Zing Muse – The King of the Hill revival has stormed Hulu with 1.28 billion minutes viewed, ranking just behind Wednesday Season 2 on Nielsen’s charts. Discover how the animated classic is dominating streaming in 2025.

‘King of the Hill’ Returns with Record-Breaking Numbers

Hulu’s revival of the iconic animated sitcom King of the Hill has made an immediate impact on the streaming landscape. According to Nielsen’s latest weekly rankings (August 4–10, 2025), the series racked up a staggering 1.28 billion minutes of viewing time, cementing itself as the second most-watched program of the week.

The only show standing above it? Netflix’s powerhouse Wednesday Season 2, which drew in an astonishing 3.75 billion minutes.

Why ‘King of the Hill’ Is a Streaming Phenomenon

Despite being off the air for over 15 years, the return of Hank Hill and his Arlen, Texas neighbors has captured audiences in unexpected ways. Several factors explain the show’s extraordinary Nielsen performance:

• Fresh yet familiar storytelling: Of the 1.28 billion total minutes, 73% (928 million minutes) came from the ten brand-new episodes, proving fans wanted more than just nostalgia—they craved new adventures.

• Strategic episode planning: Hulu ordered 20 episodes upfront, ensuring a two-season pipeline without long production gaps. This strategy is rare for animated revivals and kept momentum strong.

• Cultural resonance: The series tapped into current issues while staying true to its original voice, making it stand out against competitors like Big Mouth (402 million minutes) and Disenchanted (298 million minutes) during their launches.

A Strong Rival to Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’

While Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ remains a global juggernaut, the ‘King of the Hill’ revival’s #2 position illustrates Hulu’s growing strength in adult animation. In fact, its viewership outpaced several heavily promoted Netflix titles, including The Hunting Wives (~1.2 billion minutes) and KPop Demon Hunters (~977 million minutes).

This marks one of the rare moments when a revived animated series goes head-to-head with one of streaming’s biggest hits and emerges as a genuine competitor.

What’s Next for ‘King of the Hill’

Fans don’t have to wait long for more. The second half of Hulu’s initial order—Season 15—is already complete and expected to premiere in summer 2026. Given the critical acclaim and stellar Nielsen numbers, industry insiders expect Hulu to greenlight additional seasons soon.

The Bigger Picture

In an era where most revivals struggle to find their footing, King of the Hill has rewritten the rulebook. By blending nostalgic charm with fresh storytelling, it not only revived a beloved series but also redefined what success looks like for animated comebacks.

As audiences continue to embrace the Hills, one thing is clear: this revival isn’t just a blast from the past—it’s a major streaming contender for the future.

Linda (news)