I agree, but on the other hand, many many more people were probably only interested in the programme because that found it funny, and didn't look beyond that.
I'm going out on a limb here . . .
Over the last few weeks l've caught a few episodes of the infamous Alf Garnett saga from the 1960's and 70's. Admittedly riddled with all kinds of racist and sexist jokes, and very much of it's time, l do have to admit to finding some scenes from the sitcom...