The Investigation Discovery series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV may shock people who have nostalgic recollections of watching kid-focused Nickelodeon TV shows like All That, The Amanda Show, and Drake & Josh.
With its in-depth examination of some of the toxic culture of children’s TV shows that young actors endured in the 1990s and 2000s—including numerous series produced by Dan Schneider—the docuseries is already garnering attention. Along with discussing the purportedly unsettling atmosphere behind the scenes, it also includes interviews with former cast members, writers, and crew from the popular Nickelodeon series All That, The Amanda Show, and Zoey 101.
Details of Schneider’s alleged misbehavior towards Nickelodeon employees were made public in 2018 and 2022; nevertheless, the Memphis-born TV producer, 58, has denied any wrongdoing.
All That Alums Spoke In Quiet On Set Docuseries
As some of the few young actors on Nickelodeon’s All That in the early 2000s, Bryan Hearne and Giovonnie Samuels spoke of their traumatic experiences.
The former recoiled at the memory of having been given racist roles on the sketch comedy show, including that of an adolescent cookie seller and a rapper named ‘Lil Fetus’. He shared in the docuseries and recently told PEOPLE:
“I was referred to as a ‘piece of charcoal’ [by an adult]. Remarks like that are harmful. They stay with you.”
Hearne, 35, goes on, bringing up the All That skit in which he turned rapper ‘Lil Fetus’:
“I was already in an uncomfortable position being in a leotard. That’s not something that I’m used to at all.”
In the Quiet on Set docuseries, Hearne also talked about a humiliating experience he had as a 13-year-old on Nickelodeon’s On-Air Dare, which seemed to be a kid-friendly version of Fear Factor. In that stunt, he was covered in peanut butter for dogs to lick off. Although the “dare” continued, he was heard in the docuseries clip saying he did not like it.
Hearne shared:
“The thing I am most uncomfortable with is having to watch your fellow cast mates to be essentially dodged in. if there’s anything on set I wish I could’ve yelled ‘Stop! let’s not do this, I am out.”
Meanwhile, Samuels, who was a teenage cast member of All That, told PEOPLE that she was the only Black actress without a hairstylist. Also, she had received training to prevent choking during a scene that involved consuming copious amounts of sugar and fake coffee, a process she referred to as “waterboarding”.
Both claimed to not have had a close relationship with Dan Schneider; Hearne told people that he thought the producer treated him differently than some of the other child actors who were not Black.
What Does Dan Schneider Have to Say About Quiet on Set?
An Investigation Discovery docuseries that reveals the toxic and dangerous culture that existed on the sets of Dan Schneider’s Nickelodeon kids’ shows in the late 1990s and early 2000s has prompted the TV producer to respond with a new statement.
The first two episodes, which debuted on Sunday, were intended to expose an “insidious environment rife with allegations of abuse, s*xism, racism, and inappropriate dynamics with its underage stars and crew”, according to Investigation Discovery. According to a statement that Deadline was able to obtain:
“Dan expected and asked a lot from his teams… In a career spanning 30+ years, Dan worked with thousands of people, many of whom still tell him how much they enjoyed and appreciated working on his shows. But he also knows some people did not have a positive experience, and he is truly sorry for that.”
The series also features moving testimonies from former cast members’ parents who tried to speak up for their kids on these sets. Russell Hicks, the former president of Nickelodeon’s content and production, also issued the following statement through Schneider’s representative:
“Dan Schneider is one of the most prolific producers of hit television in the kids and family entertainment business. Dan’s shows transcend children’s television and are staples on many streaming platforms today, enjoyed by both kids and their parents…”
In a 2021 interview with The New York Times, Schneider stated that the reason some people found him difficult was because he had
“High standards. I’m very willing to defend creative things that I believe in.”
Additionally, he informed the outlet that he had never behaved improperly toward coworkers:
“I couldn’t, and I wouldn’t have the long-term friendships and continued loyalty from so many reputable people if I’d mistreated my actors of any age, especially minors.”
Well, the time has come for the industry to examine closely how child stars are treated and make sure they receive the respect and assistance they are due.
Stream Quiet on Set on Max.
