I was born in 1989, so I grew up with the TNG era and ENT, and I always dismissed TOS as a kid as the cheesy 60s original version that TNG remade and left in the dust. It wasn't until high school that I actually sat down and watched TOS and fell in love with it. I even now wonder if Kirk is better than Picard, it's a debate I have with myself often. Was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience with TOS?
I still think TNG is better, but TOS is great in its own right.
I was the opposite. TOS was my favorite as a kid. I imagine the bright colors and simpler plots ("fight the gorn") Probably helped a lot.
As a child, TOS' space exploration and the Federation's society engaged me.