I think the thing that some of you are not realising is that these shows are funny due to how they fit into your own lives... for example, i know a guy just like peter gryffin from Family Guy, and there's nothing more fun than sitting there laughing while he laughs at something that is true about himself.
Shows like The OC, or the older Melrose Place... these are a release for most people... a way to put themselves in a situation far beyond their ability to reach in reality, and enjoy the fantasy that they can never fulfill.
But the show that I just don't get... the one that makes me say "fkn hell, hi... i didn't realise we were allready living here" was Everybody Hates Raymond, and is now the Ellen Degenerous talk show. I can handle Oprah, but omfg... that bitch is just fucked up in the head! David Letterman would get a mention, but at least there's decent songs coming on at the ad breaks.
Oh, oh... how could I possibly forget Medium... damn that show annoys me, but I think thats more to do with the characters/actors. Then there's Law and Order and CSI... although at least L&O used to be good.