Probably to some extent, there was always a plan for 2 seasons, maybe even 3 if axum is to be believed.
Probably especially for animation, where it sometimes take quite a while to get a full season out. That way if it ends up being big, they have the next season ready in 8 months instead of 30 or something. There are some shows that somehow seem to put out 20 episodes a year, and others that really seem to struggle putting out 10 episodes in 2 years. Probably helps to prevent that situation.
For the popularity, I'm sure a lot of people checked it out because they were curious or hate watched it, or just had nothing else to watch.
To some extent, the hatred towards the show is a bit overstated. It's a very bad show, but it's not the worst thing that has ever come across a television. At least from what I've seen.
I watched the first 3 episodes, was curious what they would do with it.
It just felt like they were tripping over themselves to make bad jokes and metacommentary. None of which was very funny or interesting; all while majorly changing the characters in ways that don't add to their appeal.
