The short answer is no they don't help at all. Some shows aren't even informative at all, they are killing shows.

There is one exception, Deer and Deerhunting TV. They take a closer look at stuff like shot placement and management. Usually Charlie Alshimer (sp?) has some really in depth knowledge about deer biology and management. Sometimes he goes into a little too much depth, but for the most part he gives really awesome information.

The other shows do what everyone else has said and sell products. I just love it when a show starts with "We are here at such and such outfitters where they have giant bucks all over the place." Then they show you footage of 10 huge bucks that they passed on because they wanted something with a wider spread. Who hunts on their own land and has that happen to them on a regular basis.

I like the shows that give you a little back story to the hunt and will even show a kid take a doe. To me that is real hunting.