Last week, someone gave us a tip.
“Fred.”
We didn’t know Fred. Now we do. Our lives have been changed, not necessarily for the better.
Search YouTube if you’re curious, but don’t say we didn’t warn you. Fred redefines the word hyper.
The fictional 6-year-old, invented and portrayed by 14-year-old Lucas Cruikshank of rural Nebraska, is a fast-talking tyke with a temper and a voice that has been “chipmunked,” raising it several octaves.
It doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? You are outnumbered.
With about 250,000 subscribers — more than the Jonas Brothers or CBS — Fred’s YouTube channel is the fourth most subscribed-to in the site’s history. Fred’s new videos rocket into the YouTube exosphere, some generating 4 or 5 million views a pop.
Fred’s appeal is harder to nail down than the size of his audience. It could have something to do with the fact that his show is made by a kid for kids.
Beyond the zany antics, viewers might connect with Fred. He wears a T-shirt when he goes swimming — he’s uncomfortable with his body — has girl problems and deals with bullies.
Granted, his real life creator is doing fine. Lucas, who started making videos in 2006, has signed with a Los Angeles management company. His character already has endorsed text messaging devices in commercials on Nickelodeon.
Adults may shudder, but to tweens, he’s comedy gold.
Herald wire and staff
Fave Freds
Fred videos have been watched millions of times. Here are a few classics, all available at youtube.com/fred:
Fred Goes Swimming: Fred pouts that his kiddie-sized pool is too small and confesses he has peed in the water.
Fred Loses His Meds: Fred bounces to hip-hop before admitting he misplaced his pills, which help him act like a “normal person.”
Fred Goes to the Dentist: Fred screams while brushing his tongue and one of his teeth is bitten by a pet bird.
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