Why are the Kardashians so popular?

I must admit that I have watched and rather enjoyed the reality TV show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians", not really sure why.  As I was perusing MSNBC, I ran across this  headline that made me think, "Who the hell is Kim Kardashian?".  This was the reaction of [atress] Edie Falco when asked in an interview if she watches reality television. 

 ""“Who the hell is Kim Kardashian?” Edie answered when asked if she watches reality television, during an interview with New York Magazine’s Vulture blog posted on Tuesday. “Who are these people and why are they famous and why are they advertising things and being asked their opinions about things? I just don’t understand what these people did to be in a position of having everyone ask their opinions about stuff." (Access Hollywood) 

You can read the full article here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43328983/ns/today-entertainment/

But she has a valid point, we worship this family on a daily basis, they grace the cover of magazines with, nothing of substance.  What have these people done to be the mantra of television and print.  Granted, they are a beautiful family; however, if that were not the case would they be as successful and as popular as they are now.  Kim is reportedly worth more than 35 million; from what.  There are other successful people out there whose resumes have far more substance than them.  

What about the Williams sisters?  They are talented tennis players, entrepreneurs, have dealt with tragedy in their lives as well, but we don't see anyone breaking down their door to do a reality show.  Is beauty all we see as a society now, is that what makes you successful?