Did the Nick series REALLY have a choice besides choosing a tonal "middle ground"?

[Refractive Reflections]

I've been noticing that a lot of members here are complimenting how great this Nick series is, in terms of combining both the best elements of both the OT and 2K3 especially in terms of the Nick's tone (and even in some of the characters). Where the comedy and serious scenes are properly balanced for its entertainment value.

But... I have to say, do you think this Nick series really had a choice other than choosing the intermediate "middle ground" point, in terms of tone, between the two extremes of the OT and 2K3, in order to be received well? We all know that the OT was incredibly light with slapstick comedy, and that the 2K3 series pushed the boundaries of dark/serious storytelling for a cartoon (for example, with the scrapped episode of "Nightmares Recycled"), so where else could the Nick series go than in between? Otherwise critics would have stated the Nick series was "too OT" or "too 2K3" if it started and/or ventured off toward either extreme.

So was the Nick series already compelled/pressured to go down the middle to be a success?

With all that said, it makes one wonder if there is a 4th series, 10 years or so from now, if people will be comparing it to somewhere in between Nick & 2K3, or Nick & OT in terms of tone. Plus, it could make that 4th series more difficult to distinguish itself with three shows in the tonal spectrum of TMNT cartoons.