King of the Hill Whataburger Collab Sparks Fan Fever

A Unique Collaboration Between Whataburger and King of the Hill

Whataburger, a beloved Texas-based fast-food chain, recently partnered with Hulu to celebrate the revival of the iconic TV show King of the Hill. This collaboration has sparked mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some see it as a fun way to bring together two elements of American pop culture, others have criticized the partnership as a "lame cash grab" and questioned Whataburger’s authenticity as a Texan institution.

The limited-time offer involves rebranding the No. 2 Double Meat Whataburger as “Hank Hill's tried-and-true favorite.” The campaign ran from August 5 to September 29, though the burger itself remains on the permanent menu. Customers could also get a free No. 2 with the purchase of a medium fry and medium drink from September 8 to 12 when ordering online or through the app.

This move is part of a broader effort by Whataburger to connect with fans of King of the Hill, a show that has long been associated with the culture and values of small-town Texas life. The press release emphasized that the No. 2 burger was built to satisfy and pay homage to Hank Hill’s no-nonsense, full-flavor standards. It also highlighted how Whataburger has appeared in several episodes of the show, becoming a familiar part of the Hill family’s world alongside lawn chairs, alley banter, and propane accessories.

Despite the enthusiasm from some fans, not everyone is happy with the collaboration. On Facebook, some users expressed disappointment, calling the partnership a “lame cash grab” and suggesting that Whataburger was simply trying to capitalize on the show’s popularity. One user wrote, “Come eat our burger we've always had, because a fictional cartoon character likes it.” Others questioned whether the chain truly understood the show or if they were just trying to jump on the bandwagon.

In response, Whataburger’s official Facebook account defended the partnership, stating that the No. 2 is “a Hank Hill classic.” They also encouraged customers to try their new Bacon Wrangler Double burger and hinted at future special offers tied to the show.

This isn’t the first time Whataburger has faced scrutiny over its ownership. In 2019, a majority stake in the company was purchased by BDT Capital Partners, a Chicago-based investment firm. This has led to some Texans questioning whether the chain is still authentically Texan. Some social media users accused the company of being a “Chicago company,” even though Whataburger is still headquartered in San Antonio.

Despite these concerns, Whataburger has continued to emphasize its roots in Texas. The company has also pointed out that it remains a key part of the local community, especially in San Antonio.

Another notable King of the Hill collaboration came from Alamo Beer Co., a San Antonio-based brewery that secured the rights to produce and sell Hank Hill’s favorite brew. This product was well-received with little negative feedback, showing that there is still a strong appetite for King of the Hill-themed merchandise.

The revival of King of the Hill on Hulu has brought back many familiar faces and storylines. Season 14, which dropped on August 4, features the return of the original Hill family. Hank and Peggy are back from a propane job in Saudi Arabia, while Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas. New episodes also bring back characters like Connie, Joseph, Chane, and old friends such as Dale, Boomhauer, and Bill. The season also pays tribute to late actor Jonathan Joss, who voiced John Redcorn, before the credits roll after Episode 10.

While the collaboration between Whataburger and King of the Hill has generated both excitement and criticism, it highlights the enduring cultural impact of the show and the ways in which brands continue to engage with popular media. Whether it’s a genuine celebration of Texan heritage or just a marketing stunt, one thing is clear: King of the Hill still holds a special place in the hearts of many.