It seems like this was more driven by a desire to have television shows that addressed real world problems. "Rural" here is basically a euphemism for "sterile

It seems like this was more driven by a desire to have television shows that addressed real world problems. "Rural" here is basically a euphemism for "sterile world where nothing bad actually happens." It's just easier to sterilize a cabin in the woods. Plus, the country has always been idyllic in American culture. This was an era where pregnancy was a forbidden topic (among so much more) and where parents were shown sleeping in separate beds. It's not surprising that people eventually grew to hate this fantasy world.