commentary The public television icon's legacy is still one of pop culture's happiest accidents Published May 2, 2026 10:30AM (EDT) Bob Ross in documentary "Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed" (Netflix) A version of this story first appeared in The Swell, Salon's culture newsletter. Sign up for early access to articles like this , for more culture that's made to last. “Hey, can I ask you something?” Oh, lord. When a stranger says that out of the blue, it tends to be followed up with some inquiry about my relationship with Jesus. But this believer wanted to share the good news about a different savior.…