Drake Bell
Investigation Discovery/YouTubeChild stars have given their take on the fall from fame by taking part in tell-all documentaries with surprising revelations.
Investigation Discovery hit the headlines in 2024 where directors Mary Robertson again Emma Schwartz explored Nickelodeon’s toxic workplace past Quiet on the set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. The docs specifically highlight producer Dan Schneider’s time at the network with projects like All That, The Amanda Show, Carly, Victorious, Sam & Cat and more.
The on-camera interviews included candid conversations with such characters Katrina Johnson, Giovonnie Samuels, Kyle Sullivan again Bryan Hearne. Team members who worked with Schneider behind the scenes also accused Schneider of inappropriate behavior, which he has denied since parting ways with Nickelodeon in 2018.
Schneider then addressed the claims made in the documents, saying in a YouTube video, “Watching the last two nights has been very difficult. I’m dealing with my past behavior, some of which I’m ashamed of and regret, and I certainly owe other people a big apology.”
He continued: “I can tell you why it hurts so much for me. I vividly remember my first experience [and] my first experience in the entertainment business. I was green, scared, happy. It meant the world to me that I get those opportunities and I got lucky because they were good. And the fact that I didn’t pay that to all the workers that came through my door, it breaks my heart because I have to. I wish I could go back and fix that.”
Child Starfor now, put Demi Lovato leading story teller as he appeared in and directed the documentary. The Hulu special featured Lovato discussing what happens to children while talking to other cast members about the pitfalls of fame such as substance abuse problems, money problems and more.
Keep scrolling for a tell-all guide to all the documentaries about child celebs you should watch:
‘Showbiz Kids’ (Extreme)
Jada Pinkett Smith
Courtesy of HBOThe documentary explored the ups and downs of kids in show business from the perspective of a former kid Alex Winter. Showbiz Kids he is interviewed Evan Rachel Wood, Milla Jovovich, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mara Wilson, Wil Wheaton, Todd Bridges and late Cameron Boyce.
‘Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields’ (Hulu)
Adapted from his controversial 1978 film, Cute Baby: Brooke Shields focused on the actress’ time in Hollywood, which began when she was young. Shields has been tight-lipped about the ups and downs of her career – including a complicated relationship with her late mother and former manager. The actor also revealed details about his life that were not disclosed in the past such as allegations of rape in his 20s.
‘Kid 90’ (Hulu)
Using photographs from his youth in the ’90s, the director and producer Soleil Moon Frye became a channel to remember him and other child stars including David Arquette, Brian Austin Green, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and more.
Jenny Lewis, Sara Gilbert, Charlie Sheen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Connolly, Mark Wahlberg again Corey Feldman appeared on film and in archival footage taken by Frye.
‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids’ TV’ (Investigative Discovery)
Shane Lyons
Discovery of InvestigationsSilence on the Set focuses on producer Schneider’s tumultuous time at Nickelodeon. Former child stars and crew members reminisce about their experiences on the sets of Schneider’s various plays, including All That again The Amanda Show.
A five-part document is also included Drake Bell breaking his silence by being a minor involved in a sexual assault case against a debate coach Brian Peck.
‘Fallen Images: Nick and Aaron Carter’ (Investigative Discovery)
Aaron and Nick Carter
Michael Buckner / Getty ImagesThe four-part docket examines the allegations of sexual abuse against them Nick Carter and the circumstances that led to it Aaron CarterA shocking death. Nick, who declined to be interviewed Fallen IdolsHe denied all the allegations in a statement after the series aired.
In addition to the claims against Nick, Fallen Idols explores the Carter family’s efforts to adapt to the limelight – and the tragedies that continue to haunt them over the years.
‘GARY’ (Peacock)
Pigogo GARY’s writings focus on the dead Gary Coleman‘s rises to continue Diff’rent Strokeshis fight for fame and his tragic death. Coleman’s friends, co-workers, estranged parents and others sat down to discuss his legacy, which revealed how divided Coleman’s loved ones were over his passing. Many involved in the doc have also been very vocal about their dislike of Coleman’s ex-wife, Shannon Price.
‘Child Star’ (Hulu)
Christina Ricci and Demi Lovato
Disney/Victoria timeLovato’s first directory featured direct interviews with former child stars Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, Kenan Thompson, JoJo Siwa again Alyson Stoner about the pitfalls of joining the entertainment industry at a young age.