Maybe it doesn't cater to intelligent or educated people, but it certainly doesn't mean that the demographic doesnt watch it. Maybe it's because I tend to see that side of the fan base, but there are plenty of "Smarks" (smart marks) out there who love the show unironically, while still able to be super critical about it.

For example, I feel like the Bachelor is loved by comedians and not simply because it provides good material to make fun of. My SO, an English lit PhD candidate, is part of a whole network of academics that are fans.

FWIW, according to my SO, she said the Smarks out there are in universal agreement that this was one of the most tone-deaf things the show has ever done.