King of the Hill at a Glance
King of the Hill ran for 13 seasons with 259 episodes from January 12, 1997, to September 13, 2009. The show follows propane salesman Hank Hill across fictional Arlen, Texas. This guide lists every season by original air dates, episode totals, and key milestones.
Season-By-Season Breakdown
Below is a season-level overview in air-date order, with verified episode counts and season-level notes that matter for long-term reference.
| Season | Episodes | Original Air Dates | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | Jan 12–May 11, 1997 | Debut season; early Hank and Peggy dynamics established. |
| 2 | 22 | Nov 16, 1997–May 17, 1998 | First full 22-episode season; stronger supporting cast focus. |
| 3 | 25 | Sep 27, 1998–May 16, 1999 | Boomhauer’s storytelling becomes more prominent. |
| 4 | 25 | Sep 26, 1999–May 21, 2000 | Deeper serialized character arcs begin to emerge. |
| 5 | 23 | Sep 24, 2000–May 20, 2001 | Mid-run quality remains consistently strong. |
| 6 | 25 | Oct 1, 2001–May 19, 2002 | Peggy’s professional growth is a key theme. |
| 7 | 25 | Sep 29, 2002–May 18, 2003 | Continued high output and creative stability. |
| 8 | 25 | Nov 2, 2003–May 23, 2004 | Network transition to Sundays mid-season. |
| 9 | 25 | Sep 26, 2004–May 15, 2005 | Moved to The CW; fanbase remains loyal. |
| 10 | 22 | Sep 25, 2005–May 20, 2006 | CW era; tone stays grounded and character-led. |
| 11 | 22 | Sep 24, 2006–May 19, 2007 | Late-run consistency remains high. |
| 12 | 22 | Sep 30, 2007–May 18, 2008 | Continued strong writing and voice cast performances. |
| 13 | 7 | Sep 6–Sep 13, 2009 | 13-episode final season on MyNetworkTV; series finale aired in 2009. |
Season Highlights by Area
Series Context and Debut
Season 1 establishes Hank Hill’s measured worldview and the central premise of day-to-day life in Arlen. With 13 episodes and modest ambitions, it sets the tone without overreaching. The original premise—about a propane salesman navigating small-town life—remains clear and relatable.
Growth and Expansion (Seasons 2–7)
Seasons 2 through 7 represent the show’s peak stability window. Episode counts settle around 22–25, supporting deeper supporting stories for Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer. Character milestones, such as Peggy’s career advancements and Bobby’s coming-of-age moments, land with consistent humor and empathy.
Transition and Finales (Seasons 8–13)
Seasons 8 through 10 aired on The CW and saw minor scheduling shifts but maintained the show’s voice. The final three seasons (11–13) produced fewer episodes but aimed to resolve long-running arcs. Season 13’s concise 7-episode order reflects the network change and eventual series conclusion.
Common Questions
- How many total episodes does King of the Hill have?
- Did the episode count change after the show moved networks?
- Which season is widely considered the strongest by critics and fans?
- Was there a season with notably fewer episodes toward the end?
Quick Comparison Table
Use this at-a-glance summary to compare season scale and air periods.
| Phase | Seasons | Typical Episodes | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Run | 1–5 | 13–25 | Fox |
| Prime Stability | 6–7 | 25 | Fox |
| Mid-Run | 8–10 | 25, 25, 22 | The CW |
| Final Run | 11–13 | 22, 22, 7 | The CW / MyNetworkTV |
Context and Reliability Notes
This overview is based on widely reported production and air-date information from industry sources and network histories. Season counts and episode totals reflect standard production records. If you are tracking completeness for collection, research, or reference, use the air dates and episode counts above as a reliable baseline.
Takeaway
King of the Hill consists of 13 seasons and 259 episodes, airing from 1997 to 209. Season lengths vary between 13 and 25 episodes, with the bulk of content delivered in 22–25 episode blocks during seasons 2–12. The final season is shorter at 7 episodes, consistent with the series’ planned conclusion.