Kenan Thompson recently spoke out about his time working with Dan Schneider at Nickelodeon, following the release of the documentary exposing the dark side of kids TV. As a veteran of Saturday Night Live, Thompson worked on Schneider-produced shows like All That and Kenan & Kel in the 1990s. Despite not witnessing the situations documented in the film personally, Thompson expressed empathy for his former co-stars who endured a toxic work environment during their time on the shows.
While Thompson downplayed Schneider’s direct involvement in Kenan & Kel, stating that he only had a “created by” credit, the reality is that Schneider had writing credits on 11 Kenan & Kel episodes and served as a co-executive producer for the show’s first two seasons. Additionally, Schneider wrote and produced various episodes of All That that featured Thompson. His influence extended to the Good Burger movie spinoff, where he held screenwriter and co-producer credits.
Thompson acknowledged the importance of shedding light on the negative experiences that his former co-stars faced. He expressed support for the documentary’s efforts to hold individuals accountable and emphasized the need for further investigation into the safety of environments created for child actors. Despite having fond memories of his time at Nickelodeon, Thompson recognized the significance of sharing these stories for the sake of transparency and awareness.
Thompson’s call to “investigate more” reflects a broader concern for the well-being of young performers in the entertainment industry. The revelations brought forth by documentaries like Quiet on Set serve as a reminder of the responsibility to provide safe and nurturing environments for child actors to thrive. It is essential to prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of young talent and address any instances of misconduct promptly and effectively.
Kenan Thompson’s reflections on his time working with Dan Schneider at Nickelodeon highlight the complexities of navigating a career in the entertainment industry, especially as a child actor. The conversation sparked by documentaries like Quiet on Set underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and creating safe spaces for all individuals, particularly those in vulnerable positions. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to learn from past experiences and strive towards a future where the well-being of actors, regardless of age, is paramount.