When Speed Goes Pro premiered, it didn’t just launch another YouTube series — it redefined what television could be in the digital era. The show’s creator, IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.), known for his unpredictable humor and massive online following of over 150 million fans, transformed the concept of a livestream into a fully produced entertainment event.
According to OBB Media co-founder Michael D. Ratner, “It feels like you’re watching one of The Beatles back in the day.” And he might be right. Just as The Beatles reshaped pop culture in the 1960s, Speed is doing the same in 2025 — this time through streaming. His massive 35-day U.S. livestream tour across 25 states became a cultural phenomenon, ending with a live premiere that drew millions online and in person at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Behind the Scenes of Speed Goes Pro
While most shows follow a predictable marketing playbook, Speed Goes Pro tore it up. Instead of red carpets and talk shows, Speed livestreamed his way across America — from Disneyland and MrBeast’s studio to spontaneous meetups with fans. He streamed nonstop, even while asleep, gaining 1.5 million new followers during the trip.
The production behind the scenes was as ambitious as any network show. A 15-person crew, multiple camera setups, and a million-dollar budget made the stream run 24/7. “You’re holding a Sony FX6 while walking through crowds of fans — it gets intense,” said Speed’s videographer Luca Volpentesta. The tour culminated in a one-of-a-kind premiere where celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Suni Lee, Randy Orton, and Tom Brady joined in the celebration — proving that digital entertainment had officially merged with Hollywood-level spectacle.
How Speed Goes Pro Transformed the Idea of a Show
Speed Goes Pro, produced by OBB Media in partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, is a five-episode series that follows Speed’s journey to “go pro” in different sports — football, gymnastics, basketball, wrestling, and even competitive eating. Each episode pairs him with world-class athletes like Tom Brady, Suni Lee, Kevin Durant, and Joey Chestnut.
Rather than forcing creators into old TV formats, OBB built a show around Speed’s unique energy. “You shouldn’t pluck creators and put them into traditional ideas,” said Ratner. “You should make content that’s bespoke — for his audience.” That authenticity is what makes Speed Goes Pro stand out. It captures Speed’s raw charisma and chaos while elevating it with top-tier production — something no streamer has done at this scale before.
Why Speed Goes Pro Matters for the Future of Entertainment
What IShowSpeed achieved with Speed Goes Pro isn’t just a career milestone — it’s a cultural shift. He blurred the line between livestreaming and television, proving that creators can command the same cultural relevance once reserved for movie stars and musicians.
As fellow streamer DDG said, “Speed is showing that streaming is more than just sitting at a desk. Streamers are more famous than traditional celebrities at this point.”
From Cincinnati to the global stage, IShowSpeed is leading a new wave of digital entertainment — one that’s live, interactive, and deeply connected to the fans who made it possible. Speed Goes Pro isn’t just a show; it’s a blueprint for the future of creator-led media.
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