Investigation Discovery is set to debut a fifth episode of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, featuring interviews with Drake Bell and other former child TV actors.
Quiet on Set: Breaking the Silence, set to premiere on April 7, will be moderated by Soledad O’Brien and follows the four-part Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV series premiering on ID and Max. The fifth episode promises to delve deeper into the toxic and dangerous culture behind the late 1990s and early 2000s kids TV series, including allegations of abuse, sexism, and racism.
The original four-part docuseries shed light on the toxic workplaces for child actors and crews on Nickelodeon series that were created and run by prolific TV producer Dan Schneider. The series drew over 16 million viewers, representing the largest audience for an unscripted series since Max launched.
With Breaking the Silence, the docuseries aims to ignite crucial conversations and explore the lingering questions that have emerged, providing further insight from the brave voices who have spoken out previously and those who are coming forward again.
The original Quiet on Set series featured former Nickelodeon series cast members such as Drake Bell, All That cast members Shane Lyons, Giovonnie Samuels, Bryan Hearne, and his mother Tracey Brown, all of whom will return for the fifth episode.
Bell revealed in the third episode his experience of sexual abuse at the hands of Brian Peck, his former dialogue coach, who was convicted in 2004 for crimes against Bell and ordered to register as a sex offender.
Schneider followed up the ID and Max premiere of Quiet on Set with an apology video, acknowledging his past behaviors and expressing regret. The allegations leveled at Schneider included tolerating toxic workplace conditions and allegedly tormenting and humiliating the cast and crew on his TV sets.
Directed by Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, the Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV series was produced by Maxine Productions and Sony Pictures Television – Nonfiction, in association with Business Insider. The co-directors hinted at the possibility of additional episodes of Quiet on Set in their investigations into the kids TV industry.
While exploring the themes and revelations of Quiet on Set, it becomes evident that the entertainment industry, specifically children’s television, has a dark side that needs to be addressed. This docuseries shines a light on the abuse, sexism, and racism prevalent in the industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The implications of these revelations are far-reaching, not only shedding light on the experiences of child actors but also calling into question the responsibility of studios and producers in creating safe and nurturing environments for their young stars.
The industry must take note of the issues raised in Quiet on Set and make significant changes to combat abuse, sexism, and racism. It is essential to prioritize the well-being and protection of child actors, ensuring that their early careers are not marred by traumatic experiences.
Moreover, the docuseries emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to come forward with their experiences and hold those responsible accountable. This serves as a reminder that transparency and accountability are crucial in preventing and addressing instances of abuse within the entertainment industry.
As the revelations from Quiet on Set continue to make headlines, it is evident that there is an increasing demand for change. The public is rallying behind the survivors who have spoken out, creating a powerful movement that challenges the status quo and demands justice.
The industry must take this momentum and use it as an opportunity to introspect and enact lasting change. There should be zero tolerance for abuse, sexism, and racism in children’s television or any facet of the entertainment industry.
In the future, it is crucial that studios, producers, and networks prioritize the well-being of child actors, implement comprehensive guidelines and policies to protect them, and ensure a safe and supportive working environment for all involved.
The conversation sparked by Quiet on Set should not only lead to increased awareness but should also serve as a catalyst for change. The industry has a responsibility to learn from the revelations brought to light and actively work towards a future where child actors are valued and protected from the dark side of showbiz.