Red Dwarf. Low budget yet still enjoyable today. I recall reading the SFX were done on an Amiga with something called a VideoToaster.
But yes, the low budget is part of the formula for success. Without a ton of money, they had to rely on wit and creativity. Most shows now have comparatively gargantuan budgets, and it goes on big sets, big effects and big names, but the things that actually make a show good (compelling story, enjoyable writing) are unbottleable magic that you can’t just buy.
I agree that the models looked better IMHO.