Dan Schneider Faces Fresh Criticism

Former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider is facing a fresh round of criticism online, following the debut of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.

The first two episodes of the four-part docuseries, which probed the working culture behind the scenes at Nickelodeon in the 1990s and early 2000s, aired on Investigation Discovery on Sunday night with a number of allegations.

Schneider created and executive produced a plethora of hugely popular shows from that era of the beloved children network's history, including Zoey 101, iCarly, Drake & Josh, The Amanda Show, and Victorious.

However, Schneider departed Nickelodeon in 2018 under a cloud of scandal following an investigation by the network's parent company ViacomCBS into allegations of sexual misconduct. While the investigation found no evidence of sexual misconduct, Schneider was found to have been verbally abusive on set.

Defending himself at the time, Schneider told the publication: "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."

Quiet on Set features interviews with a number of former child stars. Drake & Josh star Drake Bell most notably speaks publicly for the first time about being repeatedly molested by his dialogue coach Brian Peck when he was 15.

In 2004, Peck pleaded no contest to charges of oral copulation with a minor under 16 and performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15-year-old. Peck spent 16 months behind bars for his offenses. He was also legally required to register as a sex offender. At the time of Peck's conviction, Bell was not publicly identified as a victim.

Responding to Bell's disclosure, Nickelodeon told Newsweek in a statement: "Now that Drake Bell has disclosed his identity as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he has endured, and we commend and support the strength required to come forward."

When it came to other former child stars on Quiet on Set, a number stepped forward to recount allegations of being made to participate in sketches that included jokes deemed to be sexually suggestive and/or racially insensitive.

"The show is full of these weird, uncomfortable sketches," said All That actor Kyle Sullivan. "I think Dan got a kick out of walking a line with that."

Dan Schneider's Statement

A spokesperson for Schneider addressed the many allegations, telling People in a statement: "The fact is many of the kids on these shows are put in the untenable position of becoming the breadwinner for their family and the pressure that comes along with that. Add on top of that the difficulties of growing up and having to do so under the spotlight while working a demanding job, all as a child. Nobody understood that pressure better than Dan and that's why he was their biggest champion."

"Dan has said himself that he was a tough boss to work for and if he could do things over again he would act differently," the statement went on. "But let's be clear: When Dan departed Nickelodeon a full investigation was done and again, all that was found is that he was a challenging, tough and demanding person to work for and with, nothing else.

"As for scenes that are now apparently being 'sexualized' by some people years later, every scene was approved by the network and these shows are all still being aired today. If there was an actual problem they would be taken down, but they air constantly all over the world, enjoyed by kids and parents."

Meanwhile, Nickelodeon told Newsweek in a statement: "Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct.

"Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience."

Newsweek has contacted representatives of Schneider and Nickelodeon via email for comment.

Viewer Outrage

The first two episodes of Quiet on Set have sparked outrage among viewers, with a number taking to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their feelings.

"The Darkside of Nickelodeon is crazy," wrote one viewer. "To hear of all the disgusting shit happening on the set, in writers meetings and behind the scenes of some of my favorite childhood shows is so sad."

"Watching this 'Quiet On Set' documentary based on Nickelodeons producer Dan Schneider and ..... my whole childhood was a lie," said another.

"Currently watching the Dan Schneider documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," stated another. "I was afraid to watch but that's exactly why I felt I had to watch, and you should definitely prepare yourself because you will feel enraged by this."

"I'm watching Quiet On The Set and omg. The amount of s*** I glazed over as a kid. So wild! F*** Dan Schneider," read another comment.

"I knew there was a lot of toxic and creepy stuff going on behind the scenes at Nickelodeon with Dan Schneider but holy s***!" another viewer weighed in. "It does sour our childhood but the truth needs to be shown."

Additional Allegations

Jenny Kilgen and Christy Stratton, who were the only two women writers on the first season of The Amanda Show, also spoke out on Quiet on Set about their experiences with Schneider.

Insider previously noted that none of Schneider's shows credited more than two women writers in the entirety of their runs, while the outlet reported that Zoey 101 and Drake & Josh didn't have any at all. The report also stated that Schneider "signed off on all outfits" and "campaign[ed] for the skimpier options." Schneider has faced other allegations of inappropriate behavior over the years.

The women alleged that they were subjected to misogynistic remarks from Schneider, as well as sexual harassment and asking for massages.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, a spokesperson for Schneider said: "Dan deeply regrets asking anyone for neck massages. Though they happened in public settings, he knows this was highly inappropriate and would never happen again."

Addressing allegations regarding workplace conditions, the representative told the outlet: "Dan expected and asked a lot from his teams. They worked long hours and consistently made successful shows. In the challenges of production, Dan could get frustrated at times, and he understands why some employees found that intimidating or stressful.

"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."

Update 3/19/24, 12:45 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include a statement from Nickelodeon.