It’s hard to see wood-grain on a TV show. Usually it only appears after the stain is applied.
In real life, with real boards, the grain is obvious. Boards are stronger in the direction of the grain. But they expand and contract more in the perpendicular direction.
Good carpenters keep this in mind in assembling joints. Too much “cross-grain” movement will ruin a piece. Panel doors, for example, shouldn’t be painted. The paint seals them in position, and prevents their natural movement. Then they “break out of the joint”.
Working with wood is satisfying in a philosophical sense. It’s like playing golf. If you do things badly, you have only yourself to blame.
Hubby’s Dad was a carpenter. Hubby never got it. It is definitely a talent.