Josh Peck got to hug his brother Drake Bell at their cast reunion.
I was absolutely thrilled to pieces when Drake & Josh stars reunited with their on-screen parents, Nancy Sullivan and Jonathan Goldstein, at Nostalgia Con 2025 on June 8! This marked the first time in over a decade that we, the four of us, have been together as a group. Can you believe it? As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t help but feel like my heart was skipping beats with joy! (Source: People)
At the Anaheim, California event, the team took photos with attendees and participated in a panel discussion led by Daniel Curtis Lee, a fellow Nickelodeon alum from “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.” This interaction was documented through images and videos posted on social media.
Josh additionally celebrated the gathering by posting a lively video that incorporated a well-known social media craze. The video uploaded to Instagram on June 9 saw Nancy lip-read “Why are you still talking to my ex?”, to which Josh mimicked the dialogue about his onscreen parents’ union, saying “He’s my Dad. You’re literally still married?” while Jonathan made an appearance.
Although a reunion with their “parents” signified ten years since they last appeared together, the stars of Drake & Josh recently reunited and shared their complex emotions about their time at Nickelodeon. This included discussing the sexual abuse that Drake claimed to have endured as a child star, a topic he brought up in the 2024 documentary series titled “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.
In simpler terms, Josh said to Drake during their March podcast episode on Good Guys, “You know those fantastic moments were truly special, and we were fortunate to enjoy doing something we both loved. However, it’s essential to confront the reality of all the hardships you experienced as a kid, which were unacceptable in numerous aspects.
He went on to explain, “People often inquired about the television program, to which I’d respond, ‘You should know, I shed around a hundred pounds and had to get clean at age 21. Was I appearing joyful?’ It’s almost like a hint.
Read on for more bombshells from the Quiet on Set documentary.
In a heartfelt revelation exclusively shared on the ID series, I, Drake Bell, opened up about something I’ve kept private until now – my past experience of sexual abuse at the hands of Brian Peck. This was a deeply personal secret I had carried with me outside of therapy sessions.
The show delves into the severity of the accusations against Peck, a dialogue and acting coach who’s also known for his roles like “Pickle Guy” on All That, by using visual representations. Since the actor from Drake & Josh chose to avoid discussing details on camera, these graphics serve as an alternative means of expression.
In my expertise, the mistreatment I experienced was extensive and became quite severe. To maintain transparency while respecting my comfort levels, I’ve been advised by an off-camera producer to disclose only what I feel comfortable sharing. When asked to describe the extent of the abuse, I find it hard to put into words, but if you consider the most extreme forms of sexual violation as assault, then that should give you a clear picture. I can think of no other way to express it more accurately.
63-year-old Peck was apprehended in August 2003 and later convicted in October 2004 for crimes involving a minor. Specifically, he admitted to two charges: committing an indecent act on a child aged between 14 and 15 and being 10 years older than the victim; also, performing oral sex on a person under the age of 16. According to court records examined by TopMob News, Peck was sentenced to 16 months in prison and is obligated to register as a sex offender.
TopMob News contacted Peck for a response, but didn’t receive one. In response to NBC News, Nickelodeon stated, “Upon learning that Drake Bell revealed himself as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are deeply troubled and sympathetic to his disclosed suffering. We applaud and stand with him for his courage to speak out.
Bell portrayed Peck intentionally creating a rift between him and his manager father, Joe Bell (a character who is present in the ID series and supports his son’s story), so that he could spend more time with the teenager. This individual had a recurring role on The Amanda Show before being cast in his own sitcom, Drake & Josh, in 2004.
According to Bell’s account, Peck would accompany him to auditions and later let him stay overnight, claiming it was too late to return home. One evening, as Bell recalled, he awoke on the couch (where he usually slept), finding Peck in the act of sexually assaulting him.
Bell admitted, “I became momentarily stunned and utterly bewildered, unsure of what action to take or how to respond, and I was equally clueless about finding a way out of this predicament.
As a lifestyle expert, I remember Peck expressing regret, but the mistreatment persisted—and Bell confessed he didn’t disclose it, not even when his girlfriend’s mother sensed something amiss and escorted him to a therapist. Admittedly, he thought if he spoke up, his career would crumble.
In time, he broke down and shared all the details with his mother, who then quickly contacted the police. Detectives made him provide an intensely comprehensive account of the abuse, after which they instructed him to phone Peck to elicit a confession while they listened in. According to Bell, Peck started confessing fully, leading to his arrest on August 20, 2003.
In the book “Quiet on Set“, Bell mentioned that Dan Schneider, who created and produced shows like “The Amanda Show” and “Drake & Josh“, promptly offered assistance when asked and stood by him after Peck’s arrest.
To put it in my own words as an ardent admirer, there wasn’t much communication coming from colleagues I collaborated with, either because they weren’t aware or perhaps due to the delicate nature of the situation. The truth is, Dan was the only one who stood by me during those tough times. Unfortunately, there was no professional guidance available, and I was left to navigate my way through, which at that point in life might not have been the wisest choice.
For quite some time, the documents pertaining to Bell’s case remained confidential. However, when they were eventually made accessible, I, as a curious party, was able to discern that 41 letters of support had been submitted on Peck’s behalf prior to his sentencing in 2004, all written by various individuals.
According to Business Insider journalist Kate Taylor, neither Nickelodeon nor Schneider personally wrote a letter, as reported in her 2022 investigative piece detailing allegations of misconduct against Schneider. Instead, the ID series co-director Mary Robertson mentioned they expressed admiration for Taylor’s work by writing her a ‘note of appreciation’ and stated their intention to collaborate and build upon her outstanding reporting.
In a group of letter writers, we have James Marsden, Taran Killam from Saturday Night Live, Will Friedle and Rider Strong from Boy Meets World, as well as Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns, who were both part of Growing Pains.
In simpler terms, Marsden (best known for his roles in X-Men and X2) had been friends with Peck for 14 years. According to the series, he stated that what Peck endured in the past year was equivalent to the hardships of a hundred men. Similarly, Killam (recognized from The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh) expressed, also through the series, that he believes Peck truly regrets any errors committed.
2016 saw the passing of Thicke. We’ve attempted to contact representatives for Marsden, Killam, Friedle, Strong, and Kerns for their thoughts, but have yet to receive a response.
However, as Taylor pointed out in the ID series, it might be that none of the actors were aware of the full details of the allegations against Peck when they penned their letters.
In a statement for Quiet on Set, Kerns later acknowledged that her letter contained incorrect information. Given my current knowledge, I wouldn’t have penned the letter under such circumstances.
More recently, Strong and Friedle have expressed remorse for supporting Peck during his appearances on “Boy Meets World” in 1999. During a February episode of “Pod Meets World,” which they host with Danielle Fishel, they admitted that they weren’t aware of the full story back then.
According to Strong, he never stated that no incident occurred. Instead, when we first learned about this case and gained any knowledge about it, the narrative was always presented as follows: “I have committed this act, I am guilty, but I am a victim of jailbait. There was this attractive individual who is underage. I merely did this action, and they are underage.” And we accepted that version of events.
Friedle remarked, “We found ourselves in that courtroom, seemingly on the opposite side of everything. The victim’s mother glanced at us, and said, ‘You’ve brought all these famous people along, yet it doesn’t erase what you did to my child.’ I felt like I wanted to disappear. It was as if to say, ‘What on earth am I doing here?’ The entire scene was truly harrowing.
In episode 5 titled “Breaking the Silence,” Bell acknowledged the viewpoints of Friedle and Strong, yet these perspectives didn’t influence or alter how he felt when he attended Brian Peck’s sentencing in 2004 and observed his abuser surrounded by a room full of supporters during that court day.
According to Bell, none of those who penned letters of support for Peck had ever contacted him personally, even among the cast members from “Boy Meets World.
In 2013 and 2016, Friedle provided the voice for Deadpool in a few episodes of the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, with Bell as Peter Parker. Remarkably, neither of them ever discussed this collaboration publicly, according to the actor.
However, Bell noted that discussing such a topic can be challenging, particularly within a professional setting. What makes it tough, he pointed out, is that people handle their traumatic experiences differently and reach different conclusions at varying stages in their lives. I value their viewpoint now more than ever, but that specific event remains deeply etched in my memory.
TopMob News has reached out to Friedle for comment.
As a devoted follower, I’d like to share an intriguing anecdote from “Quiet on Set.” Alum Kyle Sullivan reminisced about a barbecue gathering we all attended at Peck’s residence. This versatile figure, who doubled as an actor and dialogue coach, had previously worked on both “The Amanda Show” and “What I Like About You,” starring Amanda Bynes. According to Sullivan, his house was adorned with a collection of vintage toys and comic books that filled one room. Moreover, he had a garage meticulously dedicated to treasures from the “Planet of the Apes.
Sullivan remembered, during Peck’s tour, he was shown a painting depicting a clown – created by the infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Gacy is known for having killed at least 33 boys and young men, as per official reports of his crimes, and was put to death in 1994. Notably, Peck had a collection of letters supposedly from Gacy, which he proudly displayed on his nightstand near the bed, according to Sullivan’s account.
TopMob News attempted to contact Peck concerning the alleged Gacy fandom portrayed in the series, however, we didn’t receive a response.
For the initial time in episode 5, alum Shane Lyons openly discussed his experiences, revealing to host Soledad O’Brien that there were undoubtedly some advances made towards him by Peck, which he wasn’t aware of at the moment.
Lyons, who played a supporting role in 23 episodes between 2002 and 2004, recalled an instance where he was asked about blue balls. At the time, he thought they referred to racket balls. Reflecting on it now as a 36-year-old, he said, “Would I ever have such a conversation with a 13-year-old boy? Absolutely not. It was completely nonsensical.
Generally speaking, he felt thankful that nothing worse transpired for him, and he commended Bell for sharing his experience.
TopMob News has reached out to Peck but has not yet heard back.
Previous actors from Schneider’s produced shows discussed in “Quiet on Set” about feeling uneasy, either at the time or looking back, regarding certain costumes they had to wear and distasteful pranks that were broadcasted on Nickelodeon, which some viewers might have found inappropriate.
Speaking about Leon Frierson, who was part of ‘All That’ from 1997 to 2000, reminisced that he had to don flesh-toned leggings and undergarments to portray a superhero named “Nose Boy.” This character had props resembling a phallic symbol on his shoulders. In one sketch, Nose Boy would sneeze, causing a blob of snot to land on a female character’s face.
It’s worth noting that a recurring gag involving sticky substances being thrown at female characters was present in several of Schneider’s productions, such as Zoey 101, according to Alexa Nikolas, who co-starred with Jamie Lynn Spears on the show. This is similar to previous criticisms made by former Nickelodeon actors like Jennette McCurdy regarding the network’s lack of protection for young talent.
Frierson mentioned in the series that the situation was awkward. However, he also noted that no one considered voicing their discomfort to Schneider. He explained that it was crucial to be on the good side of the All That writer-producer, and Schneider himself showed who his allies were.
A representative for Schneider clarified to TopMob News that all content shown during Dan’s programs was thoroughly reviewed and approved by multiple adults within the network. Any alleged issues regarding inappropriate “sexualization” of scenes, raised years later, would have been removed if valid. However, such scenes continue to be aired globally today, appreciated by both children and parents alike.
As a dedicated follower, I’d like to emphasize that every tale, conversation, attire, and makeup was thoroughly reviewed and given the green light by network executives on both coasts. Each script was read over by a standards and practices team before receiving final approval. Every episode was also scrutinized by programming executives. Furthermore, parents, caregivers, and their associates were constantly present during filming and rehearsals, ensuring that any inappropriate scenes or outfits would be promptly flagged and prevented from airing due to this multiple-layered vigilance.
It’s unfortunate when adults mistakenly assume that children’s programs contain messages intended for adults, based on assumptions rather than the actual content.
Katrina Johnson, who was previously a cast member on “All That” from 1994 to 1997 and has not acted extensively since the 2000s, recently revealed some troubling memories from her time working on the sketch show that continue to affect her even at age 41.
One time, producers phoned our home and had a conversation with my parents, saying something like, “Katrina is becoming overweight. We already have someone who is plus-sized, she can’t also be the heavy one,” as claimed in her book “Quiet on Set“. Although her parents defended her, she mentioned that comment left a deep impact. “You can’t be the big one.” I can still hear those words echoing in my mind till today.
Shortly thereafter, Johnson remarked that following her onset of puberty, she appeared less childlike. Consequently, a younger version of herself ultimately took her place.
Regarding the various recollections in the ID series, Nickelodeon told NBC News in a statement:
Nickelodeon, as a principle, investigates all formal complaints regarding workplace behavior from past productions. This is in line with our dedication to maintaining an environment that’s safe, professional, and free from harassment or unsuitable conduct. Above all, we prioritize the welfare and best interests of our employees, cast, crew, and most importantly, children. Over time, we’ve implemented numerous measures to uphold our standards and meet the expectations of our viewers.
As a dedicated follower, I was once Bryan Christopher Hearne, who graced seasons seven and eight of All That. During these tenures, I was given the unique responsibility to portray the youngest rapper in history, “Lil Fetus,” a role that demanded a form-fitting bodysuit. In the ID series, I recall overhearing a comment on set suggesting that my skin tone should be as dark as charcoal.
The crack brought tears to his eyes, he recounted, yet by that point, he was too frightened to inform his mother, Tracey Browne, who on set had earned a reputation for promptly defending her son, a fact that both Browne and Hearne mentioned in the docuseries was disapproved of.
Browne admitted she became an unusual character,” she stated. Simultaneously, she pointed out that it wasn’t lost on her when her son was being asked to portray Black stereotypes. For instance, she mentioned, Hearne playing a part where he was peddling Girl Scout-like cookies in a manner reminiscent of drug dealing.
In the show Quiet on Set, Kyle Sullivan mentioned that he typically maintained a positive connection with Dan Schneider, despite once criticizing him for his unusual fondness for goo-related humor.
According to Hearne, Schneider appeared to have a friendlier bond with certain other white children. He attributes his approach and handling of racial matters, both then and now, significantly to his experiences on Nickelodeon.
A representative from Schneider challenged this description, highlighting the producer’s extensive past of showcasing Black actors in his television series, as well as his subsequent collaborations with “All That” breakout stars like Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell in later TV and film projects.
According to the book “Quiet on Set“, it wasn’t only teenagers who remembered working in a harmful environment on these Schneider-led productions.
Jenny Kilgen expressed during the ID series that when she and Christy Stratton were employed as writers on The Amanda Show in 1999, they were instructed to share a single salary. Essentially, their combined earnings equated to what a single writer at their level was expected to earn.
Reflecting on the past, I found myself yearning for opportunities and reluctant to rock the boat by voicing complaints. Furthermore, I chose not to challenge Schneider when he suggested referring to me and Stratton as “the girls,” rather than using our names.
Additionally, both women asserted that Schneider often made remarks about women lacking humor, and he engaged in belittling practical jokes.
At another time, when Schneider designed the character “Penelope Taynt” for Bynes on The Amanda Show, Stratton and Kilgen claimed he requested them to conceal from network executives that the name was a deliberate double entendre, and they remained silent out of fear of his anger.
When Kilgen discovered that her shared salary was in violation of union regulations, she informed the Writers Guild of America about it. Kilgen was warned by Schneider over the phone that if he learned for certain that she was the one who had reported him, she would never be able to work for Nickelodeon or any other company owned by Viacom again.
On the set, it was indicated that Dan Schneider disputes Jenny’s allegations and asserts that he held no power to determine salaries.
A representative for Schneider made it clear to TopMob News that while ‘The Amanda Show’ wasn’t under Schneider’s production company (Tollin/Robbins), they pointed out that even in shows he created, the salaries were managed both by the network and the Writers Guild of America.
Regarding Schneider’s past behavior, it’s unfortunate that writers’ rooms back then were frequently inappropriate, particularly over 20 years ago. However, Dan deeply regrets his actions that contributed to such an environment. He has since grown and matured significantly. His behavior was wrong, unsuitable for any workplace, and he would never act that way again.
Bell shared in the show that they can recall every instance of mistreatment, yet much else from their life feels fuzzy. It’s unfortunate because there were numerous wonderful experiences and accomplishments throughout their life and career, but these positive aspects have been so overshadowed and tainted by the hardships they faced personally.
The actor, previously married to Janet Von Schmeling (their separation occurred in 2022), admitted guilt in 2021 for one count each of attempted child endangerment and distributing harmful material to minors. This came about after exchanging texts with a minor. His sentence included community service and probation.
In a recent video I shared online, I openly admitted to having exchanged inappropriate and careless messages with someone who I later discovered was underage. This situation unfolded without my knowledge of their age, but the moment I became aware, the communication ceased instantly. I feel it’s crucial to clarify that there were no explicit images or physical contact between us whatsoever. As a lifestyle expert, I deeply regret any discomfort caused and strive to learn from this experience to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
The personal struggles he faced during his teenage years resulted in self-harm and deep self-dislike, as stated by Bell in the series. To escape these issues, he resorted to excessive drinking, drug use, and any other means available. His 2021 arrest was an incident for which he accepted responsibility and complied with the necessary actions. However, the media’s misinformation about the event spiraled out of control, causing significant damage to him personally. This led him to lose control.
Back in April 2023, he went missing in Daytona Beach, Florida, but surprisingly showed up the next day with a casual laugh about it. He tweeted, “You leave your phone in the car and don’t answer for the night and this is what happens?” Apparently, earlier that year, there were reports indicating that he had sought outpatient care for substance abuse issues.
As a devoted admirer, I can share that in this captivating show, the artist from Ready Steady Go! expressed his thoughts about persisting on his previous course. He hinted that had he carried on along that route, it could have potentially led to his downfall.
In his words, he had reached an all-time low, and as a result, he sought help by admitting himself to a treatment center. It was there that he experienced grief and trauma therapy for the first time, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself surrounded by individuals who genuinely wished for his recovery.
Dan Schneider’s tenure at Nickelodeon concluded in 2018, as the channel decided to terminate his series ‘Game Shakers’ following its third season. However, ‘Henry Danger’ persisted for a fifth. In a heartfelt joint statement acknowledging Schneider’s “sequence of enduring, innovative successes,” Nickelodeon expressed gratitude towards him and his Schneider’s Bakery crew for their “invaluable impact” on the network. Meanwhile, Schneider reciprocated by stating that he and his team would forever remain devoted supporters of Nickelodeon.
However, soon after his dismissal, it became clear that the excessive number of complaints regarding the content creator’s conduct in the wake of the #MeToo movement were the cause. (According to four sources familiar with the investigation, published by the New York Times in 2021, Schneider was found to be verbally abusive, but no proof of sexual misconduct was uncovered.)
In a statement to Quiet on Set, he explained that the reason for his departure from Nickelodeon, as previously stated, was not entirely accurate. He further mentioned that if given the chance today, he would handle certain aspects differently. Over the years, he has gained valuable insights about effective leadership.
In a subsequent chat with actor BooG!e from iCarly, Schneider expressed regret for any unprofessional or tactless conduct he may have displayed during the debut of Quiet on Set. However, he firmly refuted claims of racial bias or inappropriate treatment towards young actors in his productions.
Hearne and former “All That” cast member Giovannie Samuels chuckled openly when O’Brien mentioned Schneider’s apology.
In summary, Hearne commented on the interview as amusing, stating that Dan had acting experience prior to this, suggesting that he used his skills to deliver an entertaining performance. He expressed surprise at the sudden apologies, questioning where such expressions were when Jennette McCurdy’s book was released.
In her 2022 memoir titled “I’m Glad My Mom Died“, McCurdy discussed various topics, including the requirement to wear a bikini on the show “iCarly>” and being urged to consume alcohol by an individual she called “The Creator.
Hearne added, “Isn’t an apology meaningless without taking responsibility? In essence, if we remove the inappropriate humor, does your show still exist?
TopMob News contacted Schneider to request a comment regarding the most recent “Quiet on Set” episode, but we haven’t received a response as of now.
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2025-06-10 04:48