Women watch them. Women don't like the same things men do, and it doesn't make them stupid. They could easily say MMX or NASCAR is only for dumb people because they don't see the appeal. But that doesn't make that so either.
As for the commercials, shampoo and lotions and that sort of thing. Because women are the audience.
I read Reality Steve so I will watch if I already know what is going to happen first. RS spoils these shows every season with a stellar track record. Without RS i would not watch.