Drake Bell Slams Nickelodeon for No Residuals to Child Stars and Past Abuse

Drake Bell, the former child star of the beloved Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh, has come forward with startling claims about the network's treatment of its young talent. Bell, now 39, revealed that neither he nor his co-star Josh Peck received residuals for their show, which aired its final episode in 2007 after a successful three-year run. This, he argues, shatters the public illusion that child stars are rolling in wealth just because they appear on TV.

Speaking on The Unplanned Podcast, Bell debunked the myth of the Hollywood mansion lifestyle, stating, 'That’s far from the case. Especially for most of us on Nickelodeon—we don’t get residuals for our shows.' Unlike most networks that provide ongoing payments for reruns, Bell claims Nickelodeon offers only a one-time payment, leaving actors like him struggling despite the show’s enduring popularity on platforms like Netflix, where it recently hit the top 10.

Bell didn’t hold back on his criticism, hinting at deeper systemic issues within the industry. He described a corporate machine making 'billions with a B' off child actors while compensating them minimally, even joking that if Elon Musk gets us to Mars and Drake & Josh plays there, he still won’t see a dime due to ironclad contracts. His words paint a grim picture of exploitation, where young stars are used up and left to fend for themselves.

This isn’t Bell’s first public critique of Nickelodeon. In the documentary Quiet on Set, which premiered in March 2024, he detailed harrowing allegations of sexual abuse by Brian Peck, a dialogue coach hired by the network. Bell’s recounting of the trauma—waking up to assault at just 15, feeling helpless and trapped—is a gut punch, exposing a darker underbelly of the child entertainment world. He also pointed to a toxic workplace culture under former showrunner Dan Schneider, with claims of discrimination and inappropriate conduct on set.

Nickelodeon, in response, emphasized their commitment to a safe workplace, stating they investigate all formal complaints and prioritize the well-being of employees and children. Yet, Bell’s revelations raise pressing questions about accountability and the long-term impact on those who grow up under the spotlight. For many fans, this is a sobering reminder that behind the laughter of childhood favorites lies a much harsher reality.