I've seen the new program and, although nothing will compare for me to the original, it is still very good.
The main actor is one of Japan's most successful 'talents' (you'd have to see and hear who else qualifies here as a 'talent' to understand...'non-talent' is often a better description).
The original actor, Sakai san, still appears regularly on Japanese TV presenting one program or another. Plus the original theme music is performed at least once a year on one of Japan's New Year nostalgia programs. And yes, everyone still knows the words and yes, you can select it in your local karaoke box.
I don't know if the fans are aware or not, but the original actress that played the buddhist monk committed suicide several years ago. I can't remember her name though.
If you want a short-term Monkey fix then check out the manga 'The Monkey King' by Katsuya Terada. Like a lot of original Japanese manga though, it isn't a children's comic and is pretty graphic as far as violence and sex is concerned.
Cheers,
Eisho