Not really. I found that shows like Person of Interest, Continuum or even bits of Fringe are best watched in a row. I would say American TV production schedules of 24 episodes a season is the bits that are killing TV watching.

I would definitely not mind 6 episodes per season of high quality entertainmen (aka British TV production schedule).

I wouldn't know about the water-cooler effect because I've never actually experienced discussing with other people last night's TV.