If you grew up watching Nickelodeon, then there’s a great chance you have heard the name Dan Schnieder, or even have recognized it from when the credits would roll during your favorite show. HBO has recently released a four episode (about to be five) docuseries on the dark secrets behind all things Dan Schnieder, Nickelodeon, and some of our favorite childhood actors. The first episode dives deep into Dan Schnieder, and let us tell you, it opened up a can of creeeeepy worms. Dan Schnieder grew up being the fat, funny kid, and wanted to prove to Hollywood that he could make it big time in screenwriting from an early age. Dan is recognized by Nickelodeon early on in his career, and they ask him to begin working on their show called All That. He quickly went on to be a producer for the show (the show was almost like a kids version of SNL), and a show where a lot of big stars became popular. The docuseries interviews actors who would have been on the show at the time, and many of them have come forward and begun to talk about how uncomfortable they often were on set, and how the characters they were forced to play would often have underlying, crude meanings. Episode 1 also focuses heavily on two female writers for All That, and they share their experiences working with Dan Schneider. The two female writers had to SHARE a salary (um what), and were often asked by Dan to give him massages on set (can we talk about a creep). Dan also made it very known that he did not find women funny at all. One of the writers was later fired, and the other one only lasted 4 days after that because Dan was constantly accusing her of working for some Hollywood hotline (which she did not do). The two women went on to file a lawsuit against Dan (So Nickelodeon knew about all the wack behavior going on), and yet Nickelodeon continued to hire Dan for different shows for years to come.
Episode 1 also touches on jokes that were made in shows throughout the years that when looking back on, it is very clear that the props used/language used are innuendos for other, more adultlike things. Episode 2 also touches on these (what now seem like inappropriate) skits. Episode 2 is also where Amanda Bynes gets brought up for the first time. They talk about the rise of Amanda, and how she started out at such an early age (I wanna say she was scouted when she was 10). We all know that Amanda Bynes had what a lot of people would call a Brittany Spears moment and seemingly went crazy, and quit acting, but this episode dives into what are most likely the reasons behind her early retirement, and behavior changes. Amanda became Dan’s protege, and easily his favorite. Clips are shown of Dan always being around Amanda, hugging her, and playing pranks on her (keep in mind she’s a CHILD and he’s a creepy ugly fat man). Amanda went on to get her own show, The Amanda Show, and this catapulted her career. Amanda even tried to get emancipated from her parents at age 14, and Dan assisted her and offered her a place to live if the emancipation went through. Bryan Hearn is also a name that is introduced in Episode 2.
Bryan was an actor on All That. Bryan shares his experience being one of the only African American cast members, and also having an outspoken mother on set. These things he believed contributed to him being one of Dan’s least favorites, and also eventually not being asked to come back for another season. His mother believes that him not being wanted back absolutely crushed his spirit at such a young age, and also caused a rift between their relationship as mother and son. Hearn also recounts some of the skits he had to do (one alluding to him being a drug dealer, and another of him having to wear a skintight leotard the same color of his skin) which now just seem inappropriate.Â
Episode 3 is where things take a bit of a darker turn, and people are exposed to having abused children. 3 people were revealed to have abused children in this series, all of whom worked with children on Nickelodeon sets. Drake Bell (who we know and LOVE) is introduced as the childhood actor who was sexually assaulted by dialect coach, Brian Peck. Brian Peck worked on several different sets including All That and The Amanda Show. He even made cameos in some of the skits on set. Drake’s father, right away, saw signs that Brian Peck was a creepy dangerous man, and he did not want him anywhere near his son. As Drake got older he decided he did not want his father to be his manager anymore, so that role was given to his mother under the one condition that she not let Drake EVER be alone with Brian Peck (we also find out that Peck was a penpal and friend to SERIAL KILLER John Wayne Gacy… I’m sorry WHAT?!?!). Unfortunately, the mother was not as present as his father, and Brian continued to groom Drake until one day he convinced Drake to spend the night at his place. Drake woke up to Peck assaulting him, and he did not know what to do. Unfortunately, this assault went on for a while. Eventually, Drake’s girlfriend at the time’s mother caught onto a vibe that something was wrong when she realized that Peck was nonstop calling Drake while he was with his girlfriend. Finally, Drake broke down to his mother and told her everything that was happening and Brian was arrested and convicted … except he only served SIXTEEN MONTHS IN PRISON. Not to mention that during his trial he had an entire courtroom full of actors and other employees defending him (James Marsden I’m gonna need you to explain that one sweetie). So we later find out that after Brian is released from prison he goes on to work for DISNEY. He was a coach for shows like Suite Life of Zack and Cody (this just blows my mind like HE’S A PREDATOR and he’s allowed to work with children again).
Episode 4 really dives deeper into the trauma Drake has endured since this happened to him when he was a kid. We also hear from his father, and find out that when the father originally found out Brian Peck had been arrested, he was unaware that it was his own son who had been abused. He later found out, and his retelling the story BROKE my heart. He talks about how that feeling is something a parent should never have to feel, and how he regrets not being able to protect his son. Drake continues to talk about how Brian receiving the support he did, and Drake not having any (it was anonymous at the time) really did a number on Drake, and caused so much trauma down the road. Episode 4 also wraps up information on Dan and how he was later fired for creating a hostile environment for employees and cast members.
The show seemed to feel wrapped up after episode 4, but it has just been announced that another episode is to be released on April 7. Now we can’t help but wonder if more stars will begin to come forward now that people are beginning to speak up.
