By the time this special was made, Rugrats was already being accused of jumping the shark with the addition of divisive characters such as Dil or Kimi. While I personally don't dislike them, I have to admit that the show seemed to be running out of ideas.
This special, perhaps as a symbolic celebration of the first decade of Rugrats on air, revived a lot of interest in the franchise, and opened the door for many new stories.
Contrary to what The Simpsons writers seem to think, people do enjoy seeing characters growing up and changing instead of being perpetually static.
That was the main appeal this special (and the spin-off series which it inspired) had, and it was a more than welcomed change, disregard of the typical high school cliches.
To this day, All Grown Up! Remains to be the best Rugrats spin-off.
This special, perhaps as a symbolic celebration of the first decade of Rugrats on air, revived a lot of interest in the franchise, and opened the door for many new stories.
Contrary to what The Simpsons writers seem to think, people do enjoy seeing characters growing up and changing instead of being perpetually static.
That was the main appeal this special (and the spin-off series which it inspired) had, and it was a more than welcomed change, disregard of the typical high school cliches.
To this day, All Grown Up! Remains to be the best Rugrats spin-off.