Episode 1
Two Seasons
27m
Take a little walk with Bob Ross as he shows you how to create the same mountain landscape setting in both summer and winter!
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
TV series
The Joy of Painting
1983NR31 seasons8.5 / 10
We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.
The Joy of Painting was an American television show hosted by painter Bob Ross that taught its viewers techniques for landscape oil painting. Although Ross could complete a painting in half an hour, the intent of the show was not to teach viewers "speed painting". Rather, he intended for viewers to learn certain techniques within the time that the show was allotted. The show began on January 11, 1983, and lasted until May 17, 1994, a year before Ross' death.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Joy of Painting is available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, Philo, Prime Video, YouTube TV, Fubo, Amazon Freevee, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Tubi, and Xumo Play in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Stream
Watch free
Synopsis
The Joy of Painting was an American television show hosted by painter Bob Ross that taught its viewers techniques for landscape oil painting. Although Ross could complete a painting in half an hour, the intent of the show was not to teach viewers "speed painting". Rather, he intended for viewers to learn certain techniques within the time that the show was allotted. The show began on January 11, 1983, and lasted until May 17, 1994, a year before Ross' death.
Season 16 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch The Joy of Painting
Episode 2
Nestled Cabin
27m
Out of nowhere appears an unexpected find -- a weathered cottage in the deep forest that Bob Ross places there, in an already perfect setting.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode 3
Wintertime Discovery
28m
Imagine stumbling upon this little surprise cabin and shed, nestled in the snow drifts! Bob Ross shows you how easy it is to paint.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 4
Mountain Mirage Wood Shape
28m
Real or imaginary? It doesn’t matter which as Bob Ross captures a great mountain and forest scene on specially cut plywood!
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 5
Double Oval Fantasy
28m
Bob Ross shows you how two beautiful mountain and evergreen oval scenes can be harmonized into one memorable masterpiece.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode 6
Contemplative Lady
27m
Guest artist John Thamm easily creates a realistic face and head form on a shellacked surface with just a few intriguing strokes.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally SchenckGuest stars John Thamm
Episode 7
Deep Woods
27m
Bob Ross creates a breathtaking, misty wooded scene with tiny trickling creek that’s fast and easy to recreate.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode 8
High Tide
28m
Bob Ross’ gentle brush strokes create bending palm trees on the edge of a sea coast, just before the water reaches its high point.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode 9
Barn in Snow Oval
27m
You’ll love this super big snow-bundled country structure by Bob Ross – it’s in an oval, and watch for a little surprise too!
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode 10
That Time of Year
27m
Steve Ross captures a real ‘dreamscape’ on canvas -- soft rolling hills, birch trees and pretty lake; paint along and add your own touches.
Episode credits
Guest stars Steve Ross
Episode 11
Waterfall Wonder
27m
One of nature’s perfect creations -- the misty, splashing waterfall -- is painted by Bob Ross, in all its magnificent splendor.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 12
Mighty Mountain Lake
27m
See the amazing glacier-like peaks Bob Ross creates in this icy panorama; grab your painting knife and do this one too.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode 13
Wooded Stream Oval
27mfinale
Watch and learn as Bob Ross unfolds this beautifully soft wooded scene with gently rippling brook, all inside an oval shape.
Episode credits
Directed by Sally Schenck
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
More about The Joy of Painting
Cast
Bob RossSelf - HostDorothy DentHerself
Diane AndréHerself
Audrey GoldenHerself
Joyce OrtnerHerself
Ferne SiroisHerself
Ben StahlHimself
John ThammHimself
Credits
- Created by
- Bob Ross
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 403
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States- WIPBUnited States
- Bob Ross Inc.
Themes
admiringartartistbeardcalmoil paintingpainterpainting
You may also like
More shows like The Joy of Painting.
