Drake Bell and Josh Peck Reunite: A Healing Conversation After ‘Quiet on Set’

In a much-awaited reunion, former Nickelodeon child stars Drake Bell and Josh Peck reunited for the first time since the publication of the documentary ‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.’ This tearful reunion will be included in an upcoming episode of Peck's podcast, Good Guys, hosted with Ben Soffer. The episode will air on March 24, followed by a repeat on March 27.
The reunion comes on the heels of Bell's revelations in the documentary, when he revealed that at 15 years old, he was sexually attacked by dialogue coach Brian Peck (no relation to Josh). The revelation has had a profound effect on the two actors as they reminisce about their growing-up years within the entertainment business. In an advance shared by People, Bell said that the podcast episode "is going to feel like therapy" for them both.
As they spoke, Peck had acknowledged the importance of their program, saying, "You see the importance of the show to everybody involved. But there's also the cruel reality of everything you went through as a child that was unacceptable in so many ways." He discussed his worries about disappointing people who loved Drake & Josh, saying, "You know what the show is to everybody. But there's also the truth of everything you went through."
Peck went on to describe his experiences at the time, divulging, "I remember when people would ask about the show, I'd say, 'Well, I lost a hundred pounds and had to get sober at 21. Did I look happy?'" This honest recollection points out the pressures Hollywood puts on young actors.
Aside from sharing their own experiences, Peck and Bell also looked back at past interactions and wondered if they ever really sat down to discuss what they were struggling with. "Next year it'll be just about 20 years since we taped the show and I don't think we've ever actually sat down and talked," said Peck.
The documentary Quiet on Set highlighted the seedy side of child star work at Nickelodeon. It uncovered the fact that Bell was not identified as a victim publicly until the film came out. Brian Peck was arrested in 2003 on charges of sexual abuse and sentenced to 16 months in prison later on.
As they get ready for this emotional reunion, both actors hope it will touch fans who grew up watching them. Bell called the experience of telling his story "a roller coaster of emotions," noting that though it might not erase the pain of the past, getting support is priceless.
The new podcast episodes hold the promise of offering a very personal glimpse of their experiences and lives as child stars dealing with fame and personal trauma. Fans cannot wait for this warm conversation that seeks to close the gap between their past and present.