yes it was. The 2003 series was darker and followed the comics pretty well while also including new aspects. It had story arches that spanned multiple episodes if not entire seasons so you were hooked into going back for each episode. It didn't sensor the action near as much as the 2012 series does. It's toned way down on the nickelodeon version when compared to the 2003 one. It still had Mikey's sense of humor and Leonardo's sense of leadership. They got the turtles personalities right on. The flashy CGI in the new one doesn't make it better content wise. Obviously the new series is meant to appeal a young viewer while the 2003 series is meant for an older audience. not necessarily adults but an older audience still. One that has the attention span to remember what happened in the episode one week prior. I would equate any adult that likes this series better than the 2003 series to BRONIES. "Bros who love my little pony" for those who don't know. For gods sakes the emoticons that sprout over their heads when something happens are hokey and ridiculous. Its not a coyote and roadrunner cartoon and it shouldn't try to be.
2003: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by-yiabXomg
2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkxPqPkpWz4
2003: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by-yiabXomg
2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkxPqPkpWz4