Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV

Watch Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV

  • TV-14
  • 2024
  • 1 Season
  • 7.5  (10,972)

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, a 2024 investigative docuseries on Investigation Discovery and streaming platforms Max and Discovery+, delves into the disturbing underbelly of the seemingly innocent world of 1990s and early 2000s children's television. Directed by Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, the five-part series pulls back the curtain on allegations of abuse, exploitation, and a pervasive culture of misconduct behind the scenes of popular kids' shows. The series primarily focuses on the tenure of Dan Schneider, a prolific producer at Nickelodeon during this era. Schneider's productions, such as All That and The Amanda Show, were hugely popular with young audiences, but Quiet on Set raises questions about the environment in which these programs were created.

Through interviews with former child stars, crew members, and journalists, the series attempts to reconstruct a picture of what may have transpired behind the scenes. Viewers hear firsthand accounts from those who allege inappropriate behavior, favoritism, and a general lack of safeguards for the young performers.

The docuseries doesn't shy away from exploring sensitive topics. It delves into allegations of sexualization of underage actors, questionable scriptwriting choices, and an atmosphere that prioritized ratings and profits over the well-being of the young talent.

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV also examines the wider culture of the television industry at the time. It explores the immense pressure placed on young performers, the long working hours, and the potential lack of oversight from network executives.

The series doesn't offer easy answers. While it presents a compelling case based on the testimonies of those involved, some have criticized the show for not including a response from Schneider himself, who has denied all allegations.

Despite the controversy, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV serves as a cautionary tale, sparking conversations about the responsibility of those in power and the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments for young performers. It compels viewers to re-examine their favorite childhood shows through a critical lens, raising questions about the price of entertainment and the potential exploitation that may occur behind the scenes.

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between March 17, 2024 and on

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV
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Seasons
Breaking the Silence
5. Breaking the Silence
April 7, 2024
The untold story of the toxic and abusive environment inside '90s kids' TV; hearing harrowing accounts from former child stars and crew who probe the balance of power in the industry and reveal an era that inflicted lasting wounds still felt today.
The Darkest Secret
4. The Darkest Secret
March 18, 2024
A former child-star reveals how he survived abuse at the hands of his acting coach; the harrowing account traces how he met his abuser on set, the ways this coach upended the child's family and the challenges faced when the actor sought out police.
Too Close to the Sun
3. Too Close to the Sun
March 18, 2024
An abuser goes to jail but gets support from big names in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Dan Schneider's power at the network grows, raising questions about the content and his treatment of the cast and crew. Eventually, tensions boil over.
Rising Stars, Rising Questions
2. Rising Stars, Rising Questions
March 17, 2024
In the 1990s, a new creator emerges at Nickelodeon, showrunner Dan Schneider, who brings laughter and mentorship to kids' TV. He champions young talent like Amanda Bynes, but behind the scenes, some female writers face a toxic and sexist environment.
Hidden in Plain Sight
1. Hidden in Plain Sight
March 17, 2024
Dan Schneider's relationship with his star Amanda Bynes hits a breaking point as new child actors confront uncomfortable scenes and power dynamics until they face a startling revelation that two of their crew members prey on kids they met on set.
Description
Where to Watch Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on demand at Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Sling and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    March 17, 2024
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (10,972)