Project runway? Drag queen roller derby? Competitive knitting? Best former NFL player in a dress?
I think are giving too much credit to the media. Forethought? Just watch the Emmy's, the Academy Awards, or other such lubefests. They are more interested in advancing their agenda. Hollywood is also taking a beating in terms of revenues. Has it changed what they are promoting and doing? Not quite yet.
I don't think it's hockey or soccer, due to not enough scoring (although hockey is pretty exciting in person if you're sitting near the ice). Great plays in both hockey and soccer most often go completely unrewarded, which I think reduces the interest in the action. MMA is too violent for mass appeal, and I would think the concussion issue will be found to be as bad as in football.
College rugby and lacrosse have replaced it for me, pretty much. Professional Lacrosse is useless, though.
The NFL isn't going anywhere. I've never been wrong before.