Good Eats (Cooking Channel, Food Network)

GOOD EATS is a fun, quirky series that combines science, comedy, and lots of great food. The show centers on culinary expert/author Alton Brown, who uses his unique brand of wit and knowledge to both teach and inspire. He breaks the history, culture, and science associated with ingredients, cooking tools, and dishes into understandable technical terms while preparing everything from French crepes to roasted artichokes. In between cooking segments, Brown exhibits his comedic side in hokey-but-funny sketches that are intended to highlight some of the most important insights about the foods he's preparing.

The series, which Brown writes and produces, is a great example of how to successfully educate people about food preparation using both wisdom and humor. While some of the offbeat banter occasionally includes some very subtle sexual innuendo (don't worry -- it will go over young viewers' head) and some mild references to violence, overall, the show's amusing but practical approach to the culinary arts will inspire cooks of all ages. Best of all, Brown's energy and passion for cooking have the potential to encourage non-cooks to venture into their kitchens.