For me, if I already like someone I will be attracted to what they smell like regardless of what it is. The last guy was his laundry. He washed my clothes and I huffed them for days after. But I like the smell of sweat too.
I'm sure they can work, but in my experience they haven't.
I'm a shy person, and it's too easy for me to chat online. I've found a disconnect between chemistry through written word, and chemistry in person. It can be awkward.
I think tv can be educational, for sure. Like any information you have to check your sources.
I enjoy travel shows, even though it's just a taste and can be biased, I find it interesting. I don't watch much tv but I can recommend two good series: