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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 9.1/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 4 - Waterside Way
    9.1/10(102 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

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  2. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 11 - Mountain Range
    9.1/10(81 votes)

    #2 - 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

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  3. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 2 - Surf's Up
    9.1/10(44 votes)

    #3 - Surf's Up

    S9:E2

    Feel the salt spray as Bob Ross paints ocean waves under abundant clouds, rolling in to spend their energy against sand and rock.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 3 - Red Sunset
    9.1/10(45 votes)

    #4 - Red Sunset

    S9:E3

    Warm light in sky and clouds makes this a glowing, fiery landscape -- Bob Ross teaches the use of his technique on black canvas.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 9 - Mountain Path
    9.1/10(42 votes)

    #5 - Mountain Path

    S9:E9

    Join Bob Ross for a happy half-hour as he creates one of his beautiful mountain and evergreen scenes, complete with path and ample bushes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Joy of Painting Season 6 Episode 1 - Blue River
    9.0/10(59 votes)

    #6 - 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

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Joy of Painting

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  7. The Joy of Painting Season 7 Episode 8 - Mountain Splendor
    9.0/10(48 votes)

    #7 - Mountain Splendor

    S7:E8

    It’s almost fall, and Bob Ross captures the undaunted power and charm of a mighty brown mountain surveying its rustic surroundings.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 3 - Warm Winter Day
    9.0/10(47 votes)

    #8 - Warm Winter Day

    S8:E3

    The field of snow and the little cabin yield to the bright, orange sun -- Bob Ross conveys harmony in this cold, but cozy scene.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 5 - Hunter's Haven
    9.0/10(74 votes)

    #9 - 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

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  10. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 6 - Bubbling Mountain Brook
    9.0/10(53 votes)

    #10 - Bubbling Mountain Brook

    S8:E6

    A playful brook appears the perfect complement to a range of rugged mountains in this Bob Ross setting on canvas.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 4 - Meadow Road
    9.0/10(41 votes)

    #11 - Meadow Road

    S9:E4

    Majestic snow-covered peaks and evergreens loom over lush green grasslands as Bob Ross takes you into his world of natural beauty.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 6 - Secluded Beach
    9.0/10(44 votes)

    #12 - Secluded Beach

    S9:E6

    Bob Ross teaches us the secret of his wet-on-wet technique while creating a restless ocean crashing against a rugged rocky coastline.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 7 - Forest Hills
    9.0/10(43 votes)

    #13 - Forest Hills

    S9:E7

    Strong mountains, proud evergreens and luxurious trees and bushes hug the velvety smooth foothills in today’s Bob Ross masterpiece.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 11 - Nature's Paradise
    9.0/10(42 votes)

    #14 - Nature's Paradise

    S9:E11

    Today Bob Ross creates a fantastic southwestern mountain scene with spectacular red peaks looming over a lazy, tree-lined stream.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. The Joy of Painting Season 9 Episode 13 - Mountain Hideaway
    9.0/10(44 votes)

    #15 - Mountain Hideaway

    S9:E13

    Bob Ross employs a unique technique, using both black and white base coats, to create a happy little stream tumbling down a rocky meadow.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. The Joy of Painting Season 13 Episode 12 - Oval Essence
    9.0/10(46 votes)

    #16 - 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

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  17. The Joy of Painting Season 31 Episode 13 - Wilderness Day
    9.0/10(97 votes)

    #17 - 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

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  18. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 2 - Mt. McKinley
    8.9/10(98 votes)

    #18 - 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

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  19. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 6 - Winter Moon
    8.9/10(79 votes)

    #19 - Winter Moon

    S1:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 12 - Snow Fall
    8.9/10(72 votes)

    #20 - Snow Fall

    S1:E12

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 4 - Shades of Grey
    8.9/10(74 votes)

    #21 - 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

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  22. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 8 - Wetlands
    8.9/10(60 votes)

    #22 - Wetlands

    S4:E8

    Feel the warm swampy air and admire the overgrown trees with hanging Spanish moss and velvety bushes … all Bob Ross style of course!

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 11 - Northwest Majesty
    8.9/10(55 votes)

    #23 - Northwest Majesty

    S4:E11

    Tall leafy trees, almighty mountains and puffy white clouds; a fresh and innovative painting by guest artist Diane Andre.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 12 - Autumn Days
    8.9/10(65 votes)

    #24 - 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

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  25. The Joy of Painting Season 5 Episode 1 - Mountain Waterfall
    8.9/10(68 votes)

    #25 - 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

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Best Episodes Summary

"Waterside Way" is the best rated episode of "The Joy of Painting". It scored 9.1/10 based on 102 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/23/1986. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Mountain Range".