In one episode they make even a self-parody when Kuzco mentions that this is the first time they use that sort of special effects.
I could not believe the dip in production quality in animation and backgrounds after Lilo and Stitch TV series. That series had wonderful animation and beautiful water color backgrounds.
But here animation and design feel like low budget and unworthy of a Disney series based on a traditionally animated movie. Series does not even try to keep the quality of the movie or its video sequel. Unfortunately this also influences the writing and humour in some episodes as the characters are far too static and bland looking.
It was the last Disney series aired on ABC channel so this probably also played a role.
Also it feels like a worse version of Hercules the animated series that also takes place in school settings but difference there is that there are far more characters and villains and they are much better and memorable overall and with higher production values too.
Here only Kuzco, Kronk and Yzma stand out.
While it was not the first series to try and distance itself from the traditional design as 101 Dalmatians in 1997 did it first. But difference was that the animation there was leaps and bounds better compared to New School.
While first season of New School was rather forgettable, the moment Tony Craig returned as a director in season 2, the episodes got much better despite the low budget design and animation that would be more fit for other Disney series, not the supposed flagship ones.
I really liked the humour and dialogues in this series. They even make a reference to the Benny Hill Show (without the spicy moments of course, but still quite daring). And to my liking, this must be the only animated series where chinchillas are featured in so many episodes in one way or another.
But having grown with the classic Disney TV series, this would be hard to recommend for a rewatch. It clearly targets the audiences that grew and liked series with less detailed animation and backgrounds. But if Disney stopped producing such series like Lilo and Stitch and starts following other studio's cheaper trends, it is a sad thing to see.
