The Joy of Painting backdrop
Family•Documentary

The Best Episodes of The Joy of Painting

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

Binge this in 7d 9h•Peaking at 9.4/10

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

Airs on
PBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons31

All12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 4 - Waterside Way
    9.4/10(123 votes)

    #1 - Waterside Way

    S8:E4

    A wilderness path leads you to the side of a still lake in a setting that Bob Ross accents with an abundance of trees.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 1 - A Walk in the Woods
    8.6/10(140 votes)

    #2 - A Walk in the Woods

    S1:E1

    Bob Ross introduces us to his "Almighty" assortment of tools and colors, tells us that anyone can paint, and creates a landscape of a forest path just after a rain shower.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Joy of Painting Season 31 Episode 13 - Wilderness Day
    8.6/10(110 votes)

    #3 - Wilderness Day

    S31:E13

    Step into the natural beauty of an overgrown colorful mead and enjoy the peace and soft tranquility you get from Bob Ross’ painting technique.

    Director:Sally Schenck
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 11 - Mountain Range
    8.5/10(91 votes)

    #4 - Mountain Range

    S8:E11

    Guest painter Steve Ross uses lots of color in this stirring depiction of giant peaks behind foothills opening onto a smooth lake.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 2 - Mt. McKinley
    8.3/10(107 votes)

    #5 - Mt. McKinley

    S1:E2

    This episode remains unaired and was provided only to various TV stations to determine their interest in the show.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 5 - Hunter's Haven
    8.3/10(84 votes)

    #6 - Hunter's Haven

    S8:E5

    Bob Ross’ exciting use of blue, yellow and orange hues brings vibrancy to this wood side setting and dream cabin beside a clear blue lake.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Joy of Painting

    READ
  7. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 6 - Winter Moon
    8.2/10(88 votes)

    #7 - Winter Moon

    S1:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 12 - Snow Fall
    8.2/10(81 votes)

    #8 - Snow Fall

    S1:E12

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 13 - Final Reflections
    8.2/10(90 votes)

    #9 - Final Reflections

    S1:E13

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 3 - Ebony Sunset
    8.1/10(95 votes)

    #10 - Ebony Sunset

    S1:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 4 - Winter Mist
    8.1/10(87 votes)

    #11 - Winter Mist

    S1:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 5 - Quiet Stream
    8.1/10(86 votes)

    #12 - Quiet Stream

    S1:E5

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 7 - Autumn Mountain
    8.1/10(80 votes)

    #13 - Autumn Mountain

    S1:E7

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 8 - Peaceful Valley
    8.1/10(81 votes)

    #14 - Peaceful Valley

    S1:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 10 - Mountain Lake
    8.1/10(82 votes)

    #15 - Mountain Lake

    S1:E10

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 4 - Shades of Grey
    8.1/10(83 votes)

    #16 - Shades of Grey

    S2:E4

    Bundle up and endure the cold weather in this snow filled adventure; Bob Ross paints a wintry mountain scene using only Grey and White tones.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The Joy of Painting Season 5 Episode 1 - Mountain Waterfall
    8.1/10(77 votes)

    #17 - Mountain Waterfall

    S5:E1

    Bob Ross creates a tiny waterfall tucked beside a glassy lake, while surrounded by snowy majestic peaks and distant evergreens.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The Joy of Painting Season 13 Episode 12 - Oval Essence
    8.1/10(54 votes)

    #18 - Oval Essence

    S13:E12

    Bob Ross’ dramatic use of blue tones results in an emotional depiction of stark waves at night – all tucked inside an oval shape.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 11 - Winter Glow
    8.0/10(81 votes)

    #19 - Winter Glow

    S1:E11

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 1 - Meadow Lake
    8.0/10(85 votes)

    #20 - Meadow Lake

    S2:E1

    Glide into this scenic world of green trees and bushes reflecting into calm waters. Bob Ross paints both gentle beauty and almighty power.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. The Joy of Painting Season 3 Episode 10 - Campfire
    8.0/10(77 votes)

    #21 - Campfire

    S3:E10

    In this one-of-a-kind masterpiece, Bob Ross paints a vibrant golden red glow, complete with cowboy restin’ a while by the cracklin’ flames.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 9 - Cool Waters
    8.0/10(71 votes)

    #22 - Cool Waters

    S4:E9

    Bob Ross captures the beauty of Alaska on canvas: clear skies, soft cottony clouds, snow covered mountains and breathtaking crystal lake.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 12 - Autumn Days
    8.0/10(74 votes)

    #23 - Autumn Days

    S4:E12

    In the still of the night, trees reflect off the glistening pond and cool breeze of blows as Bob Ross takes you on this black canvas adventure.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. The Joy of Painting Season 5 Episode 11 - Autumn Glory
    8.0/10(74 votes)

    #24 - Autumn Glory

    S5:E11

    In this landscape Bob Ross paints a far away mountain snuggled in with bright green trees and bushes mirrored in glistening waters.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. The Joy of Painting Season 6 Episode 1 - Blue River
    8.0/10(69 votes)

    #25 - Blue River

    S6:E1

    Luscious green grass and fresh evergreens, purple and pink sky -- giving the water a perfect glow in this Bob Ross black canvas masterpiece.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Waterside Way" is the best rated episode of "The Joy of Painting". It scored 9.4/10 based on 123 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/23/1986. This episode scored 0.8 points higher than the second highest rated, "A Walk in the Woods".