Exposing Behind-the-Scenes Maltreatment of Child Actors

The five-part docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV details behind-the-scenes experiences of former Nickelodeon child stars, parents, and writers, bringing awareness to a toxic work environment and range of inappropriate behaviors by Nickelodeon producer and showrunner Dan Schneider and other members of the kids’ TV network.

Schneider’s success at Nickelodeon began in 1994 with his first hit, All That. Over the next two decades, he helped shape kids’ television and youth pop culture of the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like The Amanda Show, Zoey 101, Drake & Josh, iCarly, and Victorious.

Keep reading to learn more about the Quiet on Set documentary series and the impact Schneider’s influence and behavior had on former Nickelodeon actors.

Overview of the “Quiet on Set” Documentary

In 2018, Nickelodeon’s parent company cut ties with Dan Schneider after an internal investigation into sexual and verbal misconduct allegations toward the longtime showrunner. In August 2022, the release of Jennette McCurdy’s bombshell memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, renewed public speculation around Schneider’s on-set conduct and treatment of child actors.

Shortly after McCurdy’s memoir debuted, Business Insider’s Kate Taylor profiled the experiences of more than a dozen former child stars who worked under Schneider, reporting instances of gender discrimination, sexism, verbal abuse, and a range of other inappropriate behaviors by the writer, director, and producer. Directors Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz contacted Taylor about getting some of these former child stars to tell their stories publicly, and Quiet on Set was born.

The first four episodes of Quiet on Set aired on Investigation Discovery on March 17 and 18, 2024, with its fifth episode debuting on April 7. The docuseries was also released on streaming platforms Max and Discovery+.

Sexual Harassment, Discrimination Allegations Against Schneider

The first episode focuses on Schneider’s early career as a producer and writer on Nickelodeon’s All That and The Amanda Show. Former female writers Christy Stratton and Jenny Kilgen detail being forced to share a paycheck and facing various forms of gender discrimination and alleged sexual harassment from Schneider.

The writers, along with numerous former Nickelodeon staffers, described a hostile work environment characterized by Schneider soliciting female staffers for massages, asking them to do degrading things for money, and hugging them for uncomfortable amounts of time “as a joke.”

“He had fostered this very casual, fun atmosphere, but…Dan could be very volatile and could turn any moment,” Stratton said.

Other staffers echoed her and Kilgen’s perspectives. Many people on set felt uncomfortable, paranoid, and “on their toes” when Schneider, who could be nice one minute and mean the next, was around.

After Kilgen contacted the Screen Actors Guild about her and Stratton’s sharing a salary, she learned that the practice was illegal. Schneider found out, Stratton was later fired, and Kilgen quit shortly after that. The two writers sued Schneider in 2000 and settled out of court. Kilgen said the lawsuit significantly impacted her ability to continue as a writer in Hollywood.

Convicted Sex Offenders on Set at Nickelodeon

Quiet on Set also addresses instances of convicted sex offenders being employed at Nickelodeon during Schneider’s tenure. Production assistant Jason Handy was arrested in 2003 and sentenced to six years in prison on charges of sexual exploitation, performing lewd acts on a child, and distributing sexually explicit material to a minor.

The mother of one child actor who appeared on All That said that Handy had obtained her daughter’s email address and sent her explicit photos and videos of himself.

In 2009, Nickelodeon animator Ezel Channel was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for committing lewd acts on a child and showing them pornography while on set. He was already a convicted sex offender when Nickelodeon hired him.

Brian Peck’s Sexual Abuse Conviction

Nearly half of the Quiet on Set documentary series revolves around Drake Bell’s experiences with Brian Peck, a dialogue coach who was convicted on two felony accounts of sexual abuse of a teenager in 2004.

At the time, the 15-year-old victim was identified as John Doe in court documents. In Quiet on Set, Bell came forward for the first time to talk about the abuse he endured from Peck (who bears no relation to Bell’s Drake & Josh costar, Josh Peck).

The documentary depicts Bell’s father, Joe, emotionally recounting to producers that he felt concerned about Peck’s constant spending time around his son. Staffers dismissed the claim, saying Peck was gay and that Bell’s father’s concerns were probably homophobic.

The abuse began after Peck started driving Bell to auditions. At the time, Bell’s mother didn’t like to drive and was in the middle of her divorce from his father. With Bell having multiple auditions, sometimes days in a row, Peck began offering to have Bell spend the night at his house. Bell said Peck started abusing him when he was 15.

Visibly uncomfortable as he told his story publicly for the first time since appearing in court nearly two decades ago, Bell described the experience to Quiet on Set producers, saying, “Why don’t you imagine the worst thing someone could do to someone as a sexual assault? I don’t know how else to put it.”

During Peck’s trial, several prominent members of Hollywood appeared in court and even wrote letters supporting Peck, which Quiet on Set directors Robertson and Schwartz later had unsealed. Individuals who wrote letters on Peck’s behalf included James Marsden and Alan Thicke.

Peck served 16 months in prison before he was released, and after his conviction, Peck was hired by the Disney Channel as a voice actor on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. According to Variety, once Disney became aware of Peck’s status as a convicted sex offender, he was immediately terminated, and his Suite Life episode credits were replaced.

A “Scary” On-Set Work Environment

For a young actor in Hollywood, a recurring or lead role in a Schneider production could be life-changing. His shows dominated kids’ television for over 20 years and helped kickstart the careers of stars like Amanda Bynes, Kenan Thompson, Josh Peck, and Ariana Grande.

However, former actors and their parents in Quiet on Set described Schneider’s on-set environment as volatile, uncomfortable, and dysfunctional. As Quiet on Set progresses, former child actors from All That and several other Nickelodeon shows from the ‘90s and early 2000s share their experiences with Schneider.

All That actors Giovonnie Samuels, Kyle Sullivan, and Bryan Hearne mention the overtime hours they worked—which violated labor laws—while filming the show. Samuels and Hearne said that as Black cast members, Schneider didn’t treat them as favorably as their white counterparts. This seemed evident after Hearne’s mother expressed concern over racist undertones in specific roles her son was given in the show’s sketches. Hearne was not brought back for the next season of All That.

His attitude and behavior varied from one actor to the next, however. According to Taylor, Schneider “could be a mentor for some, [while] others saw him as a bully.”

Despite settling the lawsuit from Kilgen and Stratton in 2000, Schneider’s influence at Nick only grew with the successes of Zoey 101, Drake & Josh, and iCarly—along with his ability to test boundaries both on and off-screen.

His receiving massages from female cast members became a daily occurrence. Critical and demanding, Schneider expected all staff and crew to be available 24/7, with work days lasting anywhere from 12 to 18 hours.

Meanwhile, Schneider spent most of his time socializing with his teenage stars. According to Taylor’s Insider article, Schneider often invited the cast members to dinner and asked them to his house on holidays. He also regularly texted some of the actors and had a habit of taking pictures with young female actresses sitting on his lap on set.

Nickelodeon Investigates Schneider’s Behavior Behind the Scenes

Quiet on Set spends some time on Jennette McCurdy’s 2022 memoir, in which the actress describes her experience with “The Creator”—whom most readers have concluded was Schneider—while working on Sam & Cat. In the book and interviews, McCurdy has described “The Creator” as an abusive producer known for berating cast members and firing people on the spot.

After McCurdy and Sam & Cat costar Ariana Grande filed complaints about inappropriate behavior from a producer on Sam & Cat, Nickelodeon launched an investigation in 2013, concluding that Schneider contributed to a toxic work environment.

After the investigation, McCurdy wrote that “The Creator” was no longer allowed around actors on set and was confined to an office away from the soundstage during filming. Sam & Cat was canceled in 2014, but Schneider remained at Nickelodeon on two shows, Henry Danger and Game Shakers.

As the #MeToo movement brought widespread awareness to countless experiences of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination across the globe in 2018, Nickelodeon’s parent company, Paramount Global, launched another investigation into Schneider’s behavior as more allegations of sexual misconduct from former Nick actors and staffers circulated online.

While Paramount (then ViacomCBS) did not find any evidence of inappropriate sexual behavior from Schneider, the company did conclude he could be abusive in the workplace. The company parted ways with the longtime creator and showrunner in 2018.

Child Actors in Hollywood

The history of child actors in Hollywood dates back to the early 20th century. From the silent film era with stars like Jackie Coogan and Mickey Rooney to the golden age of television with Shirley Temple and Judy Garland, child actors have always carried a unique role in the entertainment industry.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a surge in family-oriented programming, leading to the rise of networks like Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. These networks became breeding grounds for young talent but also environments where many of the brightest stars in children’s entertainment faced severe abuse.

Initially, child actors were often cast in roles that required them to portray innocence and charm. Over time, their roles evolved to require greater emotional depth and versatility. Despite their on-screen success, many child actors face long working hours, high expectations, and the challenge of balancing education with their careers. Some child actors may also experience pressure to perform from family members who financially rely on their child’s success.

Since the #MeToo movement and the ousting of prominent, problematic figures in the entertainment industry, including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Dan Schneider, the culture of sensitivity to workplace toxicity and abuse has changed. Nevertheless, cultural and legislative gaps in protecting film and TV professionals from these kinds of treatment remain.

Common Forms of Maltreatment Faced by Child Actors

Child actors often face intense scrutiny and unrealistic expectations, leading to mental and emotional distress—an experience echoed by former Zoey 101 actress Alexa Nikolas, who said Schneider forced her to wear revealing and uncomfortable costumes on the show and once verbally assaulted her to the point of tears when she was 13. Nikolas left Zoey 101 after the show’s third season in 2005.

Unsafe working environments, long hours, and physical demands can also take a toll on young actors, which former All That actors in Quiet on Set attested to while filming the sketch comedy show. The cast members said the “On Air Dares” segment of the show, which was stylized as a kind of Fear Factor for kids, was particularly “scary” and “traumatic.”

Financial exploitation continues to be an issue for child actors as they grow up in front of the camera. Upon coming of age, many child actors have historically found their earnings mismanaged or outright stolen from guardians, managers, and parents. In 1939, Jackie Coogan sued his mother and stepfather after learning they had spent most of the millions he’d earned as a child.

Though he was unable to recover the lost millions he made from a childhood of silent film acting, Coogan’s lawsuit resulted in the Coogan Act, which requires a portion of a child actor’s earnings be placed in a trust fund that cannot be accessed until they turn 18.

Coogan’s Law only applies to the state of California, however. With gaping loopholes in the legislation, parents of child actors have found ways to spend their children’s money sneakily over the years.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Child Actors

Child actors often face unique pressures and challenges that can significantly impact their mental health and lead to substance abuse issues.

• Child actors are often under immense pressure to perform and succeed in a competitive industry. The expectations of parents, producers, directors, and fans can be overwhelming.
• Being in the public eye from a young age can lead to a lack of privacy and a sense of constantly being watched and judged.
• The demanding schedules and responsibilities of acting can interrupt normal childhood development, including education and socialization.
• The pressures of fame and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight can lead to anxiety and depression.
• Constantly being in different roles and not having a stable sense of self can lead to identity crises.
• The entertainment industry often grants child actors easy access to substances that would otherwise be off-limits to minors.
• Being surrounded by adult actors and the nightlife scene can increase the likelihood of substance use.

Legal Protections and Industry Regulations

While laws like the Coogan Law aim to protect child actors, they apply only to their financial safety and do not extend across state lines. There is no federal legislation specifically protecting child actors.

In 1938, the Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA) established minimum wage, overtime pay, and labor standards for children. However, the entertainment industry is exempt from FLSA standards, meaning child actor protections are at the states’ discretion.

In New York and California, child actors can work a certain number of hours daily based on age. Time spent on wardrobe, hair, and makeup is considered work time, even if the child isn’t filming.

Infants (6 months and under) are allowed to be on set for up to two hours a day but are only allowed to film for 20 minutes a day.

Children between 6 and 9 can be on set for up to eight hours but can only film four to six hours a day. As child actors age, the amount of time they’re allowed to work increases.

This distinction between hours on set and hours spent filming has formed because child actors must attend school on set for a certain number of hours each week. Set teachers are mandatory in California, adding a layer of protection for kids on set. Minors under 16 must have a parent or guardian within “sight and sound” at all times.

In New York, a child under 16 only needs a guardian over 18 to look after them on set, and guardians are permitted to look after more than one minor. In some cases, some 16- and 17-year-old actors may be allowed on set unsupervised anyway.

Despite existing laws, many gaps remain. Because most film and TV productions occur in New York and California, those two states are straightforward regarding child labor standards for actors under 18. However, 17 states currently do not have legislative protections for child actors. Enforcement is inconsistent, and loopholes allow for continued exploitation.

For example, studio teachers can be replaced for any reason if hired as independent contractors, undermining their ability to protect child actors. Moreover, these individuals often hesitate to speak out about labor law violations and other set incidents for fear of retaliation, indicating that there’s plenty of work to be done, not just on the industry level but on the federal level.

Advocacy and Call for Change

The Quiet on Set documentary sparked a wave of public support for the former Nickelodeon child actors and crew members who were subject to a toxic workplace with Dan Schneider, with viewers expressing outrage and solidarity with the victims.

Notable figures—many of whom spent their early careers on children’s TV or working with Schneider—have publicly supported the survivors who have spoken about, including Josh Peck, Kenan Thompson, Matt Bennett, and Steve Burns.

Some shared their own experiences with sexual assault and harassment in the industry, while others demanded additional safety protocols for child actors. Proposals include stricter enforcement of existing laws, mandatory on-set mental health assistance for child actors, and the establishment of independent oversight bodies to monitor working conditions and financial management.

Background checks for all employees interacting with minors have become standard at networks like Nickelodeon and Disney. In an April statement in response to Jenny Kilgen’s open letter to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), which demanded more robust safety protocols for child actors, SAG-AFTRA said the union’s most recent agreement requires background checks for any “teacher or welfare worker” that works with or around minors.

“The Union takes young performer safety very seriously and devotes considerable time to advocating for important legislative protections for minors and administering contract requirements for young performers,” the union told Entertainment Weekly.

Whether SAG-AFTRA is taking measures to push for child actor protections at the federal level is unclear.

How the Public Can Support and Advocate

Preventing inappropriate behavior on set and in the workplace begins with openness and awareness. You can also more impactfully help end sexual harassment, discrimination, and exploitation in the workplace and the entertainment industry than you think.

Quiet on Set may appear exclusive to the entertainment industry, but the experiences of former Nickelodeon cast and crew members are not unique to TV and film, and the documentary offers a great conversation starter for discussions about workplace harassment.

Share the Quiet on Set docuseries with friends, family, and colleagues and participate in conversations about these topics to promote awareness and accountability. Using your social media platforms is also a great way to demand reform and legislative action from your local elected officials and representatives. By being part of the conversation today, you can help amplify the voices of victims and advocate for more legal protections.

As consumers of the entertainment industry, the public can also hold television networks and production companies accountable for unsafe or unhealthy work environments. Consider participating in social media campaigns to demand transparency and ethical treatment of child actors and boycotting subscriptions to content from exploitative creators and networks.

Supporting Victims of Sexual and Emotional Abuse

As the conversation around toxic workplace culture and exploitation in the entertainment industry progresses, listening to victims’ stories is not enough. As we advocate for accountability and more robust legal protections for young entertainers, we must remind victims that they are not alone and encourage them to seek professional support to cope with what they’ve endured.

If you or a loved one are struggling with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance abuse, or another mental health concern as a result of previous trauma. In that case, The Summit Wellness Group offers a variety of treatment methods to help you overcome these struggles.

Reach us anytime by email at ContactUs@TheSummitWellnessGroup.com.