We excel in one thing TV-wise you Brits can't come close to: stupid. I'm not sure we're that far ahead with politics, but we're not far behind, at least. We have some really great TV shows, and a big steaming pile of stupid ones. I think "reality" got big here because of a writers' strike, and un-scripted show mean they don't have to pay writers.

As for forgiving celebrity paedos/rapists/gropers, I can't recall we do that much of it in the US. Those found guilty of drug & alcohol-related crimes are allowed to find redemption, and crimes such as tax evasion have a shorter shelf-life than others and be "forgotten". Sex abuse crimes, as far as I can think of/remember, pretty much mean the person's career is shot. They're supposed to be on a pedestal, and how can you be on one while your public can't see you as even on their level?

Backwoodsman, NO GAVEL!? Your judges still have those powdered wigs, right?
Also, I don't know that, when it comes to the shittiness of US television shows, you haven't been listening. I think it's more likely you haven't been amidst USians discussing the state of TV shows. There's a great deal of ridicule aimed at stupid shows, even amongst fans of those shows.