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The Best Episodes of Painting With John

Every episode of Painting With John ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Painting With John!

Binge this in 5h 50m•Peaking at 8.8/10

Part meditative tutorial, part fireside chat, each episode finds artist John Lurie ensconced at his worktable, where he hones his intricate watercolor techniques and shares his reflections on what he’s learned about life.

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Seasons3

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Painting With John Season 3 Episode 2 - Potato
    8.8/10(32 votes)

    #1 - Potato

    S3:E2

    Over a unique blend of music, animation, and painted scenery, John recounts an escape he led from summer camp.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Painting With John Season 2 Episode 6 - Old Man Dancing
    8.5/10(24 votes)

    #2 - Old Man Dancing

    S2:E6

    John talks about attending the 1962 World Series with his father.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Painting With John Season 1 Episode 4 - Fame Is Bad
    8.2/10(41 votes)

    #3 - Fame Is Bad

    S1:E4

    John explains the origin of the painting he made in “honor” of Gore Vidal, tells the story of the now-famous actor who used to clean his house, and ponders the toll that fame took on his friend Anthony Bourdain.

    Director:John Lurie
    Writer:John Lurie

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  4. Painting With John Season 2 Episode 2 - Children Kicking Hamburger All Over the Highway
    8.2/10(35 votes)

    #4 - Children Kicking Hamburger All Over the Highway

    S2:E2

    John yells at the moon for not keeping an appointment and gives a lecture about new technology in the theater.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Painting With John Season 3 Episode 5 - How the Music Is Made
    8.2/10(23 votes)

    #5 - How the Music Is Made

    S3:E5

    John gathers a group of remarkable musicians to write, rehearse, and record music for this season of the show.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Painting With John Season 1 Episode 1 - Bob Ross Was Wrong
    8.1/10(86 votes)

    #6 - Bob Ross Was Wrong

    S1:E1

    After contemplating how to open his show, John discusses his parents’ approach to nurturing their kids’ creativity and his lack of trust in someone until he has heard them laugh.

    Director:John Lurie
    Writer:John Lurie

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Painting With John

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  7. Painting With John Season 1 Episode 5 - The Disappearance of Chicken Man
    8.1/10(40 votes)

    #7 - The Disappearance of Chicken Man

    S1:E5

    John contemplates uncanny disappearances on the island where he lives. Next, he tells the story of being turned away from the DMV at 17 and how his mother tried to intervene.

    Director:John Lurie
    Writer:John Lurie

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  8. Painting With John Season 3 Episode 4 - My Friend Flea
    8.1/10(25 votes)

    #8 - My Friend Flea

    S3:E4

    John receives a visit from his friend Flea, and the two find endless time to catch up… in prison.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Painting With John Season 1 Episode 3 - Elephant
    8.0/10(48 votes)

    #9 - Elephant

    S1:E3

    John recounts how the obsession he and his brother shared for John Coltrane’s “Live at Birdland” resulted in an unfortunate Sunday breakfast and chronicles his epic quest to procure a live eel in Manhattan.

    Director:John Lurie
    Writer:John Lurie

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  10. Painting With John Season 2 Episode 4 - Your Hands Have Turned into Lightbulbs
    8.0/10(23 votes)

    #10 - Your Hands Have Turned into Lightbulbs

    S2:E4

    John scares people on bicycles while trying to explain that life is a beautiful and wonderful thing.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Painting With John Season 1 Episode 6 - Finding Rudolph
    7.9/10(40 votes)

    #11 - Finding Rudolph

    S1:E6

    John considers the complex songs of tree frogs, recounts ongoing attempts to make his cameraman Erik laugh, and reflects on the challenges and benefits of painting with watercolors. Season finale.

    Director:John Lurie
    Writer:John Lurie

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  12. Painting With John Season 1 Episode 2 - The Explosion Story
    7.8/10(57 votes)

    #12 - The Explosion Story

    S1:E2

    John crashes his seventh drone in his attempt to film a show open. Next, he shares how his cancer treatment led to a middle-of-the-night disastrous shrimp curry incident and recalls meeting Barry White.

    Director:John Lurie
    Writer:John Lurie

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  13. Painting With John Season 2 Episode 5 - Small Car
    7.8/10(26 votes)

    #13 - Small Car

    S2:E5

    John encounters a drunk pilot and decides it is safe to fly with him, while Ann Mary shares how she makes Weapon Potatoes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Painting With John Season 3 Episode 3 - The Sea Monster
    7.8/10(22 votes)

    #14 - The Sea Monster

    S3:E3

    John discusses getting older and Nesrin floats away to music.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Painting With John Season 2 Episode 1 - What?
    7.7/10(33 votes)

    #15 - What?

    S2:E1

    John sacrifices his handsomeness for humanity – and the introduction of Cowboy Beckett.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Painting With John Season 2 Episode 3 - The Bugs Are Winning
    7.7/10(26 votes)

    #16 - The Bugs Are Winning

    S2:E3

    John recounts the time Joey Ramone waved at him.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Painting With John Season 3 Episode 1 - Hermits Unite
    7.7/10(25 votes)

    #17 - Hermits Unite

    S3:E1

    John laments how he, the world, and airports are absolute messes before offering a public service announcement on TV binge-watching.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Painting With John Season 3 Episode 6 - The Night Hunters
    7.2/10(15 votes)

    #18 - The Night Hunters

    S3:E6

    John shares his appreciation for his long-time assistant and friend Nesrin… and his epic collection of luminary toast.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Potato" is the best rated episode of "Painting With John". It scored 8.8/10 based on 32 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 6/9/2023. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Old Man Dancing".