Los Angeles, California – A documentary series, “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” has taken the entertainment industry by storm, drawing attention to allegations of abuse and misconduct surrounding the iconic children’s TV shows on Nickelodeon in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Following its unexpected success, a fifth episode of the series is set to air soon, diving deeper into the disturbing claims linked to Dan Schneider, a prominent figure at Nickelodeon.
Executive producer Jason Sarlanis from Turner Networks disclosed that the series, which initially consisted of four parts, surpassed all expectations upon its release in March. The overwhelming response led to the swift approval of a bonus episode, scheduled to premiere on April 7 on Investigation Discovery and the streaming platform Max.
Titled “Breaking the Silence,” the upcoming episode will feature former Nickelodeon stars, including Drake Bell, who will share his experience of sexual abuse at the hands of Brian Peck, his former dialogue coach. The episode will also reunite some of the stars for the first time, sparking conversations about the future of the industry.
The original “Quiet on Set” series garnered an audience of around 20 million viewers, making it the most-watched unscripted show on Max. Directors Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz have been credited for shedding light on the harsh realities of childhood stardom, prompting essential dialogue and a wave of first-hand testimonials and allegations.
Reflecting on the series’ impact, Robertson shared her astonishment at witnessing the live reactions from viewers and the widespread engagement on social media. Meanwhile, Schwartz noted the parallels between the #MeToo movement in Hollywood and the revelations surrounding child actors in the television industry.
The documentary series revealed distressing accounts of abuse, sexism, and inappropriate behavior experienced by young actors and crew members on Schneider’s Nickelodeon productions. In response to the allegations, Schneider acknowledged his past behaviors in a video interview with The Hollywood Reporter, expressing remorse for his actions.
The forthcoming episode will include interviews with returning stars from “All That” and other Nickelodeon shows, shedding further light on the dark underbelly of the industry. Bell’s continued advocacy for survivors of abuse has been fueled by the solidarity he found from fellow survivors, instilling a sense of empowerment in sharing his story.
As Robertson and Schwartz continue to document the unfolding narrative, their dedication to amplifying these voices remains unwavering. The upcoming episode, “Quiet on Set: Breaking the Silence,” is set to premiere on April 7 on Investigation Discovery, continuing the crucial conversation surrounding child safety in the entertainment industry.