Like most prime-time watchers out there, I was annoyed by the shortened season caused by the writer's strike in Hollywood. However, I found an upside when, being the channel-surfing type, I discovered excellent shows I might never have watched if it weren't for the strike. I think you call this type of show "edutainment" -- it's not a documentary or fictional, but more like a reality show without the "car crash" mentality. Whatever the pop culture term is, these shows are more attention-grabbing and thought provoking than prime time's usual fare.
1. "Living with the Mek: The Adventures of Mark and Olly" airs on the Travel Channel. This is a fantastic show, following two Brits who live with an indigenous tribe in West Papua for several months. It's amazing to think that there are people in this day and age who don't wear clothes and live off the land. Warning: this show has 'indigenous nudity,' so it's not appropriate for family viewing.
2. "Escape to Chimp Eden" airs on Animal Planet. You'll have to check TV listings, I'm not sure what day the show airs, I've seen it on several times in a week. It's about the mission of South African Eugene Cussons, who rescue chimpanzees in captivity. The conditions the chimps on the show have been kept in break your heart. Most of them have never been in contact with others of their species and have been confined to cages or chained outside for years. Cussons brings them to the Chimp Eden Sanctuary with the hopes of rehabilitating them to be released into the wild.
3. "Bizarre Foods" airs on the Travel Channel. The host travels to different lands and samples the local cuisine. This is not a show to watch during mealtime! From insects to fish heads, Andrew Zimmern eats some extremely disgusting things....which is hilarious to watch!
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