Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell recently appeared on Episode 5 of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV to discuss his experiences following the streaming of the docuseries, which delves into the dark side of the entertainment industry involving former Nickelodeon employees. In a shocking revelation, Bell detailed the support former Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck received from Hollywood during his sentencing for sexually abusing Bell. Bell described how Peck had a courtroom full of supporters, including recognizable faces from the industry, while Bell only had his mother and brother by his side.
The fifth episode of Quiet on Set also highlighted the support Peck received from known celebrities in the form of 41 letters written in his favor. Bell expressed his shock upon learning about the extent of support Peck had from the industry, especially in light of his conviction for sexual abuse. Bell discussed his reaction to former Boy Meets World actors Rider Strong and Will Friedle supporting Peck in court, sharing their expressions of regret on a podcast. Despite the support Peck received, Bell revealed that none of the individuals who wrote the letters have reached out to him personally.
Following the release of the fifth episode, Bell posted on social media that he had a conversation with Rider Strong and expressed forgiveness and love towards him. In a conversation with journalist Soledad O’Brien, Bell also discussed the support he received from former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider during his crisis. Schneider, who was also called out for his behavior in Quiet on Set, was the only person from the network who offered support to Bell during the difficult time. Bell defended his former Drake & Josh co-star Josh Peck for not commenting on the allegations, stating that they have a close bond and are continuing to communicate about the situation.
Overall, the docuseries Quiet on Set sheds light on the dark side of the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the experiences of former Nickelodeon employees like Bell. The revelations about the support that individuals like Brian Peck received from Hollywood despite their criminal actions have sparked conversations about accountability and responsibility within the industry. Bell’s discussions with O’Brien and his interactions with former colleagues like Strong and Peck demonstrate a willingness to address difficult and uncomfortable topics in order to heal and move forward. The bonus fifth episode of the series has prompted further conversations and reflections on the impact of the entertainment industry on the lives of those who work within it.
