The episode 01 of Cheburashka Arere was broadcast essentially yesterday, and there's nothing on Tokyo Toshokan. So, not being a user of weird Japanese file-sharing networks, I'm unable to sample it for myself.

The indefatigable Moero Amazon published a short post with just 3 screencaps, which demonstrates the level of interest. Bet Moomines ranked better.

結局、チェブラーシカは架空の動物なんだろか？

Yes, indeed Cheburashka is not modelled on any particular mammal. Was this a rhetorical question?

UPDATE 2009/10/13: Hinano is amused but says she won't watch it since it's a "kids show". I have an answer to this line of reasoning: Binchou-tan. Unfortunately, she's most likely correct about Cheb Arere.