This is part of the BBC mandate:
To show the most creative, highest quality and distinctive output and services
Innovative content covering many different genres will be provided across a range of services and platforms, setting the standard both in the UK and globally.
To reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all of the United Kingdom's nations and regions and, in doing so, support the creative economy across the United Kingdom
The lives of the people in the United Kingdom today will be accurately and authentically portrayed in the BBC's output and services to raise awareness of different cultures, contribute to social cohesion and invest in the development of each nation's creative economy.
To reflect the United Kingdom, its culture and values to the world
High quality, accurate, impartial news coverage will be delivered to international audiences, aiding understanding of the UK as a whole.
This is part of the C4 mandate:
Be innovative and distinctive
Stimulate public debate on contemporary issues
Reflect cultural diversity of the UK
Champion alternative points of view
Inspire change in people's lives
Nurture new and existing talent
I don't know if PBS has a similar mandate, but probably not since I don't think there are any PBS original dramas or comedies. But the diversity of views means that producing more shows with fewer episodes is a better way to fulfill that mandate. That said, they still have the shitty soap operas but those are cheap as hell so. lol
I mean, it's not really "lazy." It's just a different style of humor. They go for a very specific kind of humor that no one else really does anymore and (obviously) isn't for everyone.
Maybe lazy isn't the right word. Easy? The punchlines are just meant to be obvious I suppose.
I assume that NTSF SVU CSI whatever show that aired a few years ago was similar, but I never watched that.