Somewhat subjective Jack, but then all personal preferences must be so, by nature. However it';s not really about the relative merits of our respective TV programmes.
The reason I brought up Oprah was as an example of a type of programme, not the programme itself, although the programme would be yet another Jerry Springer genre thing, were it not for the personality and style of Oprah herself.
It's the public self examination aspect I was trying to convey. Brits aren't comfortable airing their foibles and freaks on TV, whereas it would appear to be more common in the USA.
I find this at odds with Americans I know personally, who on the whole, do not like taking about themselves. This might account for the reputedly high number in analysis ;)
Micca is right on the irony front, although it is all to often the given reason for differences in what makes us laugh. I think there are other, and deeper reasons, but I'm not sure what they are.