The Investigation Discovery documentary series titled “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” ignited numerous discussions following its release in March 2024. This five-part show (accessible with a Max subscription) delved into ex-Nickelodeon stars sharing their views on the network’s alleged toxic work culture under former producer Dan Schneider. Since then, more former child stars have come forward with similar experiences. Now, longtime Nickelodeon actor Avan Jogia has watched the documentary and is openly discussing how his experiences align with those portrayed in the shows.
What Did Avan Jogia Have To Say About Quiet On Set And His Time As A Teen Actor?
People who grew up with Nickelodeon shows in the early 2010s might recognize Avan Jogia for his character, Beck Oliver, the relaxed lead, in Victorious. He portrayed this lovable heartthrob across all four seasons of the teen sitcom that aired from 2010 to 2013. Interestingly, Victorious was one of several shows produced for television by Dan Schneider. In his documentary, Quiet on Set, Jogia discussed how his early acting career differed significantly from the narratives presented, yet he also offered a balanced perspective: his experiences were unique but not entirely unlike what others shared.
The unique, distinct experiences I had on set with my companions differed greatly from what I saw in the documentary. Yet, I acknowledge that multiple realities can coexist simultaneously.
The 33-year-old Canadian actor emphasizes that even though he enjoyed his time at Nick more, it doesn’t invalidate the experiences shared by others. This sentiment mirrors Kenan Thompson’s, who found it challenging to discuss such topics because they didn’t align with his own network experiences. However, he stands in support of “anyone who has been victimized or their families.” In essence, the Twisted alum learns from the early days of his career that while personal experiences may differ, it’s essential to empathize with others.
Reflecting on my stint on that show as a grown adult now, realizing the sheer effort I exerted back then, I can honestly say we truly gave it our all. We were constantly hopping on planes to attend various events. Five days a week, we filmed the show. During summer, we were busy with numerous activities. In retrospect, it seems overwhelming to have placed such demands on an 18-year-old like myself. The intrigue lies in distinguishing between childhood memories and those of young adulthood. It’s all a bit fragmented, making me ponder the passage of time.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the topic of long work hours for young actors in Hollywood, particularly in the case of Avan Jogia. Contrary to what some might think, his time with Nickelodeon seems to have been largely advantageous for him. However, his personal reminiscences about that period appear to contrast sharply with the accounts presented in the docuseries.
What Have Other Nickelodeon Alums Said About Their Time Working With The Company?
More on Quiet on Set
Actress Elizabeth Gillies, known for her role on “Victorious,” opens up about the emotional experience of filming the episode “Quiet” and bonding with co-star Ariana Grande afterward: “There was a lot to process.
One of the stars on the program was Giovonnie Samuels, formerly of All That, who shared that Dan Schneider contacted her prior to its debut to request a statement of encouragement. During conversations about her experience as a child actor, Samuels – the sole Black actress during filming – remembered being placed in awkward scenarios during production. She mentioned an instance where she was told how to consume large amounts of fake sugar and coffee for a skit, and found it uncomfortable when others on set started laughing at this. Additionally, Samuels stated that unlike her co-stars, she didn’t have access to a personal hairstylist.
Giovonnie Samuels and Bryan Hearne expressed feelings of being tokenized and subjected to degrading situations, respectively. Among these uncomfortable scenarios were the On-Air Dare segments and skits featuring Hearne as Lil’ Fetus, a prenatal rapper. In addition, Hearne claimed that one of the adult crew members referred to him derogatorily as “a piece of charcoal.
An additional story highlighted in the documentary emerged from Drake Bell, who previously starred on The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh. During the show’s run, Bell disclosed that he had been victimized by Brian Peck, a former dialect coach. In 2003, Peck was taken into custody and charged with 11 counts of indecent behavior with a minor. He was later convicted on two counts, resulting in a 16-month prison sentence. Upon his release, Peck registered as a sex offender. Following the documentary’s release, Dan Schneider issued an apology, stating that he had not personally hired Peck.
Avan Jogia’s shared experiences, along with others’, serve to reinforce his perspective that several “realities” or truths can coexist at once. It would be ideal if those who had pleasant recollections could cherish them, and for anyone whose industry stint was unpleasant, with adequate support, they should feel empowered to share their stories and find healing in a way that best suits them.
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2025-02-16 00:37