What To Know
- Stephen Root reveals that the King of the Hill revival will show Bill’s personal growth.
- The new season showcases maturity for the entire cast, introducing new neighbors and expanding the dynamics of Arlen’s social group.
William Fontaine de La Tour Dauterive, better known to his buddies as just Bill, has always been the sad sack of Rainey Street in King of the Hill. Having peaked in high school, he was emotionally destroyed by his ex-wife Lenore, leading to him becoming clinically depressed and socially awkward. But in Season 15, the man behind Bill, Stephen Root, promises that fans will get a whole new Bill.
According to Root, one of the biggest changes in the King of the Hill revival is that Bill is finally trying to improve himself.
While the original series often portrayed him as someone his friends merely tolerated, Season 15 sees Bill actively working to become a better person with the support of those around him. Root believes that growth extends beyond Bill and reflects the direction of the entire series.
“I think that’s happening all throughout the show, though,” Root explained. “You’re seeing a lot of different sides of Peggy [Kathy Najimy] and Hank [Mike Judge]. Everybody’s kind of grown a little bit in this new iteration of King of the Hill, and going forward, I think that’s a really good way to do it. It’s kind of revolutionary for animation. Nobody ever ages in a show, except we’re aging and learning in this show. So I think Bill, along with everybody else, is trying to be a better person, trying to make society a better place. And I’m glad we are going in that direction.”
That evolution also gave Root a new appreciation for Bill as a character. He said the revival explores something the original series rarely did: friends actively helping Bill become stronger instead of simply accepting his shortcomings.
“In the seasons before, they were tolerant of Bill. They weren’t trying to change him. And that’s different now because I think the whole show is trying to go for the betterment of the characters, and you’re seeing changes in everybody,” said Root.
“I think Bill understands that he has to come out of his shell in order to be fully realized,” Root said. “That happens a little bit in this season, and a little bit in the next season coming up.”
The revival also expands the world around Arlen’s famous alley gang. While Hank, Bill, Dale (Toby Huss), and Boomhauer (Judge) remain the heart of the series, Root said fresh faces allow the friendships to evolve in interesting ways.
“I think the foursome this season is going to expand a little bit because we have new neighbors,” Root said. “Hank and Peggy coming back after a very long hiatus and seeing the changes around the neighborhood. You’re going to see more expansive friendships, which is great. That’s the new part of the show, seeing different people come together. I’m thrilled that we’ve got some new blood and new characters.”
As for what Root wants most for Bill’s future, the answer came immediately.
“Girlfriend! Get me a girlfriend, please!” he laughed. “It’s time for Bill to have a real girlfriend. He’s had several kind-of girlfriends. Thank God he’s a little bit over the Peggy infatuation because it’s creepy. I’d rather him have a real girlfriend, and I think you’re going to see that go in that direction.”
King of the Hill, Season 15 premiere, July 20, Hulu