The trailer for the upcoming four-part docuseries, “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” is out. Directed by Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, this project will shed light on the questionable work conditions behind the 90s and early 2000s children’s shows. In addition, it will also take a closer look at the controversy surrounding TV producer Dan Schneider. During his time at Nickelodeon, Schneider created hit shows such as iCarly and Zoey 10.
Interestingly, in the trailer for Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, people who knew Schneider explained that it was extremely tough to work with. Furthermore, interviewees also stated that working with him was like being in an abusive relationship. According to Variety, several complaints were filed against him for years. This resulted in Nickelodeon finally ending their professional relationship with him in 2018.
According to Deadline, Nickelodeon and Schneider released a joint statement in 2018. The statement said, “Following many conversations together about next directions and future opportunities, Nickelodeon and our long-time creative partner Dan Schneider/Schneider’s Bakery have agreed to not extend the current deal”
It further stated, “We thank Dan and his Schneider’s Bakery producers, executives, and social media team for their immeasurable contributions to Nickelodeon, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors. And Dan and Schneider’s Bakery are proud of the work they did together with Nickelodeon and will always remain big fans of the network.”
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV synopsis and release date
According to the official trailer of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids, its synopsis reads, “QuietOnSet pulls back the curtain on an empire, built by creator Dan Schneider that had an undeniable grip on popular culture. Series such as All That and The Amanda Show, among others, were obsessively consumed by children across the country. It defined comedy for a generation.”
It further reads, “But behind the upbeat onscreen presence on these shows with questionable jokes and over-the-top sketches, QUIET ON SET reveals an insidious environment rife. With allegations of abuse, sexism, racism, and inappropriate dynamics with its underage stars and crew.”
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids will premiere across two nights on ID from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on March 17 and 18, 2024.
Which shows has Dan Schneider created for Nickelodeon?
People popularly called Dan Schneider “Nickelodeon’s golden boy”. During his time at the company, he created several hit children’s shows like:
- Guys Like Us
- The Amanda Show
- What I Like About You
- Drake & Josh
- Zoey 101
- iCarly
- Victorious
- Sam & Cat
- Henry Danger
- Game Shakers
- The Adventures of Kid Danger
- Danger Force
According to The New York Times, former crew members stated that Schneider considered himself the king of Nick on Sunset, the network’s former soundstage. Furthermore, he even had a private bathroom. Other former colleagues also described him as a workaholic. One of his former colleagues, Arthur Gradstein, stated “I will always be grateful to Dan for taking a chance on me as a rash young writer fresh out of college, and for all I learned over the next six years.” Gradstein reportedly worked as a writer and producer with Schneider across four shows.
Schneider has been married to Lisa Lillien since 2002. The two reportedly met in the 1990s.