I would actually say that the vast majoirty of American shows are crap and could learn a thing or two from the Beeb! The exception to this rule is the HBO stuff innit.
I loved the first 6/7 episodes but I too seem to have given up there and not seen it through. I will go back and watch it though.
I am working my way through Breaking Bad at the moment, now that is SUPERB! Seems to hold my attention a little more.