Ass-Hat TV

OK, I'm at a loss on this one: what the fuck keeps making TV shows where basically the entire cast are total assholes, floor-mats or irredeemable pricks insanely popular?

I don't understand what is attracting so many people to these shows (and I am guilty of watching them too). First, I'm not talking about trashy reality television shows either. I don't even want to understand the mental imperative to watch a show like The Hills, Jersey Shore or anything on VH1 (remember when VH1 was the classy music channel?).

Good writing can only take us so far, and many of these shows do indeed have good writing, and good acting, but at what point do we have to say "wait a minute. This entire show is devoid of decency. I shouldn't waste my mind on this."

So, since I can't quite crack what makes me watch them, hopefully you can help me see the light here. What attracts you to fandom of ethically bereft television? What redeems Mad Men? Sons of Anarchy? Breaking Bad?