Kenan Thompson, renowned for his tenure on Nickelodeon's iconic shows like All That and Kenan & Kel, recently broke his silence regarding his experience working with Dan Schneider, the prolific producer behind these series, in light of the release of the investigative documentary series, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.

Thompson calls for more action in such situations, stating, "Investigate more! It's supposed to be a safe space. It's supposed to be a safe place for kids. To hear all about that is just like, 'How dare you?'"

In a candid discussion on the Tamron Hall Show, Thompson expressed the situation's complexity, acknowledging the challenges of addressing a topic fraught with allegations that surfaced after his departure from the network. Reflecting on his collaboration with Schneider, Thompson emphasized the limited overlap between them, particularly on Kenan & Kel, where Schneider held a "created by" credit but had a minimal presence. 

Watch part of the interview here, where Thomspon discusses Quiet on Set:

Thompson discussed his thoughts on Wednesday's Tamron Hall Show. “It’s tough. It’s a tough subject, you know?” Thompson said. “It’s tough for me because I can’t really speak on things that I never witnessed, you know what I’m saying? Because all these things happened after I left, basically.”

Despite Schneider's involvement in certain episodes and projects, Thompson asserted his lack of awareness regarding the negative allegations that emerged after his tenure.

Thompson's comments come amidst a broader conversation about workplace safety and accountability in the entertainment industry, further amplified by recent events such as the sexual assault allegations against former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell in 2021. You can read more about how Bell spoke out in the documentary about these allegations here.

“I took responsibility for that, you know, I did what was asked of me, but the media grabbed a hold of so much misinformation, and it absolutely destroyed me,” Bell said of the attempted child endangerment case in the docuseries. “And I started to spin out of control. If I had continued down that path, that could very likely be the end of my story.”

He admits that he was at his lowest point during this time; “I was at rock bottom, and so I checked into treatment, and I got to go through a lot of trauma therapy, a lot of grief therapy, and be surrounded by people who, for the first time in a long time, wanted to just see me get better,” he said. 

Bell's involvement in the documentary serves as a stark reminder of the industry's darker side and the need for transparency and accountability. Schneider, who responded to the documentary, pointed to his support of Thompson and his co-star Mitchell as evidence of his commitment to diversity and inclusivity in his shows.

However, Thompson's sentiments echoed sympathy for former colleagues who bravely shared their experiences of a toxic work environment, acknowledging the pain and trauma they endured.

Expressing support for the documentary's efforts to shed light on important issues, Thompson urged for further investigation, emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring a safe environment for children in the entertainment industry. In recounting his reconciliation with Kel Mitchell, Thompson credited Schneider as the catalyst for repairing their relationship, highlighting a pivotal moment where Schneider facilitated communication between them, ultimately leading to their reunion for projects like Good Burger 2 and various appearances together.

The former child star wrote in his memoir When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice From a Professional Clown, "Finally, in 2015, Dan called me again, this time to talk about doing a Good Burger reunion. ‘Have you talked to Kel in a while?’ I had not. ‘I feel like he’s changed. He told me he’s in the church now.’ ‘Oh, really?’ ‘Yeah, he’s done a full one-eighty, as far as humility is concerned, and cleaning up any kind of bad blood with people he rubbed the wrong way in the past. He’s really trying to repair those relationships… You guys should talk.’”

Their renewed partnership culminated in the highly anticipated sequel Good Burger 2, showcasing the enduring camaraderie among former All That cast members. 

However, the All That cast member also shared, "My heart goes out to anybody that's been victimized or their families." He also said it's a "good thing" that the documentary is "putting things on display that need to be, stories that need to be told for accountability's sake," even though it's 'tough to watch.'"

This reunion was celebrated across various platforms, including an appearance at the Emmys and a hilarious sketch on SNL, underscoring the enduring bond forged through their shared experiences on Nickelodeon. 

In light of ongoing discussions surrounding the allegations and the broader conversation about workplace safety and accountability, Nickelodeon reiterated its commitment to fostering a professional and harassment-free environment for all its employees and talent.

Thompson's reflections offer a nuanced perspective on a complex and sensitive issue, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and accountability in navigating the aftermath of allegations within the entertainment industry. As the industry continues to grapple with these challenges, Thompson's words serve as a poignant reminder of the need for continued vigilance and advocacy for a safer entertainment world.

Photo Credit: @kenanthompson on Instagram.