I think there is a big difference between food shows on PBS and the TV Food Network. The Food Network has become less about food and more about flash and cleavage. That said, I do like Giada de Laurentiis and Ina Garten - I have cooked recipes from both and they actually work. What I like about Ina is that her ideas are actually workable for busy people who like to entertain. And Giada is authentically Italian. I used to like Paula Deen, but now there is Paula everything and enough is enough already. Besides, while I think her sons are absolutely edible (especially Bobby), I see no need for them to have their own show where they go around the country tasting local cuisine. Maybe not their fault - the network knows they are adorable and just probably sees them as a big draw and moneymaker. I guess if they looked like average folks, there would be no show. Unfortunately, I too have tried some of Paula's recipes and they are hit or miss (unlike Emeril's which are mostly miss - though I think he does a great deal for charities and has been incredibly generous)
I can pretty much take or leave everyone else on the Food Network. Rachael Ray is a pet peeve - talk about over exposure! Again, I wouldn't necessarily care, but now she seems to be the guru on everything -29 cookbooks, a new talk show and a magazine. I still haven't figured what her actual talent is. Sadly, it is a good example of what a very successful friend once told me - "it doesn't much matter what you are actually capable of, it is what you can trick them into thinking you can do that counts"
That said, I tend to like the PBS shows, especially America's Test Kitchen. Anyone that considers themselves a serious cook should subscribe to "Cook's Illustrated" and watch this show. It is fascinating because they explain why things work and dont work, what they tried and I must say that I have never been disappointed in anything from the show and magazine.
Really, Julia Child is in a class by herself. There will never be another like her.
Ming Tsai (East Meets West and Simply Ming) is also very talented - but I tend not to cook that type of cuisine at home. And people laugh at her Italian with the upstate NY accent, but I have a soft spot for Maryann Esposito. And her recipes generally work well.