The WORST episodes of Painting with John
Every episode of Painting with John ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Painting with John!
Part meditative tutorial, part fireside chat, each episode finds artist John Lurie ensconced at his worktable, where he hones his intricate watercolor techniques and shares his reflections on what he’s learned about life.
#1 - Small Car
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/18/2022
John encounters a drunk pilot and decides it is safe to fly with him, while Ann Mary shares how she makes Weapon Potatoes.
#2 - Fame Is Bad
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/12/2021
John explains the origin of the painting he made in “honor” of Gore Vidal, tells the story of the now-famous actor who used to clean his house, and ponders the toll that fame took on his friend Anthony Bourdain.
#3 - Elephant
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/5/2021
John recounts how the obsession he and his brother shared for John Coltrane’s “Live at Birdland” resulted in an unfortunate Sunday breakfast and chronicles his epic quest to procure a live eel in Manhattan.
#4 - Bob Ross Was Wrong
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/22/2021
After analyzing how to open his series, John discusses how his parents approached stimulating their children's creativity and their lack of confidence in people until they made them laugh.
#5 - The Disappearance of Chicken Man
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/19/2021
John contemplates uncanny disappearances on the island where he lives. Next, he tells the story of being turned away from the DMV at 17 and how his mother tried to intervene.
#6 - The Bugs Are Winning
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/4/2022
John recounts the time Joey Ramone waved at him.
#8 - Children Kicking Hamburger All Over the Highway
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/25/2022
John yells at the moon for not keeping an appointment and gives a lecture about new technology in the theater.
#9 - What?
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/18/2022
John sacrifices his handsomeness for humanity – and the introduction of Cowboy Beckett.
#10 - My Friend Flea
Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/23/2023
John receives a visit from his friend Flea, and the two find endless time to catch up… in prison.
#11 - Finding Rudolph
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/26/2021
John considers the complex songs of tree frogs, recounts ongoing attempts to make his cameraman Erik laugh, and reflects on the challenges and benefits of painting with watercolors.
#12 - Hermits Unite
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/2/2023
John laments how he, the world, and airports are absolute messes before offering a public service announcement on TV binge-watching.
#13 - The Explosion Story
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/29/2021
John damages seven drones in an attempt to film the opening of the series. Then he tells how his cancer treatment led to a disastrous curry shrimp incident in the middle of the night and recalls his meeting with Barry White.
#14 - Your Hands Have Turned into Lightbulbs
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/11/2022
John scares people on bicycles while trying to explain that life is a beautiful and wonderful thing.
#15 - Potato
Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/9/2023
Over a unique blend of music, animation, and painted scenery, John recounts an escape he led from summer camp.
#16 - Old Man Dancing
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/25/2022
John talks about attending the 1962 World Series with his father.
#17 - The Night Hunters
Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/7/2023
John shares his appreciation for his long-time assistant and friend Nesrin… and his epic collection of luminary toast.
#18 - How the Music Is Made
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 6/30/2023
John gathers a group of remarkable musicians to write, rehearse, and record music for this season of the show.