Netflix’s new Bob Ross documentary paints the artist in a new light

Bob Ross has become a beloved public figure for his optimism, soft voice, and artistry. An upcoming Bob Ross documentary on Netflix is painting a much more ominous portrait of the artist.

The first trailer for Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal,& Greed, which is coming to Netflix in August 2021, dropped on Tuesday. If you can’t decide what to watch lately, the short snippet gives viewers a taste of an untold secret from the late painter’s life. 

“We want to show you the trailer for Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed but we can't," is the first thing you see at the start of the trailer. Meaning, for those wanting to learn more, they’ll have to wait until the documentary comes out. The trailer offers little information on what the film will explore, but does leave us with a puzzling voiceover at the end of the 35-second clip. “I've been wanting to get this story out for all these years," a morphed voice says.

The streaming service announced that the documentary will be available to view on August 25. We can only guess from the cryptic text provided that the documentary will portray Ross in a previously unforeseen light. 

Even Netflix's synopsis for the film gives little clues as to what we will discover, describing it as a “mystery” most of us have yet to learn.

“Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed brings us the shockingly untold story of the prolific landscape artist and host of The Joy of Painting. With a keen appreciation for nature, and a kind and gentle demeanor, Bob Ross encouraged everyone he met to embrace their creativity and believe in themselves, becoming a cultural phenomenon along the way,” the documentary’s launch release states. “The man who famously said that there were no mistakes—just happy accidents—has brought sheer delight to the world for decades. Beyond the iconic hair, soothing voice and nostalgic paintings lies a mystery that many have yet to discover.”