FamilyDocumentary1983–1994PBS

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!

Best episode
S8E4 Waterside Way
9.3135 votes
Worst episode
S29E10 Pot O' Posies
4.190 votes
Top season
Season 1
8.0avg
Binge time
7d 9h
403 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons31

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 4 - Waterside Way
    9.3/10(135 votes)

    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 1 Episode 2 - Mt. McKinley
    8.9/10(115 votes)

    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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  3. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 1 - A Walk in the Woods
    8.6/10(151 votes)

    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

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  4. The Joy of Painting Season 31 Episode 13 - Wilderness Day
    8.3/10(116 votes)

    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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  5. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 11 - Mountain Range
    8.2/10(96 votes)

    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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  6. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 5 - Hunter's Haven
    8.0/10(89 votes)

    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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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Joy of Painting

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  7. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 12 - Snow Fall
    8.0/10(87 votes)

    S1:E12

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 3 - Ebony Sunset
    7.9/10(103 votes)

    S1:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 13 - Final Reflections
    7.9/10(97 votes)

    S1:E13

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 6 - Winter Moon
    7.9/10(96 votes)

    S1:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 4 - Winter Mist
    7.9/10(94 votes)

    S1:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 5 - Quiet Stream
    7.9/10(94 votes)

    S1:E5

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 1 - Meadow Lake
    7.9/10(90 votes)

    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

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  14. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 10 - Mountain Lake
    7.9/10(88 votes)

    S1:E10

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 8 - Peaceful Valley
    7.9/10(87 votes)

    S1:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 4 - Shades of Grey
    7.9/10(87 votes)

    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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  17. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 7 - Autumn Mountain
    7.9/10(86 votes)

    S1:E7

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. The Joy of Painting Season 3 Episode 10 - Campfire
    7.9/10(83 votes)

    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

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  19. The Joy of Painting Season 5 Episode 1 - Mountain Waterfall
    7.9/10(83 votes)

    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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  20. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 11 - Winter Glow
    7.8/10(87 votes)

    S1:E11

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 2 - Winter Sun
    7.8/10(83 votes)

    S2:E2

    Find the glistening sun peeking through the trees in this wintery scene; Bob Ross creates a cold day warmed by daystar radiance.

    Director:Sally Schenck
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. The Joy of Painting Season 2 Episode 3 - Ebony Sea
    7.8/10(81 votes)

    S2:E3

    As the night settles over a rocky coast, Bob Ross gives you a warm glow still in the sky – a painting achieved on black canvas.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 12 - Autumn Days
    7.8/10(80 votes)

    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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  24. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 3 - Warm Winter Day
    7.9/10(63 votes)

    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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  25. The Joy of Painting Season 5 Episode 11 - Autumn Glory
    7.8/10(79 votes)

    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

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Best Episodes Summary

"Waterside Way" is the best rated episode of The Joy of Painting. It scored 9.3/10 from 135 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on January 23, 1986. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "Mt. McKinley".

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