San Antonio’s ‘King of the Hill’ vet thrilled by talk of TV return

San Antonio native Jonathan Joss, who voiced John Redcorn in the long-running animated Texas comedy ‘King of the Hill,’ is excited about Fox’s talk of a return. San Antonio native Jonathan Joss, who voiced John Redcorn in the long-running animated Texas comedy ‘King of the Hill,’ is excited about Fox’s talk of a return. Photo: /FOX Photo: /FOX Image 1 of / 174 Caption Close San Antonio’s ‘King of the Hill’ vet thrilled by talk of TV return 1 / 174 Back to Gallery

Fox Television revealed today that the network is exploring a return of Texas-set animated comedy “King of the Hill,” which, time and again, took its story lines and characters to San Antonio.

Someone who’s crossing his fingers that a revival will happen is S.A. native and McCollum High graduate Jonathan Joss, who voiced John Redcorn on the Mike Judge-Greg Daniels show for many seasons.

“It’s exciting!” Joss said in a phone chat. “I’ve heard rumors. I definitely would love to be part of such a return. It’s a great show, nothing like it on TV, and I’m sure viewers will embrace it once again.”

Joss was seen on the big screen last year in the remake of “The Magnificent Seven.”

Dana Walden, CEO of Fox Television Group, confirmed during the Fox portion of the Television Critics Association summer press tour that the network has had preliminary conversations with Daniels and Judge. “I would like to explore that,” he said.

The series, which revolved around a propane salesman, his family and neighbors in Arlen, Texas, bowed in 1997 and ended in 2009. During its 13-season run, it focused on the everyday events of life, including the simple joys of beer and barbecue.

Occasionally, however, the characters weighed in comically on topical issues from all points of view — liberal and conservative.

In 2000, an episode showcased the beauty and popularity of San Antonio with Hank and Peggy Hill visiting the Alamo City. The way it brought viewers S.A. sights and sounds — from its dramatic skyline to its glittery River Walk — was simply gorgeous. San Antonio was just as charming via animation.

“King of the Hill” featured the voiceover talents of Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick, the late Brittany Murphy, and, of course, Joss.

“Given what’s going on in the country, I think they have a point of view how those characters would respond. But again, it was one meeting and I hope to revisit it,” Walden said.

She added that both Daniels and Judge are both very busy and it was really just exploratory, asking “Are you excited about this? Is there potential in a future?”

“They were both excited about it, but they’re working on a lot of different things individually so it’s about finding time,” she said.

TV is full of revivals at this time — from “Twin Peaks” to “The X-Files” to “Will & Grace” and next year’s “Roseanne.”

So a return by the Emmy-winning, down-to-earth, cleverly written “King in the Hill” doesn’t seem at all improbable.

Jjakle@express-news.net