Why is TV so appealing?

I admit it, I love TV. If I have a day when I actually have no work to do (it’ll happen someday…) I will watch it for hours on end.

Why is it appealing to watch the completely artificial, often frustratingly predictable lives of fictional people who have no bearing on our lives?

Why is TV the preferred medium versus books or live theater? (I understand there are certain individuals who prefer books or live theater, but it seems very clear to me that these are exceptions.)

Finally, why is TV looked down upon when so many people watch it? Why is it considered a waste of time? Does it have some redeeming value? If so, what is it?