Totally feel you on this! One that springs to mind is [The Expanse]. It took the first season to really flesh out the characters and the political dynamics of the universe, but once it hit its stride in Season 2, it became a masterpiece of sci-fi storytelling. I remember getting a bit frustrated at first, but the world-building and those character arcs kept me hooked.
Another is [Breaking Bad]. Sure, it's a classic now, but that first season was more of a slow burn. I stuck with it because of the intriguing premise and Bryan Cranston's performance. By the time it made the turn into pure intensity in Season 2, I was all in!
What about you? Any recent shows you're watching that are following that trend?