They became a success because 8 year olds like them. The only things 8 year olds don't like is what society tells them not to like...
Seriously, the only people I know personally (aka IRL) that like High School Musical are either 10 years old or younger, or Chavs (and since when did they have good taste?).
Next week: Big Brother, do you want to kill that TV show, or do you merely wish for it to not be around any more?