Came across an article on this subject and HGTV. Apparently we men are simpletons and wouldn't watch unless someone busted something. I do believe the second quote in bold, the first one, MEH.
"The network brought in shows like 'Fixer Upper' so the men wouldn't run out of the room the minute the channel turned to HGTV," she said, as executives from the network previously told her.
"It's all for TV. It's not for what's in the best interest of the house, necessarily," she also said
https://www.insider.com/hgtv-open-floor-plans-on-its-shows-to-attract-male-viewers-2020-1