NEW YORK — Hank Hill has returned, and while he remains the familiar character fans adored, the world around him has changed dramatically during his absence. After a hiatus of 15 years, the beloved protagonist from “King of the Hill” is back on screens, adjusting to a landscape filled with new trends and social norms he struggles to understand.

As the series kicks off with its long-awaited revival, viewers find Hank bewildered by concepts such as boba tea, ridesharing, and all-gender bathrooms. His perplexity is evident as he asks his wife, Peggy, “What kind of food is poke?” Their return to Arlen, Texas, heralds not only nostalgia for longtime fans but also a foray into the complexities of modern life.

The show’s new season, complete with ten episodes now available for streaming on Hulu, reunites key writers and voice actors responsible for the show’s original charm. In the premiere, Peggy expresses her apprehension, questioning whether their decision to return was a mistake. This sets the stage for the couple to navigate a transformed environment filled with unfamiliar elements.

Saladin K. Patterson, executive producer and showrunner, aims to bridge the gap between the classic elements that fans cherish and the evolving world they encounter. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with the show’s original audience, stating their endorsement validates the new direction and encourages broader acceptance.

Viewers will learn that Hank and Peggy spent years in Saudi Arabia, where Hank managed operations for his propane business. Their son Bobby, now 21, has taken a culinary route, running a restaurant that features an innovative German-Asian fusion menu. This unexpected career path showcases the changes the characters have undergone in the intervening years.

The friendships that define the show remain intact, with Hank returning to familiar faces. Boomhauer greets him with a hug, while Dale, true to form, exhibits an even deeper paranoia. Meanwhile, Bill has turned introspective, relying on deliveries as his lifeline and humorously noting that he’s finished streaming all available content on Netflix.

The show maintains its signature tone, gently skewering contemporary culture—from hipster trends to modern cooking gadgets. Patterson himself acknowledges this challenge, sharing an anecdote about his own Wi-Fi-enabled grill that often requires tech support. The humor retains its basis in reality, reflecting the blend of change and consistency that characterizes this new chapter.

Despite the shifting landscape, the essence of the characters remains unchanged. Hank is still dedicated to beer and family, Dale is an ever-committed conspiracy theorist, and Bill continues to be the lovable underachiever. Patterson believes these core traits are essential as the characters embark on fresh adventures and navigate relationships in their latest life stages.

The evolving dynamics within the Hill family offer rich storytelling possibilities, especially regarding Bobby’s relationship with his parents. As each episode unfolds, viewers will witness how Bobby reconciles his upbringing with his current ambitions.

Despite the show’s return against a politically charged backdrop, its creators aim to steer clear of divisive topics. They seek to encapsulate relatable experiences and universal themes, allowing audiences to see familiar aspects of their own lives reflected in the characters. The creators promote inclusivity and a safe space for diverse perspectives, signaling that the show remains a cultural touchstone in an ever-changing society.

As the revival unfolds, audiences will be keen to see how Hank adapts to a world of constant change, while also cherishing the enduring elements that made “King of the Hill” a standout series. Together, the characters will navigate their unique journeys in a narrative that balances nostalgia with contemporary relevance.