I think the creation of these shows might have to do with the increasing hype around wearable computers like Samsung's watch and Google Glass. The concept of taking a normal person and endowing them with technology which gives them super powers has a lot of mass appeal because obviously none of us were born Superman/Superwoman but would like to have been. Also if you look at shows like the 6 Million Dollar Man it's clear this concept isn't new but this microchip idea seems more plausible in our modern world so it's gotten popular again.

That being said, it will be a cold day in hell before I stick a fucking RFID in my arm. I might buy a smart watch but I hate the idea of having a piece of technology on me that I can't take off.