What We Know About Netflix’s ‘Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed’

When it comes to controversial celebrities, Bob Ross is not one of them. The late artist and host of PBS‘ instructional show The Joy of Painting has long been beloved for his calm, positive demeanor and serene tutorials. But is there a darker side to his story? Netflix seems to think so, judging by the title of its mysterious new documentary Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed.

But here’s the catch: The streaming service refuses to reveal what the Joshua Rofé film is about. While you wait to glimpse America’s favorite painter in a new light, here’s everything to know about Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed in the meantime.

When will Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed be on Netflix?

The film hits Netflix on Wednesday, August 25.

What is Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed about?

Right now, we don’t know much about what exactly the Netflix documentary entails.

Check out its vague synopsis: “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed brings us the untold story of the prolific landscape artist and host of The Joy of Painting… 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.”

Netflix’s official page for the documentary provides further clues, reading, “A battle for his business empire cast a shadow over his happy trees.”

This could be referring to what some of Ross’ friends call “Grand Theft Bob,” a 2018 incident in which Ross’ son Steve Ross sued Ross’ original business partners in federal court for making “millions of dollars by illegally licensing Bob’s image.” Per The Daily Beast, Ross claimed he owned 100% of the rights to his father’s name and likeness.

Although a federal judge later threw the case out, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed could be setting up the younger Ross as a villainous figure.

Is there a trailer for Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed?

Yep, but don’t expect it to reveal more plot details. On August 17, Netflix released another torturously vague sneak peek at the documentary in the form of a 35-second trailer. Accompanying a photo of Ross, text appears on screen, reading, “We want to show you the trailer for Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed. But we can’t.”

“I’ve been wanting to get this story out for years,” an unidentified voice adds.

You can find out exactly what went down within the beloved artist’s legacy when Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed premieres on Netflix on August 25.

Where to stream Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed