Drake Bell Wants to Make a ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’-Style Reboot of His Nickelodeon Classic

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As a child of the late 90s and early 2000s, I can say without a doubt that Drake & Josh was a pivotal part of my adolescence. The show, with its hilarious antics and unforgettable characters, brought joy to countless Gen Zers like myself. So, when I heard that Drake Bell himself has expressed his desire for a reboot, my heart skipped a beat.

As a fellow Gen Zer, I’ve always cherished the timeless Nickelodeon sitcom “Drake & Josh,” which has been absent from our screens since 2007. Recently, one half of the show’s unforgettable duo, the talented Drake Bell (yes, you guessed it!), has shared his enthusiasm for revisiting the world of Drake and Josh. He’s even devised a rather brilliant plan on how to bring back this beloved series, ensuring it remains as fresh and entertaining as ever.

Originally famous for his role in the Nickelodeon series “Drake & Josh,” it’s not surprising that he and co-star Josh Peck are eager for a reunion. In a recent episode of the “Beyond the Velvet Rope” podcast, Bell expressed his affection for the show and shared ideas for a possible revival. He envisioned a format similar to the long-running HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where they would portray themselves dealing with modern life. Bell even proposed a fourth-wall break to connect the new show to “Drake & Josh,” hinting that he might be trying to rekindle his onscreen relationship with Peck, who seems less than enthusiastic about it.

There’s something intriguing about the idea, but I can’t quite put my finger on it – I’d be thrilled to collaborate with Josh in a project reminiscent of shows like “Entourage” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” someday.

Although it was only on the air for four short seasons, the show “Drake & Josh” has become an iconic series for a specific generation, presenting Bell and Peck as rebellious teenage stepbrothers who are forced to coexist after their parents’ union — while dealing with their younger sister. The show spawned two television movies and a special, but there hasn’t been a proper revival yet, even though other Nickelodeon shows like “iCarly” and “Zoey 101” have returned to our screens. Given the popularity that “Drake & Josh” enjoyed during its limited run, it seems that a reboot is past due.

How Likely is a ‘Drake & Josh’ Revival?

While the eagerness of Bell for the revival of the popular series “Drake & Josh” is significant, the possibility of its return might be influenced by the original creator, Dan Schneider. Even though Nickelodeon ended their association with Schneider in 2018, accusations of his inappropriate behavior and misconduct towards employees have emerged since then. These allegations, such as those detailed in the 2024 docu-series “Quiet on Set,” have raised concerns about Schneider’s actions, as well as additional accusations against other Nickelodeon employees. Given these allegations and the subsequent separation from Nickelodeon, they have cast a troubling shadow over many shows that were once perceived as family-friendly, which could potentially impact the response to a “Drake & Josh” reboot.

It appears there’s also some strain between the two stars, Bell and Peck. Back in 2021, Bell was apprehended for child endangerment charges following inappropriate conduct with a minor. Despite Bell claiming he wasn’t aware of the victim’s age during their interactions, Peck expressed discomfort about working with him due to his criminal record soon after the incident. Although they seem to have smoothed things over more recently, with Bell sharing that Peck extended sympathetic words following the release of the Quiet on Set documentary – which exposed Bell’s experiences of sexual abuse by his vocal coach – it remains doubtful if they can maintain a friendly work environment. Given the numerous high-profile allegations linked to Drake & Josh, it’s highly improbable that Nickelodeon would consider reviving the show.

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2024-12-11 18:02