Hulu Is Still 'King Of The Hill' When It Comes To San Diego Comic-Con Activations

Hulu is no stranger to huge activations at San Diego Comic-Con. This year, instead of a dedicated space to their Animayhem line up like previous years, which showcased fan favorites like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Futurama, the space behind the San Diego-Convention Center was transformed into a backyard BBQ out of Arlen, Texas, King of the Hill style.

In celebration of the return of King of the Hill and its 14th season debuting on Hulu on August 4th, the fine folks at Hulu invited me to check out the activation, and I'll tell ya hwat, I had a great time.

Alamo Beer Themed Water was being passed out to beat the San Diego Comic-Con Heat

The offsite transported fans into a backyard BBQ scene straight from King of the Hill's Arlen, Texas. With various photo areas and scenery that looked like it was straight out of Hank Hill's backyard, I was able to take part in interactive games like Alamo Pong where, because of my excellent Beer Pong skills, I walked away with a branded beer coozie.

Alamo Beer Coozie Prizes for playing Alamo Beer Pong

There were also other games like Cowboy Boot Ring Toss where if you were good enough to ring the boots, you could get yourself a King of the Hill cookout apron. The activation also had its very own Mega Lo Mart where fans could customize their own trucker hats. There was also a King of the Hill pin set that was given out to lucky attendees.

Got Myself a Mega Lo Mart Hat from Mega Lo Mart

Not only that, but everyone loves a good photo op when they are on vacation. The activation had cutouts of Hank, Peggy, and Bobby Hill, as well as Hank's gang of contemplating friends Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer. I was enamored with getting behind the wheel of Dale's Extermination Truck, and like a true Dad, I stuck my daughter with the photo op on Hank's lawnmower; you know, to build character.

Of course, everyone loves activations with swag and food, in which I'm happy to say that Hulu's King of the Hill Backyard BBQ delivered with a little from column A and a little from column B. The breakfast Tacos that were served at the time I was at the activation were surprisingly good, and the activation did switch up the food offering in the afternoon with BBQ sandwiches.

It was a bit of a departure from the norm for Hulu, who in years past for San Diego Comic-Con activations, would focus on their portfolio of animated series. However, I didn't mind this change up at all, as the activation focused on one particular IP, the immersion never broke and that was a welcome change for those like me who are in love with the possibilities of how immersive an offsite activation can be.

Hulu definitely goes all in on its San Diego Comic-Con activations, and I am happy to report that this year's King of the Hill activation was fire ignited by a propane. How Hulu manages to step up their San Diego Comic-Con activations every year is a sight to behold, and the team and everyone involved in these definitely should be giving themselves a pat on the back.

Hank Hill is a stickler for the quality of things, whether it's the propane igniting his grill, mowing the lawn, or fixing things around the house, there was definitely quality in how thought out this offsite activation was put together.

Don't miss Season 14 of King of the Hill which has made its triumphant return on Hulu August 4.

Rating: ★★★☆☆☆