Early Career on YouTube
Ed’s big break came through the popularity of his prank videos, where he would assume different personas and interact with unsuspecting members of the public. Some of his early characters, such as the dimwitted “Skippy,” the heavily accented “Emilio,” and the incomprehensible “Mumbles,” became iconic staples on his channel. These characters allowed him to engage in pranks that tested the boundaries of social norms while remaining mostly lighthearted and non-malicious.
One of Ed’s earliest viral hits was a video featuring his character “Skippy” attempting to buy a car. The uncomfortable interactions and awkward humor became his trademark style. Videos like “Look at This Car” and “Zombie Drive Thru Prank” garnered millions of views and helped to grow his subscriber base.
Evolution and Collaborations
As Ed’s popularity grew, so did his opportunities. He began collaborating with other YouTubers and comedians, expanding his influence in the online world. His work caught the attention of mainstream media, and he appeared on popular platforms like The Today Show, Fox News, and even Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Ed’s brand of humor was a natural fit for the prank community on YouTube, but he also managed to stand out due to his focus on character-based skits. This set him apart from many other pranksters who typically focused solely on shock value. His ability to create memorable characters with unique backstories and personalities became one of his key strengths.
The Ed Bassmaster Show
In 2016, Ed’s success culminated in his own TV series, The Ed Bassmaster Show, which aired on CMT (Country Music Television). The show allowed him to take his YouTube personas to a wider audience, combining hidden-camera pranks with sketch comedy. Some of his classic characters, including Skippy and Mumbles, were featured prominently. Though the show only lasted for one season, it was a significant milestone in his career, transitioning his online success to traditional television.
YouTube Consistency and Adaptation
Even after his foray into television, Ed remained dedicated to his YouTube audience, continuing to produce content for his channel. His ability to adapt to changing trends on the platform has been one of the reasons for his sustained success. In addition to pranks, Ed has experimented with vlogs, collaborations, and even gaming-related content, keeping his offerings diverse.
Throughout the years, Ed’s comedic style has maintained its core elements—awkward interactions, character-driven sketches, and observational humor. Despite the rise and fall of many prank channels on YouTube, Ed has managed to remain relevant by staying true to his unique style while evolving with the platform.