This post contains details from Episode 5 of ID’s docuseries Quiet on Set.
Investigation Discovery is following up its buzzy docuseries Quiet on Set with one more episode to wrap things up.
Not only does Episode 5, titled “Breaking the Silence,” feature never-before-seen footage from the original four episodes, it also reconvenes some of its subjects to discuss the response to the series, including Drake Bell.
The episode is hosted by journalist Soledad O’Brien, who moderates conversations with Bell as well as Giovonnie Samuels, Bryan Hearne, Hearne’s mother, Tracey Brown,as well as new voices including former All That cast member Shane Lyons.
They also discuss where the industry can go from here, given all the revelations from the original four episodes.
Below are a few of the biggest revelations and conversations from Episode 5 of Quiet on Set.
Drake Bell speaks on initial responses to Quiet on Set
Drake Bell sat down for a second interview, this time with O’Brien, to talk about the initial response to the revelations in Quiet on Set. Since Bell and some of his former Nickelodeon co-stars spoke out in the documentary, many other former Nickelodeon stars have used their platforms to speak about their experiences.
While Bell says he appreciates the kind words from former Nickelodeon stars, he maintains that it doesn’t change how he feels about his own experiences. Specifically addressing the letters of support written by many Nickelodeon stars during Brian Peck’s sentencing, Bell says he still had not had anyone who wrote a letter reach out to him to apologize or make amends. (This has since changed, as just a few days ago Bell revealed on social media that Boy Meets World alum Rider Strong, who did write one of those letters, had reached out.)
Bell also takes a moment to defend his mom, who he says has been receiving some negative reactions from audiences. He calls Peck “calculated,” insisting that he “pulled the wool” over everyone’s eyes, and his mom is not to blame for what happened to him.
He also defends Josh Peck, who was criticized for not speaking out sooner about Bell following the release of the documentary. Bell says his former Drake & Josh co-star is “a great person” and they have been speaking privately.
Giovonnie Samuels & Bryan Hearne address Dan Schneider’s video
After Quiet on Set was released, Dan Schneider released a video apologizing for the behavior depicted in the documentary. Hearne calls the video “funny,” admitting that he isn’t sure the All That producer was being sincere.
“Dan was an actor before all this,” Hearne says. “He brushed off some chops and gave us a great performance.”
Both Hearne and Samuels call for more “accountability” from Schneider and the other producers, and Samuels says she never thought any of the jokes she and her co-stars depicted on screen were funny — despite Schneider’s argument in his new video that that’s what kids thought was funny at the time.
Samuels also claims that Schneider reached out to her before Quiet on Set was released, asking her to give a quote of support, despite knowing she was featured in the series. She says: “I told him I was terrified of him.”
Bryan Hearne reconnects with his mom
One of the most heartbreaking moments in the first four episodes of Quiet on Set is when Hearne’s mother Tracey talks about the day Bryan was fired from All That. She says it was a moment where she knew Bryan would blame her for speaking up for him, and it fractured their relationship for many years.
In fact, she reveals in Episode 5 that watching the documentary brought them back together. Bryan admits that watching his mom discuss that moment helped him heal and finally pinpoint what triggered his resentment toward his mom, ultimately allowing him to let it go.
Shane Lyons comes forward
Shane Lyons, another former All That star, was motivated to come forward after the original docuseries was released. He discusses working with both Peck and Schneider, arguing that the latter is not “at a point in [his] life” to take accountability.
Lyons says it was “gut-wrenching” to hear Bell’s story, alleging that Peck also made “passes” at him, though nothing else ever happened.
Lyons advocates for more protections for child entertainers and continued education for everyone about the strife of child actors.
