What's with Reality TV shows?

I am neither what you would call a couch potato (by anybody's definition) nor one among the growing by the minute reality TV watchers. I have my favorite shows that I watch whenever I can and dont own a TiVo since I am perfectly fine missing one or more episodes of my favorite show(s) - I am what you could describe a casual TV watcher.

Growing up, I did not know what a reality TV show was although I know watched my share of some version of it in those days - general knowledge quiz programs, a few game shows in the later years etc.

In the last few years, however, I have seen the number of reality TV shows increase. There is a show for anything and everything from eating to dancing to skating to losing weight to getting married/ engaged to adventure racing... In my mind I could never understand the obsession with reality TV shows - how can someone get hooked to these shows and start rooting for one or more participants? Is it because we identify ourselves with those participants, is it because we aspire to be one of the participants or is it because we can never guess what is going to happen next or is it because we see real people show some real emotions and talent?

While I am still wondering what makes a reality show a hit show (or not), I am guilty of becoming hooked to a reality TV show myself - the talent search show - American Idol. I have watched many episodes of the show in every season, every episode seems to be so new and interesting! When it comes to explaining to someone why I like the shows, I am at a loss and ask myself the question - what's with these reality shows and what makes me watch one of them? Is it the participants or is it the creator or is the judges or is it the host ? I guess I will always be wondering but the new season of American Idol just started a week ago and I am pretty sure I will have my favorites and be rooting for them as the season progresses...