I appreciate what you're saying Orchid. I agree that didacticism gets old rather quickly and also prefer that ideas be woven into the plot somehow. Also, what you point out -- that you can find a certain spirituality in 6 Feet Under (that the characters want sex plus something beyond) -- is indicative of one of TV's characteristics, i.e., that TV texts are open ones and that viewers fill in many of the gaps.

I watch Desperate Housewives as well as 30 Rock -- both are fun. And also Brothers and Sisters. I don't know that they have any particular redeeming value. B&S has a very complicated family situation. I think DH is campy and funny. 30 Rock even moreso. And actually, that may come closer to providing diversity in viewpoints, except that it's satire.