“Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed”

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed is a Netflix documentary released in 2021. I will admit upfront that I have been hesitant to watch this film as I was worried that it would reveal some terrible or heinous crime committed by the beloved TV painter or, possibly worse, that he was a fraud who had duped millions into believing he was a decent human.

I don’t think it’s entirely unreasonable to have those kinds of concerns in 2022. The phrase “Never meet your heroes!” is an adage (or warning) that exists for a reason, right? In the past few years, we as a collective American society have seen not only powerful men, but also beloved men, fall from grace due to revelations that are equal parts horrid and seemingly unfathomable.

Thankfully, that is not the case with this documentary, though troubling events and scenarios are revealed. While the documentarians and interviewees do not shy away from sharing Bob Ross’ idiosyncrasies, peculiar habits, questionable life choices and infidelities, those things are not necessarily the focus and, if anything, help to humanize a figure that has been elevated to wholesome pop icon and philosophical guru.

What is most disturbing about this documentary regards the IP – the intellectual property – of the Bob Ross name and his image. I don’t want to tell you too much because this film deserves a viewing so that you can make your own decision. I personally did not see it as biased, but the information and evidence presented makes for a pretty compelling case that favors one side over the other. In fact, the choice of certain people in Bob Ross’ life to not participate in the documentary speaks volumes.

Have you seen this documentary? If so, I would love to hear what you think! I hope you’ll share your thoughts in the comments.

4 thoughts on ““Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed””

  1. I remember when it first came out a few people talking about how they didn’t want to buy his imagine anymore because of the intellectual property. I meant to watch and it slipped my mind, that you for the reminder.

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  2. Everyone should watch Bob Ross Happy Accident movie to know he enjoyed teaching people art. Do not get mad, get even do not buy BRI products & greedy ex-partners lose $.

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    1. I like your assessment, Cindy. Bob Ross loved art & nature & he loved teaching people to be creative. The part near the end with the folks who used his painting methods as ways to cope w/ their mental health issues had me in tears.

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The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.