People define things like 'nature' and 'documentary' differently. Some people assume something is a 'documentary' genre even if there is no verbiage to suggest

People define things like 'nature' and 'documentary' differently. Some people assume something is a 'documentary' genre even if there is no verbiage to suggest it. Fortunately it's not that tough to research which documentaries are legitimate and have a good reputation if you really care that much. Narrative techniques and emphasis on 'the interesting stuff' is to be expected on TV. If you're trying to learn by watching docs airing on TV you're taking the wrong approach anyway IMO. I haven't had cable in years but I don't mind 'nature' footage in the background at all. as a sidenote - I like the 'documentary' Koyaanisqatsi - to those who have not seen it, there's no spoken words, just a soundtrack. It's an interesting juxtoposition of scenery ranging from untouched by civilization to the heights of scientific achievement.