Episode 1
Island in the Wilderness
25m
Take a walk with Bob Ross down a little lakeside path in a secluded place; you’ll delight in the discovery of a small uninhabited island.
Where to watch The Joy of Painting
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.
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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.
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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 29 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Autumn Oval
24m
Step into an oval classic with Bob Ross and get inspired by the gorgeous browns and oranges of undoubtedly the most beautiful season of all.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 3
Seasonal Progression
24m
An interesting way to frame two pictures! Bob Ross paints a mountain landscape from luscious summer to beautiful winter, both on one canvas.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 4
Light at the Summit
24m
Capture a vision of glory with Bob Ross as you view the brilliance of afternoon sunlight peeking over a distant mountain top.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 5
Countryside Barn
25m
Take a trail through the meadow with Bob Ross and enjoy magnificent warmth and beauty of the sunlight’s glory as it rests gently upon an old barn.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 6
Mountain Lake Falls
25m
Guest artist Steve Ross invites you to experience the refreshing beauty of a highland lake and its gentle splashing waterfall.
Episode credits
Guest stars Steve Ross
Episode 7
Cypress Creek
24m
Take a stroll with Bob Ross deep into the swamp and breathe in the fragrances of damp earth and moss-filled trees on a rill bank.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 8
Trapper's Cabin
24m
Hike into the mountains with Bob Ross and stumble upon a cozy well-worn shack amidst the solitude of the wilderness.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 9
Storm on the Horizon
25m
Visit this gusty, sandy beach with Bob Ross and see how the approaching menacing clouds hug the great sea and sky ahead.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 10
Pot O' Posies
24m
Follow guest artist Annette Kowalski as she creates a beautiful hanging clay pot full of leaves and flowers using the Bob Ross painting method.
Episode credits
Guest stars Annette Kowalski
Episode 11
A Perfect Winter Day
24m
Travel with Bob Ross to the mountains of the north and marvel at the sight of a quaint cabin nestled into a lovely winter landscape.
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 12
Aurora's Dance
24m
Join Bob Ross and experience the amazing beauty of the ‘northern lights’ phenomenon as they dance across the dark, dark sky – this time in an oval!
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode 13
Woodman's Retreat
24mfinale
Explore the gorgeous mountain countryside with Bob Ross, and learn to paint a perfectly realistic-looking woodgrain background so simply!
Where to watch The Joy of PaintingEpisode information updated Jul 23, 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
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