The FOX network has proven that a good primetime animated series can be great for ratings, but launching a new toon is always a risky endeavor. Picking up one with a proven track record may be the way to go for ABC, which Daily Variety has identified as a likely suitor for King of the Hill. The long-running family comedy was recently canceled by FOX and will end its run at the end of the current season.
King of the Hill would make a strong lead-in for The Goode Family, ABC’s upcoming primetime animated comedy created by King of the Hill exec producers Mike Judge, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky. Fans could see the 14th season of King debut by late 2009 or early 2010.
Should ABC end up passing on King of the Hill, there are a number of cable outlets waiting in the wings. However, nets like Comedy Central, FX and Cartoon Network wouldn’t be able to put up the kind of coin that FOX has.
