Here we go again with FOX’s cartoon cancellations. It was announced that “King of the Hill” will be no more.

The latest order of 13 episodes, which will most likely air during next season, seems to be the end for the show. I say “seems” because FOX has flirted with canceling the show before, but a deal has always been pounded out before the final hour.

This is a complete travesty. “KotH” is one of the most underrated shows around. It’s critically acclaimed and has a modest following, which brings with it decent ratings for a Sunday night program.

As the second-longest running animated show, behind the venerable “The Simpsons,” the show has never gotten the respect it deserves. Out of any animated show in recent memory, “KotH” seemed more realistic than many live-action shows. Instead of focusing on ridiculous storylines, “American Dad” and I’m sorry to say “The Simpsons” as of late, or non sequiturs that add nothing to the plot, I’m looking at you “Family Guy,” “KotH” is character and story driven.

Many fans of FOX’s other animated shows always ragged on “KotH” because it was subtle and “boring.” To that I say, “You don’t know good writing, Sir or Madam.” The hilarity shone through its subtle and crisp writing, much like another under appreciated show, “Malcolm in the Middle.”

As much as I hate to see it go, it seems to be for the best. The relationship between the network and the show is very one-sided, especially considering the history between FOX and creator Mike Judge.

FOX panned, didn’t advertise and didn’t expect much from Judge’s “Office Space,” still one of the best comedies ever. FOX did the same exact thing with “Idiocracy.” Haven’t heard of it? No surprise. It was on the shelve for over a year before having a limited release.

Not only is Judge working on a new film, “Extract,” starring Jason Bateman, he is working on a new animated show, “The Goode Family,” which will premiere next year.

Co-creator Greg Daniels also has other things to occupy his time. He is a writer for NBC’s “The Office.”

FOX has a history of canceling animated shows that still have plenty of life left in them. “Futurama” was canceled in 2003 and was picked up just last year by Comedy Central, which will air new episodes next year. And there’s “Family Guy,” which FOX itself picked up after nearly three years of being off the air.

I don’t think “KotH” is going to have the same luck as those two shows, but considering it has stayed on the air despite FOX trying to bring it down so many times, it wouldn’t surprise me if level-headed Hank Hill managed to find a way to keep doing what he’s doing.

Rest in Peace.