I'm compelled to say something because they entertain me more than most other programs.
The guys on Tanked are Acrylic Tank Manufacturers, not reef keepers. For the most part, they build & install custom FO setups with fake coral inserts. On occasion some have LR. Rarely do they get involved with live corals. I saw them use softies ONCE on that Feng Shui setup. Probably not the best idea, but all you can do is hope the clients have a clue moving forward from there. Certainly, they discussed livestock choices prior to acquiring them, even though the clients appeared excited at the reveal.
You may or may not care for Tracy Morgan, but they built him a proper setup for the species he wanted to keep. What more are they supposed to do?
And really, how difficult is an FO tank? About as easy as goldfish to most of us. Properly designed & constructed FO tanks don't need to "mature" like a reef does before you start adding most livestock. An adequate nitrogen cycle & you're essentially good to go. Modern products can greatly accelerate and control that process if you choose to use them.
From what I see, these guys don't spare expenses or proceed improperly with regard to the well being of livestock. I'd expect that many of their clients, with such deep pockets, have a professional service come in and take care of their setups after it's all said & done. That church in Texas hired a full time Marine Biologist and support staff. Other clients may enjoy doing maintenance and have time to get personally involved. Undoubtedly, some don't do the proper research, put the effort in or underfund it, fail, and quit. That's not a situation exclusive to clients on Tanked. One can't blame the Tanked guys for such people, anymore than your most ethical LFS who sells a top end system to someone with a wide open checkbook that insists on having the best. Actually not a bad way to start out, if you can afford it.
As others have said, exposure because of these guys can be a good thing for the hobby. Of course, the drama is often over the top. But they're trying to appeal to a broader audience, and not just fish nerds. Without some drama, a show about building fish tanks would not stay on the air. If you want build technicalities with minimum drama, read the RC member tank build threads. My wife finds their show interesting, to the point that she's starting to actually show positive interest in what is my mostly intolerable hobby - "Why don't you make yours look really nice like that one?" OK honey, does that mean I can spend money like they do?
As far as Petco, putting ATM branded products in their stores is not likely to be a huge step backwards for them or consumers. Probably going to be stuff most reefers wouldn't use anyway, made in China, with Wayde & Brett's faces on the package. If Petco decides to improve the livestock aspect of their business, they should hire someone like Bob Fenner to direct saltwater operations, and not leave it up to individual stores to hit or miss. But knowing big corporations, they'd get some marketing guy to make livestock decisions.