I watched BMW in real time (the gang graduated from high school the same year I did) and I've never watched Disney Channel shows before. I didn't like GMW at all, and that could be because I'm not used to the live action Disney style. Everything felt like too much - too much styling, too much hair and makeup, too many clothes (layers on layers on layers) - everything is seemingly perfect. GirlShawn and Farkle bugged because real middle schoolers rarely have personalities that developed.
Dad Cory is very true to the original character, and I liked that. I think it's interesting that he became a teacher after being such an "average" student (which they harped on quite a bit in BMW).