Wanting to get into the Monogatari series

Any tips for getting into it?

I started with a few eps of Bakemonogatari and found it to be like some anime which are... how can I say it without offending people.. it's too much style over substance? If you've watched Joker Game and didn't like it, you probably have the same impression.

But the other series keep getting insanely positive reviews and I want to get into the experience too. Does this series get better, or should I start with a later monogatari season?