In the UK gardening shows are still going strong. In North America, however, the pickings are comparatively slim...or, more accurately, we are starved.
Remember back in the day, when you could turn on the TV on Saturdays and have your pick of gardening shows? I'm not talking about the reality shows that dominate the airwaves these days. I'm referring to shows that actually taught you how to garden - the shows that valued substance over "show" and fabricated drama. If you're over 40, you know what I mean. If you're under 40, then let me be the one to tell you that TLC originally stood for "The Learning Channel" - where you actually learned stuff. I can't tell you how many times I've heard " I had no idea that's what the letters stood for". It's no wonder.
Then there's HGTV - another channel that had fairly good programing at one point until the reality show hordes took over. In fact, there are so few gardening shows on it now, reality or otherwise, that I'm thinking it should undergo a name change too...that 'G' really shouldn't be there.
You know what the problem is? These channels are run by executives that HAVE gardeners, not ARE gardeners. They prefer manicures to dirt under their fingernails and their mandate is fat bottom lines not quality programming.