Audiences can easily dismiss the "Three episode rule" while watching AKB0048, for that everything you see in the first episode is what you will see in the all the upcoming episodes. It's straightforward and the audiences can immediately tell if this is their thing or not.
AKB0048 the pure concentrated Shoji Kawamori crack, it's harmless, silly, over the top, visually stunning, and honestly embraces itself on its shortcomings. While these may not be the recipe of what makes a legendary piece, the show keeps viewers relaxed and satisfied.
I myself came into this show with zero knoweldge about AKB48, and ended up still knowing nothing about AKB48, but one thing is certain, I am ENTERTAINED.