With Our Joneses (Season 1, Episode 10)

Hank's ultimate nightmare unfolds in “Escape from Party Island.” Reluctantly, he agrees to chauffeur his relentlessly critical mother and her incessantly squabbling friends to Galveston, a dreadful enough situation in itself. However, their unlucky fate lands them on an island brimming with boisterous college students celebrating spring break. Being surrounded by a chorus of grumbling elderly ladies is unbearable on its own, but to be trapped amidst carefree, reveling young adults magnifies Hank's discomfort to an unparalleled degree. “Escape from Party Island” thrusts Hank into the height of hilarity, as he navigates a territory completely alien to him, far outside his comfort zone.

In “Keeping Up with Our Joneses,” Hank catches Bobby smoking a cigarette and decides to give him a taste of his own medicine by making him smoke an entire carton. However, this punishment backfires as Hank becomes re-addicted to tobacco and resumes his own smoking habit. This particular episode stands out as one of the darkest in the series. "Keeping Up with Our Joneses" humorously exposes the hypocrisy of parents who punish their children for actions they themselves engaged in during their own youth.

7 Aisle 8A (Season 4, Episode 5)

6 Hank's Dirty Laundry (Season 2, Episode 7)

Connie's parents are away on vacation in Hawaii in the season 4 episode "Aisle 8A," so she stays with the Hills. However, things take an embarrassing turn when Connie experiences her first period while at their house. Peggy has already left for work, and Hank is unable to reach Connie's parents, leaving him to handle the situation on his own. In a state of panic, Hank dials 911 and hurriedly takes Connie to the emergency room, with her head covered by a blanket. "Aisle 8A" cleverly satirizes the perplexing moments of puberty and men's complete lack of understanding about menstruation.

In the episode "Hank's Dirty Laundry" of season 2, Hank discovers with shock that his personal information has been stolen and his credit cards have been fraudulently used to rent adult films. Initially assumed to be a system error, the situation escalates when he starts receiving explicit mail and numerous pornographic packages are delivered to his home. Consequently, not only does Hank have to rectify his compromised identity and credit rating, but he also must restore his public image. "Hank's Dirty Laundry" hilariously satirizes the societal taboo surrounding pornography.