"There are shows that are popular and beloved and I just don't 'get' why."
Because different people like different things? Perhaps? Just a guess. Shows become popular for a vast variety of reasons: Entertainment value, artistry, familiarity, spectacle, escapism, innovation, artist reputation, star vehicle, social/political relevence, song catalogue of a jukebox musical or revue, or sometimes it is just the right show at the right time. And not a single one of those reasons is invalid.
"I don't get why people want to see an artist's work inappropriately smashed together and squished through a story that tries to make it all work out."
Not that hard to figure out. Usually, the audiences are fans of the artist in question and the artist's works are well known and have stood the test of time, especially when the artists themselves are no longer together or living to provide a live performance.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian