Jennette McCurdy’s memoir is finally exposing the inappropriate things Nickelodeon let slide

If you watched Nickelodeon shows such as Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, and iCarly growing up, you’re likely familiar with the name Dan Schneider. As the creator of these hugely successful series, his name became a staple across these once beloved comedies.

But you’re not the only one who may have remained blissfully unaware of what was really going on behind the camera as these shows were being made. Actors, crew members, and writers are finally coming forward about the things Nickelodeon let Schneider get away with — and it’s primarily due to Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, released earlier this month.

Alexa Nikolas, who played Nicole in the first 2 seasons of Zoey 101, has been understandably vocal about how traumatizing it was to work on a show for Nickelodeon. She spoke more about this on Instagram recently, telling Livestream viewers during a protest: “I did not feel protected at Nickelodeon as a child, personally. I’m demanding that Nickelodeon starts protecting children and not predators.”

McCurdy’s book, released August 9, details the abuse she endured while working on iCarly and the short-lived series Sam & Cat. In one chapter, she writes about being forced to wear a bikini on set even though it made her uncomfortable.

Since the book’s release, other former Nickelodeon stars have come forward to speak out about their experiences. Daniella Monet, Trina in Victorious, told Insider she even tried to confront the network about a weirdly sexualized scene involving lip gloss and a pickle. The scene aired anyway.

Nickelodeon severed ties with Schneider back in 2018, preventing him from putting future stars working for the network in harm’s way. However, those who survived their most vulnerable years working for him will carry that trauma with them for a very long time.

Not all will talk about it in their memoirs as Jennette McCurdy has. But at least they’re talking about it now — and people are finally listening.

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