Every American loves a good underdog tale, which might be the reason that so many TV shows today are about amateurs trying to master a professional field. From police work to doctors to lawyers, we can't stop rooting for these amateurs as they try to play on the same level with the pros.
Shawn Spencer, "Psych"
Granted, Shawn's father is a cop who subjected his son to his own special brand of "training" as a kid. But that being said, Shawn has no formal police training. He's just gifted when it comes to noticing even the smallest detail from a crime. While you certainly could have called Shawn an amateur detective in the first season, the title probably isn't fair now. After all, he's making a living doing it, and he's probably got 10,000 hours of experience on the job.
Mike Ross, "Suits"
Mike Ross never went to law school (that whole business with running an exam cheating ring kind of got him expelled). And yet, because he was born with a photographic memory, he was able to get a job with a top Manhattan law firm. While he might not know how to file a motion, he can perfectly recite the code of law or recall a small bit of information that can prove vital to winning a case. He's got no degree, but he can play ball with the big boys.
Dr. Zoidberg, "Futurama"
While Dr. Zoidberg is likely a qualified doctor when it comes to his own species, it's pretty clear he never went to a medical school that required him to master human anatomy. In fact, his doctorate is apparently in art history. That should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever heard him diagnose Fry's many maladies. And yet, he does occasionally get it right, like in "The Tip of the Zoidberg." In that episode, Dr. Z saves the Professor, who is suffering from yetiism.
Pretty much everyone, "Masterchef"
The whole concept behind this reality competition is to give amateur chefs and home cooks a chance to prove that they can cook professional-quality food. In the first season, college student Whitney Miller won. Since winning, Miller has published a cookbook, further cementing her success. In Season 2, realtor and former beauty pageant damsel Jennifer Behm proved she had the chops to make it to the top.
