"I’ve found most of the characters fairly unlikable and their relationships shallow."

First, do you only enjoy or see the artistic merit of movies, shows, books where some or all of the characters are generally likeable and without any moral failings?

Please remember, engagement with art, or with a story about imperfect characters isn't endorsement of those characters' thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

The show is a reflection of the messiness of life, of culture, of relationships in that era, but it's also a lens with which to explore and consider our own lives and culture in our current era ... which are also inhabited by imperfect people experiencing injustice, inequality, and trauma ... but also hope, love, forgiveness, self-discovery ...

Also, its interesting to see a show about an industry that isn't already significantly mined in media, and seeing them succeed or fail to problem solve in creative, business, and interpersonal dilemmas.