Unlike a TiVo (for example) that is just a recorder and offers the option to group recordings into folders, Channels DVR is more than just a recorder. 
Channels is able to manage recordings, as well as other imported media in a nice library. This is where you will see everything grouped by TV shows. You will also be able to choose in which order within a show you want to see the list of episodes.
What you want is the Library section. (Although, I guess it's called Home now.)
The Recordings section is a simple reverse chronological listing of (the last 50 or so) recordings. The feature you want already exists.
it says go to Settings > Library > Enhanced Library but there is no 'library' under settings
Channels is more than a recorder, but a lot less than my previous DVRs in many ways. I could have the system search for items of interest. For instance, I had a search for "Academy Awards". It would record the award show and the surrounding pre- and post- shows. Or "Hitchcock" to record his movies, or "Streisand" to record hers. With Channels it appears I can search and select to record only items that currently exist in the Guide.
This is a Channels app setting, not a web admin setting.
That's because you are not yet familiar with advanced passes in Channels DVR. 
You can do all that you mentioned and so much more with advanced passes. That is very powerful. From my experience, so much better than TiVo's Wishlist.
There is a dedicated forum for advanced passes.
Take a look:
Unfortunately, this can only be set up on the server.
Good. Very powerful. Too bad it's 1) only on the server and 2) well hidden.
I also came from TiVo, so know what you're talking about.
I've been using Channels for over 5 years and realize there are things that have to be done in the admin interface on the server. With a TiVo, you had to go through the menus to get to them. The TiVo was both a server and client, with a nice peanut remote for the whole interface (which could be slow and awkward to use for some things).
I well understand that the system is managed from the 'server' interface. It's just that some things are hidden (like Advanced Passes) or complicated (like creating and then implementing Channel Collections) and when I search for what I think things should be called (like 'Folders') nothing relevant comes up (I needed 'Library' or 'Home'). Then I get referred to a 'help' page and it's either out of date or unclear as to what it refers to. Growing pains with a new system. In many ways it's a lot like SageTV which is what I used prior to TiVo. One thing I miss is scanning or skipping through a recording with thumbnails. Is there a solution to that?
Oh, ok, but in addition to that setting (and it should be made clear in the doc that it is a Client setting, not a Server setting) you should also mention that there is an Enhanced Library Override setting available in the Server. That way you don't have to go through changing it on every client.
As you recall, TiVo also had the ability to catalog other media, and it is especially good at telling you on which services a particular item is available. Unfortunately, the streaming apps in TiVo didn't work.
It's documented in the client section of the documentation, so it was assumed.
This isn't usually mentioned as all settings are available in Server Side Settings.
What if I told you that Channels could do that too, would that 
your mind? 
Thanks to the brilliant work of @babsonnexus, there is an add-on for Channels that can do that!
Check this out:
Mind yet?
If you need help setting this up, feel free to post in that thread.
So far the only thing about Channels that has blown my mind is how easy it was to move the server from one device to another. Everything else has been 'as expected' or a little less. For instance, my wife could easily set up a Wishlist in TiVo but it would be a heavy lift to teach her how to make an Advanced Pass in Channels. Just finding the server page would be a challenge for her. I would set one up for my mother in law but then I would have to support it. It's not yet to the level of an 'appliance' where an average household can set it up and use it.
I agree with you it is not for the average user to get the most out of it you have to be a tech person. In my household I do most of the setup of passes etc... unless it is a simple one where you click on the guide and create a simple pass from the client. Wishlist etc ... is not supported in the Clients but you can setup on the Web Page.
100%
Exactly the same for me.
The heading is just 'Channels'. If it said 'Channels Clients/Apps' then it would be less confusing. Also, if you say 'Server Side Settings' that is confusing as this particular setting isn't under 'Server Side Settings', it's above in the client overrides. It took me a while to understand that 'server side settings' generally doesn't refer to the Server Side Settings subsection..
Not just to get the most out of it but just to get it up and running and keep it running requires advanced user and troubleshooting ability.
Sadly, I agree.
Personally, I have some technical knowledge so I don't mind doing stuff on the server but that's definitely not for the "average Joe/Jane".
