The point you make here is exactly why I often prefer to watch *anime. I think it also applies to my preferences for British period pieces.

As an American, British period pieces[0][1][2] obviously present a different world. I imagine they are more palatable to someone in my demographic because we are relatively disconnected from British culture, society, and history. Recently I became aware of the UK's New Man / New Lad gender stereotypes[3] and realized that the main characters of these shows fit. As a result of this awareness, I can no longer enjoy these shows without being reminded of cultural conflicts of the present day. A story about a social issue set in the 1960s used to be just that, but now it's more apparent to me that the narratives are meant to shape present-day perception of these issues.

It was nice not being reminded of the political struggles we face on a daily basis. Now I'm unsure if media consumers who lack this awareness are the lucky ones or the sheep. I wonder if British people have always felt this way about these shows and I'm only just catching up now. I also wonder if this dynamic is mutual with other cultures - for example, is Rings of Power considered non-controversial in SE Asia due to the cultural disconnect?

* My preference for anime has waned as certain tropes have become quite overused and tiresome.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foyle%27s_War

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_George_Gently

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsomer_Murders

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Man_(gender_stereotype)#