Start with the modern reboot. First episode is a little dry, but later episodes rely heavily on sneaky references to events prior. Especially the specials. Don’t be afraid to rewatch episodes as well. The dialogue can move quickly and I’ve always picked up on details I missed during the first playthrough. Definitely worth it.
Not because I don’t believe you, but because I actually do, but are there sources I can use? This is the first I’ve heard (read) this.