TV series
The Joy of Painting
1983–1994, English, on PBS. Created by Bob Ross.
We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.
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 of the show was not to teach viewers "speed painting". Rather, he intended for viewers to learn certain techniques within the time that the show was allotted. The show began on January 11, 1983, and lasted until May 17, 1994, a year before Ross' death.
- Seasons
- 31
- Episodes
- 403
- Episode length
- 30 min
- Status
- Ended in 1994
Absolute Cinema
Drop everything and watch it.
8.5/10 from 64 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
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Where to watch The Joy of Painting
The Joy of Painting isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online.
Free
Tubi TVAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Latest episode
S31 E13: Wilderness Day
Aired 17 May 1994
Seasons 31
Season 1
1983 · 13 episodes
Season 2
1983 · 13 episodes
Season 3
1984 · 13 episodes
Season 4
1984 · 13 episodes · 5.0/10
Season 5
1985 · 13 episodes
Season 6
1985 · 13 episodes
Season 7
1985 · 13 episodes
Season 8
1986 · 13 episodes
Season 9
1986 · 13 episodes
Season 10
1986 · 13 episodes
Season 11
1986 · 13 episodes
Season 12
1987 · 13 episodes
Season 13
1987 · 13 episodes
Season 14
1987 · 13 episodes
Season 15
1988 · 13 episodes
Season 16
1988 · 13 episodes
Season 17
1989 · 13 episodes
Season 18
1989 · 13 episodes
Season 19
1990 · 13 episodes
Season 20
1990 · 13 episodes
Season 21
1990 · 13 episodes
Season 22
1991 · 13 episodes
Season 23
1991 · 13 episodes
Season 24
1992 · 13 episodes
Season 25
1992 · 13 episodes
Season 26
1992 · 13 episodes
Season 27
1993 · 13 episodes
Season 28
1993 · 13 episodes
Season 29
1993 · 13 episodes
Season 30
1993 · 13 episodes
Season 31
1994 · 13 episodes
Specials
TBA · 15 episodes
Cast & crew
- Bob RossCreator
- Bob RossSelf - Host · 403 ep
- Steve RossHimself · 13 ep
- Dana JesterHimself · 3 ep
- Dorothy DentHerself · 1 ep
- Diane AndréHerself · 1 ep
- Audrey GoldenHerself · 1 ep
- Joyce OrtnerHerself · 1 ep
- Ferne SiroisHerself · 1 ep
- Ben StahlHimself · 1 ep
- John ThammHimself · 1 ep
- Annette KowalskiHerself · 1 ep
Details
- First aired
- 11 January 1983
- Last aired
- 17 May 1994
- Network
- PBS
- Language
- English
- Country
- United States
- Type
- Documentary
- Rated
- TV-G
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Joy of Painting: quick answers
Is The Joy of Painting worth watching?
Our verdict is Absolute Cinema: Drop everything and watch it. It scores 8.5/10 from 64 TMDB viewer ratings.
How many seasons of The Joy of Painting are there?
The Joy of Painting has 31 seasons and 403 episodes, about 30 minutes each.
Is The Joy of Painting finished?
Yes. The Joy of Painting ended in 1994, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is The Joy of Painting on?
The Joy of Painting isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
The Joy of Painting parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Joy of Painting is rated TV-G. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
What shows are like The Joy of Painting?
If you liked The Joy of Painting, try Who Do You Think You Are?, Nature, The Crocodile Hunter.
Who created The Joy of Painting?
The Joy of Painting was created by Bob Ross and stars Bob Ross, Steve Ross, Dana Jester.