If I was to hazard a guess, It is 'luvvies' trying to do 'comedy' and therefor it comes out like a third-rate soap opera with wooden acting and bad feed lines. You know what I mean, either 'Acorn Antiques' without the humour or 'Crossroads' without the ironic kitsch. Personally, I think it's the directing.
Thirty minutes was enough. Sadly, very sadly, truly awful!