There are many shows that for whatever reason I don't start watching initially but then enough people I trust like them that I'll watch. Those are the ones that fit the pattern we're discussing.

There are many other shows which I don't have high hopes for but start watching just because they're on. For those I won't give it the full season but I also don't judge just by the first few eps either. These are the sorts of shows that often don't make it past a season or two anyways so it's a bit academic :)

I like OitNB but have the same issues you state. It's a fine show but not great by any means. The sort of show I put on while I'm reading blogs and such.