Enduring British Television seems to revolve around two main formulae:
First. The principal character is an unusual hero, intellectually brilliant, physically outstanding, often with even more unusual characteristics. They could even be supernatural in some way. As an accompanying trait, however, they are often perceived as callous, unthinking or uncaring. Their towering intellect makes them appear to dismiss those around them, trampling on their feelings, and appearing to discard them when they outlive their usefulness. Sometimes verbally disparaging those of lesser acumen.
Often their schemes seem so far fetched and unlikely to those around them that they are viewed as eccentric, but this is because they don't feel the need to fully explain what their plans are.
It is this tension between their hyper competence and their social struggles that endears them to the audience. However, these traits often cause them to lead solitary lives, accompanied by a single companion who has grown to truly understand and tolerate the struggles of their genius.
Classic examples are Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, the Doctor (Who), James Herriot, Ford Prefect (hitchhiker's guide), Father Brown, Death in Paradise, Hercule Poirot, Peter Wimsey
Second. Any zany absurdist comedy.
Are You Being Served?, The Young Ones, Monty Python, Couplings,
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