Proud Family Reboot: Worth the Watch?

Penny Proud is back y’all. The 14-year-old middle-schooler captured our hearts in the early 2000s and returns in 2022 in an attempt to do the same for a new generation of fans.
The reboot debuts new animation styles and character arcs, while all of our beloved characters have returned. Kyla Prat reprises her role as Penny, who has grown up since the last time we’ve seen her in 2005.
In the pilot of the reboot, she experiences a growth spurt overnight along with the rest of her friends–who are also voiced by their original actors. Penny’s beloved family also serves as featured characters throughout, played by their original cast as well. Oscar Proud is still an overbearing and overprotective father, while Trudy Proud is still as supporting and encouraging as ever of Penny. Suga Momma, Bebe & Cece are there to embarrass and antagonize Penny as needed, all with love though.
Along with the main cast, some new faces appear as well; Keke Palmer as Maya Jenkins, and EJ Johnson as Micheal Collins. Maya is a feisty social activist who speaks out on societal issues, such as BLM and women’s rights. Micheal is colorfully stylish and confident, throwing shade and offering fashion advice to the gang wherever he sees fit.
In the first episode, Penny and her friends continue to navigate Willy T. Ribbs Middle school. A school dance is coming up and in response to Penny’s new look, Oscar forces Penny to wear military outfits for the rest of her life. Topics such as dating and growing up are explored in a familiar, comedic way. Near the end of the episode, Oscar realizes that Penny won’t be young forever, so it would be best to let her figure out life on her own.
Many reboots have come and gone, some never living up to the original. The Proud Family Louder and Prouder is not as fresh nor as funny as the original, but it is a solid piece of work that captures the essence of the original. It is a fun watch that will be great for both new and returning generations of fans.