Yeah because this show was EVERYWHERE!! Man, you couldn't get away from it!! Always on TV in every time slot and commercials all the time, not to mention the endless merchandising. It's like YOU HAD TO WATCH IT!! It forced you to, really!
I remember watching this the night it premiered, utterly unaware it was the final episode. As it went on, I increasingly felt the "series finale" vibe. When it finally ended, I was in total denial mode. "It's not over, Brendon will get a new camera!" I kept telling myself. I tune in the next week, and it's Season One, Episode One. I didn't cry, but I damn near did.
Ah well, at least I have all 4 seasons on DVD that I can watch anytime I want.