Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV 2024 Tv Mini Series Review

In the late ’90s, Nickelodeon experienced a surge of success with hit kids’ shows like “All That,” “The Amanda Show,” and others, followed by popular sitcoms such as “Zoey 101,” “Drake & Josh,” and “iCarly,” solidifying its position as a dominant force in children’s entertainment.

However, “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” a forthcoming documentary series on ID, sheds light on the darker realities behind the scenes during this seemingly golden era. Through interviews with former child actors, parents, and crew members, the series delves into allegations of abuse of power by prolific TV creator Dan Schneider and the presence of convicted pedophiles among the staff of his Nickelodeon shows. A significant revelation includes former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell discussing the abuse he claims to have suffered from Brian Peck, an actor and dialogue coach on Schneider’s shows, convicted of child sex abuse in 2004.

Among the key takeaways from the documentary:

• Female employees, including writers Jenny Kilgen and Christy Stratton, allege discrimination and mistreatment by Schneider. They recount a hostile work environment on “The Amanda Show,” where they were forced to split a single salary and subjected to mean-spirited pranks. Kilgen filed a gender discrimination complaint against Schneider’s production company, leading to her eventual departure from the show.
• The documentary highlights instances where Schneider pushed boundaries with risqué humor and provocative content inappropriate for children’s programming, including sexualized scenes involving underage actors. Former cast members recall discomfort with certain sketches and challenges, such as being covered in peanut butter and licked by dogs, or enduring racist stereotypes.
• The overall atmosphere on set, as described by former child performers, was one of discomfort and reluctance to speak up against inappropriate behavior or boundary-crossing.

While Nickelodeon issued a statement addressing the allegations, emphasizing their commitment to a safe and professional workplace environment, the documentary raises important questions about the treatment of young actors and the responsibility of networks in ensuring their well-being.