Don’t forget about YouTube also. There are some surprisingly good tutorials to be found.
Another good show which takes you through things step by step is “Tyler’s Ultimate”.
Tyler Florence is an excellent chef as well as being a real down to earth type guy. His show is very meticulously planned and shot for maximum teaching effectiveness.
As others have mentioned, Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) is also very thorough.
Another good one is Anne Burrell (Secrets of a Restaurant Chef).
I wouldn’t really be emulating someone like Sandra Lee as she depends so much on various over-processed food products rather than actual food. Her set decorations are pretty but that’s about it.
There seem to be more instructional shows on the new cooking channel since Food Network has devolved into one crazy competition after another. I mean “Cupcake Wars”? Seriously now? Really?
Depending upon where you live, check the local PBS listings. Most of their cooking shows are on weekends. Definitely find and watch regularly “America’s Test Kitchen” and “Cooks Country”. These are from the editors of Cooks Illustrated Magazine and are excellent.
And I saved the best for last. Alton Brown and Good Eats. The absolute best. Lots of knowledge, techniques, scientific explanations presented with lots of props and a quirky sense of humor. I have learned so much from episodes of his over the years. This is an award winning show and repeats run regularly on FN. You should tape them. I can’t describe how great his program is.
You can find some samples on YT to give you a little preview.
The other thing I appreciate the most about FN is that you don’t have to try to scribble down all the ingredients while watching a program. Most recipes are on their website year round.