The bonus episode of the Investigation Discovery series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” will delve deeper into the alleged toxic culture of kids shows on Nickelodeon in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Titled “Breaking the Silence,” the episode will feature a discussion with former child stars, including Drake Bell, who revealed he was a victim of sexual abuse during his time at Nickelodeon for the first time in the docuseries. The discussion will be moderated by journalist Soledad O’Brien, exploring the revelations from the first four episodes and discussing where the industry can go from here.
One former child star who was not featured in the first four episodes, Shane Lyons, a former cast member of “All That,” will be included in the fifth episode. The episode is scheduled to air on April 7, giving viewers a chance to further understand the difficulties faced by child actors in the industry. The initial four-part docuseries gained a significant audience of at least 16 million viewers across Investigation Discovery, Max, and Discovery+. This makes it the most-watched unscripted series since Max launched in May 2023, showing the significant impact and interest in exploring the dark side of kids TV.
The “Quiet on Set” series focuses on shows created by producer Dan Schneider, known for hit series like “The Amanda Show,” “Zoey 101,” and “iCarly.” The docuseries uncovered allegations of a toxic and abusive environment inside ’90s kids TV, with interviews from former child stars, writers, and crew members who detailed Schneider’s alleged behavior. After the series aired, Schneider released a video apologizing for his actions, admitting to being embarrassed by how he ran his writers’ room and acknowledging times when he said things that went too far. The series also shed light on allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct on the set of Nickelodeon shows, including Bell’s claims against former dialogue coach Brian Peck.
With the bonus episode featuring a new discussion with former child stars and moderator Soledad O’Brien, viewers will have the opportunity to hear more about the challenges faced by young actors in the industry. The episode aims to continue the conversation started by the first four episodes, exploring the impact of the toxic culture on those involved in kids TV shows. By including voices that were not featured in the initial episodes, like Shane Lyons, the bonus episode will provide a more comprehensive look at the experiences of child actors during that time period.
As the audience for the “Quiet on Set” series continues to grow, the discussions and revelations presented in the docuseries have sparked important conversations about the treatment of child actors in the industry. By shining a light on the darker side of kids TV and the challenges faced by young actors, the series has raised awareness about the need for better protections and support for those working in the entertainment industry. With the upcoming bonus episode set to air in April, viewers can expect further insights and reflections on the experiences shared by former child stars, contributing to a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding kids TV.
