Mercurius
Legend
Yet I think the OP's confusion is not quite that--wondering how people could watch something that they're not interested in. He obviously loves D&D, but just doesn't like watching it. My guess is that the majority of people who love golf also like to watch it. Of course there are people who love to play golf but not watch it, and I suppose he fits into that category with D&D.As you say, people watch golf matches. Different people enjoy different things, and a lot of people like watching stuff like Critical Role.
As for the OP, I think it comes down to a kind of learned familiarity, not unlike watching your favorite sitcom or Youtube channel. Turning it on is like coming "home," which the show Cheers kind of iconically characterized with the famous "Norm!!!" If you're a fan of Cheers, you kind of--at least sub-consciously--feel like you're one of the barflies, "part of the gang."
I also don't like watching CR or other D&D sessions, but there are TV shows and Youtube channels that I like to watch, and part of it is the familiarity. In some cases, I just like to have it on in the background as I'm making dinner. I think a lot of long-form Youtube and Podcast stuff is watched/listened to in that manner.