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Which animated sitcom, created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, centers on the conservative, propane-selling patriarch Hank Hill and his eccentric family and friends in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas?

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King of the Hill - television illustration
King of the Hill — television

The animated sitcom that centers on the conservative, propane-selling patriarch Hank Hill and his eccentric family and friends (Review) in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, is "King of the Hill." Created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, the show debuted in 1997 and became a beloved staple of animated television for its grounded humor and relatable portrayal of suburban life. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it often opted for a more observational and subtle comedic style, focusing on the everyday challenges and triumphs of its characters.

Mike Judge, known for "Beavis and Butt-Head," conceived the idea for the show, drawing the main characters and writing a pilot script. Fox then paired him with Greg Daniels, an experienced writer from "The Simpsons (Review)," who helped shape key characters like Luanne and Cotton and brought a focus on character development and emotional context to the series. Their combined talents resulted in a show praised for its sense of humanity and its ability to explore cultural conflicts through the lens of Hank Hill's traditional values.

"King of the Hill" ran for 13 seasons, totaling 259 episodes, making it one of Fox's longest-running animated series. The fictional town of Arlen, Texas, was inspired by Dallas suburbs like Garland and Richardson, where Judge had lived, contributing to the show's authentic depiction of a working-class Texas community. The series garnered widespread acclaim, winning two Emmy Awards, and is often regarded as one of the greatest animated shows of all time. Fans can also look forward to a revival of the series, with new episodes slated to air in 2025.