Nickelodeon, TikTok mom influencers and a child fame reckoning
Can the new ‘Quiet on Set’ docuseries help usher in a safer future for young stars?
Are we finally going to talk about unsafe conditions for young performers?
“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which debuted Sunday on Max, is a four-part series that delves into cases of misconduct, inappropriate behavior and assault that occurred behind the scenes on popular Nickelodeon kids shows, from “All That” in the mid ‘90s to “Sam & Cat” in the mid 2010s.
It’s been an open secret for years now that Dan Schneider, the longtime Nickelodeon golden boy who created tons of hit shows and even more child stars, had a habit of sprinkling in inappropriate jokes and acts for the young actors on set to perform. Allegations in this series from former writers, cast members and their parents make it clear that habitually made women crew members give him massages on set and generally fostered a toxic workplace.
But it was Drake Bell’s revelations that were the most newsworthy from this series. The former “Drake and Josh” star opened up for the first time about experiencing sexual abuse at the hands of Brian Peck, who at the time worked as a dialogue coach for Nickelodeon.
It’s not an easy watch. But Bell and other former child actors finally speaking up about what they were forced to endure because there weren’t enough laws or whistleblowers in place to keep them safe is important to reconcile with. The adults in their lives failed them — while massively profiting off of them.
On TikTok, similar conversations are happening. Over the past year, some moms who gained large followings by sharing videos of their kids have decided they’ll no longer show their children online. Some parents have moved to making videos about themselves instead, others still make videos about their children, but they act out things their kids say and do instead of showing the kids on screen.
Calls are growing online for one parent in particular to make a similar change. A TikTok account with 17 million followers features a little girl identified only as Wren Eleanor, and her mother, Jacquelyn. There’s increasing concern that certain videos of Wren are being viewed by some in inappropriate contexts. Some users have expressed hope that one day a “Wren’s Law” could help protect children from potentially harmful and dangerous internet exposure when even their own parents aren’t willing to put aside their fame and paychecks.
Fortesa Latifi at Teen Vogue is doing a lot of really great reporting right now on legislation that could protect kids whose parents post photos and videos of them online. There’s growing sentiment that supports a “right to be forgotten,” and some proposed bills could help ensure they have access to any money made from their images, but also to protect them from being viewed by a public they never asked to appear in front of.
These are complicated and uncomfortable conversations. But they’re ones that desperately need to be had.
In both cases — legacy entertainment and newer digital platforms — there’s so much more work to be done. Hopefully, things like “Quiet on Set” can hold the public conversation long enough to actually incite lasting change.
What I read this week:
Regina’s Resolve / Harper’s Bazaar: Regina King is making the press rounds for her new Netflix movie “Shirley” (out now), about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman who made history again running for president. She’s getting candid about the death of her son Ian, who died in 2022, and how losing him has made her rethink everything.
Inside Wicked: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Talk Glinda and Elphaba / Vanity Fair: Yay for our first real BTS look at the Wicked movie — November can’t come fast enough. Also very interesting that the main takeaway from this interview was director Jon M. Chu revealing that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sang live for the film. Many on Twitter pointed to past films like “Les Miserables” and “Cats” as reasons for this being a mistake. But you think two of the most talented vocalists right now (both of whom have performed on Broadway) aren’t going to be able to deliver stunning live performances? BFFR.
Travis Kelce in Talks to Host ‘Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?’ Reboot / Variety: No thoughts other than just PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
Bella Hadid, Erehwon, TikTok influencers are using sea moss. Is it actually good for you? / USA TODAY: Oh hey, this one’s by me! I keep seeing celebs from Bella Hadid to Winnie Harlow at Erehwon, to TikTok influencers with huge followings lauding sea moss as this great, nutritious health craze. But I talked to a dietitian who told a very different story.
What’s new in entertainment:
Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis: The palace released a video yesterday featuring Catherine, Princess of Wales, breaking her silence over her months-long disappearance. She has cancer, though what kind and what stage we won’t be told, and is undergoing chemotherapy. Devastating announcement and while it’s a shame the palace didn’t do a better job at handling this situation, hopefully her sharing her experience will help raise awareness for others in similar situations.
Megan Fox on “Call Her Daddy”: A while ago, I pitched a story at work that ended up not happening but I stand by it, even though I know it would have launched a thousand angry emails: Alex Cooper of “Call Her Daddy” is the Barbara Walters of our generation. Like her or not, her celeb interviews are full of fascinating revelations that not just anyone would be able to procure. Her latest with Megan Fox is no different.
The impending “Bachelor” finale: We’re coming up on the end of this season of “The Bachelor” and with it, about to lose watching this franchise’s greatest lead in over 20 years. Not only is Joey Graziadei the first Bachelor I haven’t wound up hating by the end, but he’s someone I (and many others who I’ve spoken to) would actually want to be friends (or partners 👀) with. This week’s “Women Tell All” episode has to be the first one in show history where not one of the women took any time to call out Joey for treating them poorly — and more, continuously spoke highly of his character. A low bar, yet a long way from the Juan Pablos of seasons past. Take note, Bachelor producers: Fans love a lead who’s thoughtful, caring and, yes, a bit of a himbo.