The release of “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” has sent ripples through the entertainment industry and beyond. For many who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the 90s and 2000s, the documentary series is a stark revelation. But for those who worked behind the scenes in the world of teen entertainment, like former teen magazine editor Rachel Chang, it’s prompting a deeper, more personal reflection.
Chang, who spent a decade interviewing young stars for magazines like Popstar! and J-14, recounts a career that once felt like a dream. She traveled to sets, met the casts of hit shows like “Drake & Josh” and “Victorious,” and asked lighthearted questions about teen life. However, watching “Quiet on Set,” a documentary available for streaming that exposes the toxic environments and alleged abuse on kids’ TV sets during that era, has drastically changed her perspective. Now, she grapples with a sense of guilt, questioning whether her role in portraying a seemingly rosy image of young stardom inadvertently contributed to a system that allowed darker truths to remain hidden.
For years, Chang operated within a carefully constructed world of entertainment journalism, designed to present a positive façade of young fame. Her interviews focused on relatable teen issues – school, crushes, friendships – while glossing over the immense pressures and potential exploitation these young performers faced. She describes her approach as “entertainment journalism with kid gloves,” aimed at making teen idols seem accessible and cool to their young readership. The stars, in turn, were media-trained to deliver polished, upbeat answers, creating a seemingly harmonious, if superficial, exchange. Looking back, Chang recognizes the power imbalance inherent in these interactions. As an adult journalist interviewing children, she was tasked with extracting personal stories for public consumption, a role she now views with a more critical eye.
“Quiet on Set” intensifies this sense of guilt. Each episode reveals further allegations of mistreatment and abuse, painting a disturbing picture of the environment behind beloved kids’ shows. Chang acknowledges that her focus was always on serving the readers, diligently incorporating their feedback and shaping content accordingly. However, she now questions whether enough consideration was given to the young stars themselves, whose lives and images were being actively shaped by these publications. Their fleeting thoughts and experiences, often shared in the context of promotional interviews, were immortalized in print, contributing to a public narrative that may have been far removed from their actual realities.
While Chang recalls only one instance of a young star expressing direct dissatisfaction with a published quote, she recognizes the power dynamics at play. The layers of publicists and network representatives often acted as intermediaries, shielding her from the true experiences and reactions of the young talent. She now wonders if her work, however well-intentioned, might have inadvertently exacerbated difficult situations or silenced young voices who felt powerless to speak out.
The documentary’s impact is particularly profound when considering the story of Drake Bell. “Quiet on Set” features Bell recounting his experience of sexual abuse by dialogue coach Brian Peck. Chang revisited her files and found a transcript from a 2005 interview with Bell on the set of “Drake & Josh.” The interview was lighthearted, filled with typical teen magazine fare – jokes about food and on-set anecdotes. Unbeknownst to Chang at the time, this interview occurred shortly after Bell had faced his abuser in court. The stark contrast between the innocent tone of their conversation and the horrific reality Bell was grappling with is deeply unsettling for Chang.
This experience leads Chang to question the very practice of interviewing young stars. She reflects on the pressure these children were already under, navigating burgeoning careers and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. The added pressure of constant press engagements, often framed as “practice” by publicists, now seems potentially harmful. Were the seemingly innocuous questions she and her peers asked crossing lines she was unaware of? Could a more critical approach have uncovered and addressed the darker aspects of the industry sooner?
“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” is available to watch on streaming platforms. For viewers in the US, you can find “Quiet on Set” streaming on Max. For viewers in the UK, it is available on Discovery+. Check local listings for broadcast schedules on ID (Investigation Discovery).
Chang’s reflection serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with reporting on young performers. By removing the “teen-magazine rose-colored glasses,” she suggests a need for deeper scrutiny and a more critical examination of the systems that support child entertainment. Perhaps by asking tougher questions and looking beyond the carefully constructed surface, journalists can contribute to a safer and more ethical environment for young stars.
