Behind the Scenes of ‘King of the Hill’: Breaking Stereotypes in Southern Representation

The creators of ‘King of the Hill,’ Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, reflected on their efforts to challenge Hollywood’s historical portrayal of Southern Americans by giving their characters dignity and authenticity. During an interview with Texas Monthly, Judge highlighted how the duo wanted to ensure their Southern characters were not reduced to stereotypes, noting that many films and TV shows had previously treated Southern accents as caricatures. Daniels echoed this sentiment, explaining that audiences feel ‘seen’ when creators conduct thorough research and accurately reflect the complexities of their subjects. This approach influenced not only ‘King of the Hill’ but also Daniels’ work on ‘The Office,’ where he sought to ensure the show’s depiction of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was respectful and accurate. The show’s revival, set for August, continues this legacy, aiming to preserve the show’s original intent while engaging new audiences worldwide.