Why are soap operas so popular?

I mean, really? I would never pay to watch a bunch of middle-aged gossipers whine and cry about their cheating husbands. That's about as decent as taking enjoyment in a court case with a verdict of guilty.

Why do people like to see others fail?

Is it our selfish human nature that causes our hearts to lighten when we see another sink below the surface? If so, I congratulate the human race of being the most arrogant and needy group of organisms ever to inhabit Earth.

So, I dare ask again: Why do we enjoy watching others fall behind?

Why do we laugh when we watch war movies and a bombshell punches out a soldier's eyes?

Why do we find it humorous when a child forgets to tie his shoes and trips?

Why do we take enjoyment in a dancer who stumbles on the way down from a leap?

Again, I ask all humans: Why do we enjoy others' failure?

Why are soap operas so popular?