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Shows like Hells Kitchen, Survivor, Bad Girls Club, etc, are actually all super patriarchal, unnecessary stress-machine shows.
They placate the masses by normalizes hoop-jumping capitalism male culture.
I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like them when I was younger, but can you imagine going to a restaurant where the chefs are all getting screamed at? That's fucking insane.
I don't know if this is going too far, but women who watch these kinds of shows probably aren't all that communal, and probably this can be used as a lighter tool for vetting friendships.
I've never seen the other shows but I do like Hell's Kitchen. Once I realized I liked it, I tried watching other cooking competitions but I couldn't get into them. So I figured out I don't really like those kinds of shows, I just have a thing for Gordon Ramsey. 😄
I mean some of the reality competition is like that but there are some like Amazing Race, where yes, you jump through hoops but you also work with teams and help each other. So it all depends. I know that isn't the answer that fits this but I think that your point is insightful just that some shows on the surface seem similar and are not quite the super patriarchal mess that others are. For example...
Real Housewives is definitely a bit of a competitive toxic mess. I do think many women who watch however are communal and like to be a girls' girl. Some would probalby swear they aren't pickme's because many of the housewives don't put up with men's b/s and some actually are either unpartnered or keep a man in the background of their lives. Strange how that works.