When livestreaming site Twitch announced that it would be playing a week-long marathon of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross in honor of Ross’ birthday and the new Twitch Creative category, the site had no idea what it was getting itself into.

“When we first discussed the idea of running an all-episodes marathon of ‘The Joy of Painting’ with the Bob Ross folks, we weren’t entirely sure what would happen,” Bill Morrier, head of Twitch Creative, wrote on the site’s official blog. “We knew it would bring attention to Twitch Creative and give the internet some enjoyment and inspiration for a few days. We had no idea it would grow into the phenomenon we’ve seen it become.”

According to the statistics on the Bob Ross Twitch channel, the stream has been viewed over 3.8 million times in less than two weeks, and the number has continued to rise even with the channel showing nothing more than a countdown timer that ends today.

“We’ve been as sad as you have, knowing the end of our marathon was approaching,” Morrier continued. “Bob’s voice sends many of us to sleep at night, and calms and inspires us throughout the day. Bob has reminded us of what’s important in life, reminded us of our childhoods, time with family, and the days we’ve spent creating something. WE DIDN’T WANT THE END TO BE REAL.”

“Bob will always be there for you every Monday night without fail”

Morrier said that Twitch has heard the fans crying out for more Bob Ross (along with their hashtag #KEEPBOB), and the livestreaming platform has decided that from now on, every Monday night will be Bob Ross night.

“Every Monday, we will be running one season of The Joy of Painting on /bobross starting at 3pm PST and ending at 9:30pm PST,” Morrier said. “There are 31 seasons, so repeats will happen only once every seven months. Whether you’ve had a great Monday and want to celebrate with a familiar crowd, or your day has plain sucked and you want to be calmed by his soothing tones, Bob will always be there for you every Monday night without fail.”

In addition to the weekly show, Morrier also said that the week-long marathon will return every year on October 29 in honor of the painter’s birthday.

Morrier added that the proceeds from all subscriptions and donations made on the Bob Ross Twitch channel will be divided between the rights holders for the show, St Jude’s cancer research, Twitch Creative support, and a local arts organization called Root Division.

Screenshot via Twitch.tv