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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 9.3/10

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
    9.3/10(134 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 1 Episode 2 - Mt. McKinley
    8.9/10(115 votes)

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

    #3 - 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

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  4. The Joy of Painting Season 31 Episode 13 - Wilderness Day
    8.3/10(115 votes)

    #4 - 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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  5. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 11 - Mountain Range
    8.2/10(95 votes)

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

    #6 - Snow Fall

    S1:E12

    No description available

    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 8 Episode 5 - Hunter's Haven
    8.0/10(88 votes)

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

    #8 - Ebony Sunset

    S1:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #9 - Winter Mist

    S1:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #10 - Quiet Stream

    S1:E5

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #11 - Winter Moon

    S1:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #12 - Autumn Mountain

    S1:E7

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #13 - Peaceful Valley

    S1:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #14 - Mountain Lake

    S1:E10

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. The Joy of Painting Season 1 Episode 11 - Winter Glow
    7.9/10(87 votes)

    #15 - Winter Glow

    S1:E11

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #16 - Final Reflections

    S1:E13

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #17 - 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

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

    #18 - 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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  19. The Joy of Painting Season 3 Episode 10 - Campfire
    7.9/10(82 votes)

    #19 - 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

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  20. The Joy of Painting Season 4 Episode 12 - Autumn Days
    7.9/10(79 votes)

    #20 - 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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  21. The Joy of Painting Season 5 Episode 1 - Mountain Waterfall
    7.9/10(82 votes)

    #21 - 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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  22. The Joy of Painting Season 6 Episode 4 - Whispering Stream
    7.9/10(75 votes)

    #22 - Whispering Stream

    S6:E4

    Narrow, winding, rocky – this little Bob Ross style creek moves closer and closer, flowing aimlessly through a happy little meadow forest.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. The Joy of Painting Season 8 Episode 3 - Warm Winter Day
    7.9/10(62 votes)

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

    #24 - Winter Sun

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

    #25 - Ebony Sea

    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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Best Episodes Summary

"Waterside Way" is the best rated episode of "The Joy of Painting". It scored 9.3/10 based on 134 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/23/1986. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "Mt. McKinley".