The evils of stupidity and glorified sex existed long before Television (Heck, we're even warned against it in the Bible!). When Television today shows these things, they are tapping into what's already there. It's up to people to demand better of Television and themselves.
Although, sadly, just because a show is kept on TV, doesn't mean it has a huge audience. And just because a show is removed, doesn't mean it was unpopular.