We just switched from cable to Direct TV and while scanning around channels this afternoon I stumbled across a familiar face, Emeril. He has a show Emeril Green which is broadcast on the Planet Green network.
The show is filmed in a Whole Foods and he basically does a one-on-one cooking lesson with a pre-selected viewer. No Bams, no audience, no band, no garlic applause - just shopping for food items and then cooking. Watched about three back-to-back episodes and have to say I was impressed. Hands-on cooking instruction for cooks with widely ranging skills.
There is life for cooking shows outside of the Food Network “it must be done this way” template. 