I get where OP is coming from overall, but that’s kinda been Futurama’s thing. Other places it’s shoe horned in and lazy but that’s been like half of Futurama’s episodes (and the vast majority of South Park) since the beginning.
That being said, I do think the quality of TV has been going downhill for years and few things seem to really be original anymore.
Guess that depends on who you ask. My boss LOVES DS9 over all but I’m more on VOY closely followed by TNG (except I think the first season is cringy). I also really like LD but I know with old school trekkies it’s hit and miss - my mom is a big trekkie and can’t stand it.