The comedian’s surprise fundraising stunt turns a single painting into a major win for public broadcasting

A Fundraiser No One Saw Coming

25 November 2025: John Oliver has once again blended comedy, creativity and philanthropy — this time raising more than $1.5 million for PBS through a special Bob Ross–themed charity auction. What began as a humorous segment on Last Week Tonight evolved into a wildly successful fundraiser that drew bids from art lovers, fans and collectors around the world.

Oliver, a longtime supporter of public broadcasting, revealed that the auction’s centerpiece was a rare original Bob Ross painting featured in one of his show’s previous comedic segments. The painting, paired with a curated selection of Ross-inspired merchandise and memorabilia, ended up becoming one of the most talked-about charitable items of the year.

How the Auction Took Off

The event quickly gained traction, with thousands tuning in online to place bids or simply watch the spectacle. Oliver framed the auction as both a tribute to Bob Ross’s enduring legacy and a way to give back to the network that aired The Joy of Painting for decades.

Items available for bidding included:

A signed display of Ross’s brushes

Limited-edition prints

A replica easel used in Oliver’s segment

The highly coveted original landscape painting that sparked the frenzy

The energy of the auction — equal parts heartfelt and humorous — helped drive the final total well beyond its initial estimates.

Why It Matters for PBS

HOLR has the latest news, and the success of the auction arrives at a critical time for PBS, which continues to rely heavily on donor support as streaming competition grows. The over-$1.5 million raised will support educational programming, local stations and ongoing public-access initiatives.

PBS representatives expressed gratitude for Oliver’s unexpected yet powerful contribution, noting that his platform brought renewed attention to the importance of public broadcasting.

A Feel-Good Win for Public Media

John Oliver’s Bob Ross auction was more than a comedic bit — it was a generous act that tapped into nostalgia, artistry and community spirit. By turning a single painting into major funding for PBS, Oliver proved once again that humor, heart and purpose can create real-world impact.