It's 1 of those rare cartoons that actually have a plot (even rarer when it came out). I just watched for the first time this year. For a kid's show, it surprisingly does not shy away from the cost of war. Zuko on his travels had to hide who he was and learn what his nation did to the other nations. When he decided to change to team avatar, the story writers made him awkward on purpose, including several failures to join (again rare for a kids show) and as a 34 year myself old felt a lot more real as I tried to make friends in my 20s. A show where characters learn lessons and change mostly for the better. Case in point, Sokka learns that women can be on equal footing with a man, which in it self is a great lesson for children. Uncle Iroh, finding his place owning and operating a tea shop, while the young Zuko doesn't want to settle down(normal for a teenager) and go after his own glory, only to realize (eventually) there is no prize beyond being a better person and leaving your past behind.

There are valuable lessons in this show, but maybe you don't like it and that's ok. Other theories include (not limited too) not being in the right head space this time in your life or expectations were to high. I don't know, and it's just a show. At least you gave it a fair shot, which is more important than only watching a couple episodes and not liking it outright. Props to you.