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Nickelodeon has been the ultimate platform for kids since the 1990s. From its popular cartoon shows — a.k.a “Nicktoons” — to its adult-oriented content on Nick At Nite, the studio became the most famous among teens for its Teen Nick series. Zoey 101, Drake & Josh, iCarly, Victorious, The Amanda Bynes Show and more were all created by Dan Schneider, who is the subject of Investigation Discovery’s docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.
The documentary features several former Nickelodeon writers, actors and other crew members who have come forward with accusations against Schneider. Now that the on-set secrets were unearthed, Schneider has filed a lawsuit against the producers of Quiet on Set.
Who Is Dan Schneider?
Schneider is a former producer and the creator of Nickelodeon’s hit teen-oriented sitcoms and their spinoffs, such as Sam & Cat, and classic films including Big Fat Liar and Good Burger. The Schneider’s Bakery founder is also an actor and a screenwriter.
What Is ‘Quiet on Set’ About?
The four-part series unpacked former employees’ experiences working with Schneider in addition to child molesters, including Brian Peck. Among the most recognizable faces in the Quiet on Set trailer was Zoey 101 alum Alexa Nikolas. She has spoken out about Schneider’s alleged behavior in recent years. At one point in the ID teaser, the actress said, “I’ve been waiting 17 years for today.”
Another former employee, who was not named, added in the trailer, “Working for Dan was like being in an abusive relationship. Dan’s treatment of people on his shows was an open secret.”
“There was a toxic environment. It made me trust people less,” another added.
“Eleven charges related to a child actor,” a woman revealed in the trailer. An apparent police report also appeared on screen, which read, “Peck was choking the victim.”
At the end of the doc’s second trailer, Drake Bell is revealed to be the former child star who was been sexually abused by Peck.
Peck is the person mentioned in the court documents. He guest starred in two episodes of Boy Meets World, and its stars Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong opened up about Peck’s “manipulation” and “grooming” during a February 2024 episode of their “Boy Meets Pod” podcast. Peck also served as a dialogue coach on multiple Nickelodeon shows.
What Did Former Nickelodeon Staff Accuse Schneider of?
In 2018, allegations against Schneider of his misconduct surfaced, and Nickelodeon cut ties with him. Former employees and cast members accused Schneider of aggressive behavior, gender discrimination and sexual harassment in addition to having a foot fetish with young actresses. Schneider has denied most of the claims.
In her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy accused Schneider of inappropriate behavior on set, but she only referred to him as “The Creator” in her book. She did not refer to the producer by his name but alleged that he encouraged her to drink alcohol as a minor and to wear a bikini for an episode of iCarly. She also detailed how he berated her during her character Sam’s first kiss scene.
On May 1, 2024, Schneider filed a lawsuit against the producers of Quiet on Set for defamation. According to court documents obtained by Variety, Schneider’s legal team called the docuseries a “hit job” against him.
“While it is indisputable that two bona fide child sexual abusers worked on Nickelodeon shows, it is likewise indisputable that Schneider had no knowledge of their abuse, was not complicit in the abuse, condemned the abuse once it was discovered and, critically, was not a child sexual abuser himself,” the documents read. “But for the sake of clickbait, ratings, and views — or put differently, money — Defendants have destroyed Schneider’s reputation and legacy through the false statements and implications that Schneider is exactly that.”
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.