Yahoo News Quiet on Set gets extra episode with new Drake Bell interview
The following article contains references to child sexual abuse.
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV will be getting an extra episode.
The docu-series, which is available to stream now on Discovery+ in the UK, premiered in the US with four episodes last week but will now air a fifth episode on Sunday, April 7.
In Quiet On Set: Breaking the Silence, journalist Soledad O'Brien will speak with former Nickelodeon stars Drake Bell, Giovonnie Samuels and Bryan Hearne about their testimony in the documentary — in addition to All That star Shane Lyons speaking out for the first time.
O'Brien will examine the ways industry abuses were allegedly allowed to take place on sets frequented mostly by child actors, as well as look ahead to changes that should be made to ensure the safety of cast and crew (via Deadline).
Turner boss Jason Sarlanis announced the Quiet on Set extra episode: "With Breaking the Silence, we're digging deeper into the crucial conversations the docuseries ignited and exploring the lingering questions left in their wake to provide further insight from the brave voices who've spoken out previously and those who are coming forward again."
Related: Drake & Josh's Josh Peck responds to Nickelodeon sex abuse scandal
The previous four episodes delved into the workplace misconduct reportedly experienced by Nickelodeon child stars and adult crew while working on shows produced by Dan Schneider.
Schneider — the producer of hits like Drake & Josh, Zoey 101 and iCarly — was accused in the docuseries by former co-workers of fostering abuse, inappropriate behaviour and a toxic work environment.
In response, the producer acknowledged that Quiet on Set forced him to reexamine "past behaviours – some of which are embarrassing and that I regret".
"Seeing the hurt in some people's eyes... made me feel awful and regretful and sorry," Schneider added.
Related: Ned's Declassified stars apologise after Quiet on Set controversy
Nickelodeon stated their commitment to the wellbeing of employees in a statement responding to the revelations of the documentary (via The Hollywood Reporter): "Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviours 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."
Quiet on Set also featured Drake Bell coming forward for the first time publicly to discuss sexual abuse he endured at the hands of Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck. Peck was convicted in 2004 of a lewd act against a child and oral copulation of a person under 16, in relation to his abuse of Bell.
Quiet on Set: Breaking the Silence will air on Sunday, April 7 at 8pm ET on ID in the US. In the UK, you can watch Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on Discovery+.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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