Content Advisory: The following article contains references to child abuse and sexual assault. Please take care while reading. 4z6y31

It may seem that the true crime documentaries on Netflix can be a dime a dozen, but Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter is something different. In a span of only two episodes, the docies gets right to the point.

Into the Fire follows Cathy, a woman consumed with righting a wrong committed decades past. As a teenager, Cathy made the supremely difficult decision to give up her daughter for adoption. Understanding that she did not yet have the capacity to provide a stable home for her baby, the young mother did what was necessary. Decades later, however, Cathy made the devastating discovery that her daughter, Aundria Bowman, was not only missing, but had been presumed dead for the past two decades.

With the help an independent investigator and her husband, Ed, Cathy follows the clues to her daughter’s adoptive family to discover what became of her. What she learns is heartbreaking, as she strives to find justice for a daughter who never had the chance to live into adulthood.

What happened to Aundria Bowman? 6p3t3o

At first, it seemed that Cathy had given a gift to family who really needed it. Based out of Hamilton, Michigan, the Bowman family had been trying to have children for some time. Dennis and Brenda adopted Aundria before she was even a year old. On the surface, they seemed like a happy family. But as Aundria grew older, her behavior declined and it became apparent that something was very wrong.

In the first episode of the documentary, adoptive father Dennis reports that Aundria had behavior problems, and would run away. But only when Cathy travels to Michigan and interviews Aundria’s high school friends does she learn the truth. Aundria had reported several times that her adoptive father had assaulted her. But as God-fearing Christians, all the Bowmans did was hand her over to the church for counseling. Aundria allegedly recanted her statement, but this all became moot when she disappeared one night at only 14 years old.

Dennis claimed that Aundria packed a bag, stole some money, and left the house. She was never seen or heard from again. Only decades later with Cathy’s tenacity and a confluence events did the truth come out. Dennis was a sexual predator who was eventually arrested for the assault and murder of Kathleen Doyle, the wife of a Navy pilot. This, along with Aundria’s s of abuse, finally trapped Dennis in a prison of his own making — as well as a real prison.

DNA evidence confirmed that Dennis killed Doyle, and after pressure from authorities, he confessed that he had murdered Aundria as well. Viewers may never really know what happened to Aundria that night. Dennis Bowman is a master manipulator who had evaded capture for decades. What is clear is that he was responsible for Aundria’s murder the night he claimed she ran away. Ultimately, Dennis claimed that Aundria was trying to run away that night, and in his effort to stop her, she stumbled and fell down the stairs, breaking her neck. Authorities throw doubt on this alleged accident. Many believe that Aundria’s murder was premeditated. But at the time of the documentary, her cause of death was eventually recorded as a broken neck and head trauma from falling down the stairs. Dennis later confessed to dismembering her body and putting her in a barrel. He moved the barrel from one house to another so he would continue to have control over Aundria, even in death.

After a decade of Cathy’s investigation, she finally got closure in the matter. But this was cold comfort. Even though Cathy eventually received half of Aundria’s ashes, no one can deny this was a result that never should have happened. Cathy internalized guilt for thinking she was giving her daughter a better life, only to put her in the home of a monster. Into the Fire stays with the viewer until the final moments, urging you to empathize with its main investigator. Fans can watch both episodes of Into the Fire streaming on Netflix.

Content Advisory: The following article contains references to child abuse and sexual assault. Please take care while reading.

Citizen detectives have become all the rage in the true crime world. But the new documentary series Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter takes this concept with a twist.

The two-part Netflix true crime documentary series follows the disappearance of Aundria Bowman in a haunting portrayal. In 1999, the body of a Jane Doe in her mid-20s was discovered murdered and left in a cornfield. At the center of the mystery is Cathryn, who is intent on finding out what happened to this young girl. Cathy isn’t just a concerned citizen, but the victim’s birth mother, who gave her daughter up at 10 months old. Decades after Cathryn gave up her daughter, authorities ed her for a DNA request. This was how Cathryn learned that her daughter had gone missing some 20 years earlier, and was never properly investigated. As it turned out, Cathy’s DNA did not match the girl in the cornfield, but Cathy was adamant that she would keep looking for her missing daughter.

Into the Fire differs from other doc series of its kind because Cathy initially shows skepticism over armchair sleuthing. But her desire to find her daughter outweighs her reluctance. She creates a Facebook group, enlistes her husband, Ed, and some other internet sleuths, and becomes committed to finding her missing daughter.

Netflix explores what happened to Aundria q265g

Over the course of 10 years, Cathy learns that her daughter — originally named Alexis — went to Dennis and Brenda Bowman. They eventually land in the Holland, Michigan area on the west side of the state. Cathy and Ed take many trips out to the area to continue the investigation on their own time. During their inquest, they learn that the Bowmans told authorities Dennis came home one night to find Aundria and her luggage missing.

The deeper Cathy looks into the case, however, the more red flags start to crop up, and this story falls apart. After learning that Dennis went to prison for assault years previous and was accused of molesting Aundria, Cathy becomes convinced that he hurt her daughter. This goes on for years, with the Bowmans pleading innocence until everything comes together.

The police finally came for Dennis, but not for the murder of Aundria. Instead, Dennis was brought in by Norfolk police for the 1980 murder and rape of Kathleen Doyle. DNA evidence proves Dennis was guilty of the crime. After years in prison, he ultimately confesses to Aundria’s murder. He explains that on the night in question, he caught Aundria trying to run away from home. Trying to stop her, Dennis hit her. The force pushed her down the stairs and broke her neck. Afraid of losing his family, Dennis lies and says she ran away. He didn’t tell Brenda what had happened until three decades later, when he was in prison.

While it is obvious that Dennis is guilty of the crime, many question the facts of what happened. Dennis continues to lie every chance he gets, and Cathy surmises that her daughter’s death was no accident. He dismembered her body and burned her coat and her luggage to hide the evidence. Cathy’s instincts turned out to be true, and decades after the fact, she finally gets closure.

Controversial right-wing political activist, author, podcaster, and columnist Matt Walsh is most famous for hosting The Matt Walsh Show on the conservative website The Daily Wire, for whom he also starred in the online documentary What Is a Woman?

What Is a Woman? is a critically acclaimed documentary movie about gender and transgender issues. It was made in opposition to what Walsh calls “gender ideology.”

Now, Walsh is starring in a new documentary movie for The Daily Wire called Am I Racist? In the film, in addition to asking people the eponymous question, Walsh transforms himself into a certified diversity, equity, and inclusion expert. He goes deep undercover in an attempt to prove it’s profit, not principle, that drives people fighting against racism.

But when is this documentary coming?

When is Am I Racist? released? 11711o

As the trailer suggests, Am I Racist? will be released in theaters on September 13, 2024, and will undoubtedly end up on The Daily Wire’s website and YouTube soon after. It will be rated PG-13 because it contains strong language, mature thematic material, some sexual references, and footage of people smoking.

In the meantime, over on X, Walsh is griping about the “DEI Olympics,” accusing Kamala Harris of “sleeping her way to the top” (which would be impressive if it were true!), and saying the “third world is bringing chaos and disorder to previously civilized places,” all of which would suggest you probably don’t need to see the movie to answer the titular question.

So yeah, we can’t wait to hear what this guy has to say about racism. We’re sure he’ll crack the case!

Space documentaries are all about breathtaking visuals and fascinating insights into the cosmos. These projects provide an awe-inspiring glimpse into the wonders of the universe. From exploring distant galaxies to understanding the mysteries of our own solar system, these films take you on a journey through the universe. Here are the 10 best space documentaries for a trip into the world above us.

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) 4c6h4t

Hosted by the charismatic astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey is a follow-up to Carl Sagan’s groundbreaking series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. The series journeys into the wonders of the universe, from the Big Bang theory, to the present day. Using state-of-the-art CGI and compelling storytelling to explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, it is an intellectually stimulating journey through space and time, and perfect for both newcomers to astronomy and seasoned enthusiasts. This visually stunning series is available on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi TV.

Apollo 11 (2019) 6d1td

Apollo 11 offers an extraordinary look at the historic 1969 mission that landed the first humans on the Moon. Using archival footage and over 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings, this documentary provides a front-row seat to the events as they unfolded, from the astronauts’ preparations to their triumphant return. The use of original footage and audio creates an immersive experience, bringing one of humanity’s greatest achievements to life in unprecedented detail. Apollo 11 is available on Prime Video and Apple TV.

The Farthest: Voyager in Space (2017) 4qh1o

The Farthest: Voyager in Space celebrates the incredible journey of the Voyager spacecraft, which were launched in 1977 to explore the outer planets and continue to send data back to Earth from interstellar space. The film features interviews with the scientists and engineers who worked on the mission, providing personal insights and reflections on this monumental achievement. It is available on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

Hubble’s Cosmic Journey (2015) 4zk59

Celebrating the Hubble Space Telescope’s 25th year in operation, this documentary chronicles the history and achievements of the Space Telescope, from its launch in 1990 to its most significant discoveries. Featuring stunning imagery and insights from the scientists who have worked with Hubble, it showcases the telescope’s profound impact on our understanding of the universe. Available on Nat Geo TV and Disney Plus, Hubble’s Cosmic Journey offers both educational content and breathtaking visuals. 

The Last Man on the Moon (2014) 2g6h5x

The Last Man on the Moon tells the story of Gene Cernan, the last astronaut to walk on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Through interviews and archival footage, Cernan reflects on his career, the space race, and the personal cost of being part of a historic endeavor like space exploration. It offers a poignant and personal look at the life of an astronaut. It also provides a different perspective on the space race and its impact on those involved. The Last Man on the Moon is available to watch on Peacock, Tubi TV, and Apple TV.

Wonders of the Solar System (2010) 5ez63

Hosted by physicist Brian Cox, this documentary takes viewers on an awe-inspiring tour of our solar system. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the solar system, from the power of the sun to the beauty of Saturn’s rings.  Brian Cox’s enthusiasm and clear explanations make complex topics digestible, and the series’ visuals are nothing short of spectacular. You can find this series on BBC, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking (2010) 3e6x2a

Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking takes viewers on a journey through the cosmos, exploring topics such as the origins of the universe, black holes, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The series uses CGI and Hawking’s insightful commentary to make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging. Hawking’s unique ability to explain difficult concepts in an understandable way, combined with stunning visuals, makes this a fascinating watch. Available on Discovery Plus and Amazon Prime Video.

Life Beyond Earth (1999) 173y5m

Life Beyond Earth explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life, examining the conditions that might life beyond our planet. It features interviews with scientists, astrobiologists, and researchers who are at the forefront of the search for life in the universe. This helps provide a comprehensive look at the search for alien life, as well as the implications of such a discovery. You can watch this on Amazon Prime Video.

Journey to the Edge of the Universe (2008) 2i183w

Narrated by Alec Baldwin (in the US version), Journey to the Edge of the Universe takes viewers on a CGI-powered journey from Earth to the edge of the observable universe. It offers a detailed and visually spectacular tour of the cosmos, stopping at planets, stars, and galaxies along the way. The documentary’s ambitious scope and high-quality visuals make it a breathtaking watch. It is available to watch on National Geographic and Prime Video.

Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know (2020) 292f69

Available on Netflix, this documentary delves into the mysteries of black holes, featuring interviews with leading scientists and researchers who are at the forefront of black hole research. It covers recent discoveries, the challenges of studying black holes, and the groundbreaking work being done to understand these enigmatic objects. Overall, it’s a deep dive into one of the most intriguing and least understood phenomena in the universe, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in cutting-edge science.

There has been a lot of confusion surrounding the alleged cult at the center of Netflix’s newest true crime documentary, Dancing For the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. Namely: Is this really a cult?

Cults have long been a fascination of American culture, from Charles Manson’s doomsday cult in Los Angeles to the infamous cyanide-laced Flavor-aid of Jonestown. If 7M is a cult, it’s one that has many perspectives. The documentary follows the TikTok dancer Melanie Wilking and her family as they spearhead an initiative to get her sister, Miranda Derrick, out of a presumed religious cult. The documentary proposes that Robert Shinn, the head of the Shekinah Church, manages many successful dancers and uses them to his advantage. Dancing For the Devil executive producer Jessica Acevedo explained to TODAY.com the origins of the documentary.

“There is a man that started a management company, managing some really successful, famous TikTok dancers, and ultimately funneling — maybe (for) lack of better words — into his church. And as we started to investigate it, we realized the story goes much deeper and darker than we could have ever imagined it.”

Dancing For the Devil tracks the trajectory of Shinn’s involvement with these dancers in a strange combination of artist management, and religion.

Where is Robert Shinn? 6o4j50

Miranda and many TikTok dancers got involved with Robert Shinn through his son, Isaiah. Isaiah was a videographer for Miranda’s then-boyfriend, now husband, James, and soon connected the couple with his pastor father. Under the scope of helping these dancers, Shinn created the management company 7M. He managed many dancers under this umbrella, but it was also connected to his Shekinah Church. Dancers were encouraged to attend dinner parties where scripture was read. This was only the start of the strange behavior. 

The Wilking family alleged that Derrick and her fellow dancers were unable to their families, which led her to fear for her sister. They became concerned when Miranda declined to return to their home in Michigan to attend her grandfather’s funeral. Telling them she could not leave without permission from someone “closer to God than you.” Her family was ultimately not invited to Miranda’s wedding to James, and were no longer a part of her life. The documentary also follows many former who severed ties with their families under the guise of getting closer to God. The film additionally contains allegations of sexual abuse and financial control at the hands of Shinn. 

TODAY reported that the church was the subject of a civil lawsuit in March 2023 that is “a cult operating under the disguise of a religious institution.” As of this writing, Dancing For the Devil is on Netflix’s Top 10, leading many to wonder about the fate of Shinn and his organization. Since the release of the documentary, Shinn has not received any criminal charges for his role in 7M. The civil lawsuit is set to go to trial in 2025.

Don’t get your wires crossed. Hulu’s new documentary is not a look at the highly successful doll line of the early aughts.

No, Brats is a retrospective of the worldwide phenomenon of the Brat Pack of the ‘80s. The nickname for the highly prolific teen stars of the time, the Brat Pack consisted of Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Rob Lowe, and Demi Moore, among many others. They were often attached to John Hughes films of the time, such as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. But as successful as they were, the performers with these associations were not too fond of the nickname.

Brats reunites the stars of the time decades later as they look back on their time in the entertainment industry. McCarthy has since become a filmmaker in his own right and helms this adventure. Fans of the era’s films should be ready for a trip down memory lane when Brats airs on Hulu.

Brats release date 3c6g6q

Produced by ABC Studios, Brats had its worldwide premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festivals. But US fans who want to experience the film at home will have to wait until June 13 to watch it on Hulu. The streaming platform has been host to many interesting documentaries as of late, and this is no exception. Per Deadline, McCarthy said in a statement t that the film “was that rare opportunity to dive back into the frozen past and bring it up into the living present.”

When the Brat Pack was so dubbed years ago, conversations about performers were not as candid as they are now. Modern sensibilities have opened up many people’s perspectives and allowed actors to address things that may not have made them comfortable. As depicted in the trailer, many of the so-called “brats” were distressed about the moniker. The title was spawned from a New York Magazine article from 1985, and the nickname stuck. 

Lowe vocalizes in the trailer that the situation was a “disaster.” Emilio Estevez, who earned fame from The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire is straightforward about his hesitance to make appearances. This film gives these beloved actors a chance to address their respective feelings in the best way possible. And for many fans, it allows them to get an inside perspective at some of the most iconic times of the ‘80s. ABC News Studios head, Mike Kelley, explained to Deadline the cultural impact of the stars.

“The Brat Pack captivated a generation and defined cool for so many. Andrew, as a seminal member, brings unbelievable access and perspective to the phenomenon as director of this film. It’s a deeply personal, surprising and entertaining journey and a film we are so proud of at ABC News Studios.”

For an inside look at the most famous teen stars of the time, make sure not to miss Brats when it premiers June 13 on Hulu.

The late documentary filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock, was known to many for directing and starring in the film Supersize Me among other things. Before his death he had just recently settled a divorce with his spouse, but who is Spurlock’s wife, and who were the women he was married to before?

In a blog post made back in 2017, Spurlock itted to serial infidelities among other more serious issions of sexual misconduct. In the post he claims he had “been unfaithful to every wife and girlfriend I have ever had.” The post effectively ended his documentary career, but it was the first time he had really shared any details regarding his personal life. So what did his personal life look like exactly? Well, he was married three times in his life and each marriage sadly ended in divorce.

Morgan Spurlock’s first two wives p6i5j

Before we get to his most recent wife, it’s only fair that we briefly talk about the first two. According to an article from the Mirror – Spurlock first got married in 1996 to Priscilla Sommer however the couple ended up divorcing seven short years later in 2003. He would then remarry in 2006 to culinary artist Alex Jamieson, the husband and wife would go on to have their son, Laken, the same year they were married. However, once again, the marriage would end in divorce just five years later in 2011.

Morgan Spurlock’s third wife 335u3a

The documentary maker’s third and final wife before his tragic and untimely ing was Sara Bernstein. Just like Spurlock, Bernstein also had an incredibly successful career in the industry producing documentaries. Bernstein is actually the president of Imagine Documentaries and according to her page on the company’s website she has led the development and production of “various award-winning documentary films and nonfiction programming.”

In fact, she had a great deal of experience within the industry and has actually secured 11 Emmy wins and an incredible 31 nominations for films like: Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief and The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling. She also served as HBO’s senior vice president in the Television Documentary Department. Basically, she knows her stuff when it comes to making documentaries. One would think a documentary maker and producer would be a match made in heaven. 

Spurlock and Bernstein got married in 2016. That same year the pair would welcome Morgan’s second son, Kallen into the world. Despite the two seemingly being a great match their relationship ended in the same way Spurlock’s last two had ended. According to an article from US Weekly – they divorced earlier this year, just three months before Morgan’s death. 

Ever wondered how many chicken nuggets you can eat before your body starts sending you SOS signals? Probably not, unless you’re a college student on a budget, or perhaps Morgan Spurlock on one of his gonzo documentary escapades.

Spurlock, best known for turning his liver into a fast-food martyr in Super Size Me, carved out a niche for himself by being the guy who’d literally stomach all the tough questions about society. The documentary was a smash hit, and probably caused a few McDonald’s executives to choke on their Big Macs. 

His works often peeled back layers on topics that many of us take for granted, or overlook entirely. This ranges from the fast food industry and consumerism to terrorism and the omnipresence of advertising in our lives. Here are a few documentaries you should check out if you want to dive deeper into the mind of Morgan Spurlock.

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? 3a6c6k

In this 2008 film, Spurlock sets out on a quest to find the world’s most wanted man. Spoiler alert: He doesn’t find him. But he does find a lot of interesting people and perspectives along the way. Through his interviews and observations, Spurlock paints a nuanced picture of a world that’s far more complicated than the black-and-white narrative we’re often fed by the media. He shows us the human face of the Middle East, the ordinary people who are just trying to live their lives in the shadow of war and conflict. And he asks tough questions about America’s role in the region, and whether its foreign policy has done more harm than good.

POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold 311x47

This 2011 documentary is peak Morgan Spurlock, taking on the world of product placement and advertising in the most meta way possible. Basically, the entire film is one giant ad for itself, with Spurlock funding the project entirely through product placement deals with various brands. The Greatest Movie Ever Sold does raise some serious questions about the role of advertising in our lives. Like, how much of what we consume is really just a carefully crafted marketing message? And what does it say about our culture that we’re so willing to buy into it all? Spurlock never quite arrives at any definitive answers, but he sure has a lot of fun asking the questions.

Rats 63696f

Why on earth would anyone want to make a whole movie about rats? Well, you clearly haven’t spent enough time in New York City. As Spurlock reveals in the film, rats are everywhere. The documentary explores the influence of rats on society, including their health risks. Further, Spurlock investigates various methods of pest control, including traditional traps, poisons, and more unconventional approaches like using terriers to hunt rats. In Mumbai, the documentary showcases night rat killers known as “rat catchers” who tackle the city’s rat problem using sticks and bare hands. In Hanoi, rats are not only exterminated but also form part of the local diet, being sold to restaurants. Above everything, Spurlock employs horror film techniques to enhance the visceral impact. 

Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! 26228

This is the sequel to the film that started it all. Released in 2017, this documentary sees Morgan Spurlock returning to his roots and taking on the fast food industry once again. The premise of the film is simple: Spurlock wants to open his own fast food restaurant, one that’s transparent about its ingredients and practices. Along the way, he explores the shady world of industrial chicken farming, exposing the many ways in which big agriculture puts profits over people (and animals).  Super Size Me 2 was supposed to be released by YouTube Red (now known as YouTube ) as part of a big push into original content. However, just days before the film’s premiere, Spurlock posted a confession on Twitter itting to past sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse. Following this, YouTube promptly dropped the film.

Inside Man 402g41

This is a CNN original series where Spurlock serves as a host and dives deep into various sectors of American life to explore pressing issues. Topics cover a wide range from education, and immigration to elder care and the drought. By spending time with patients, growers, and advocates, he was able to paint a nuanced picture of a complex issue that is often reduced to simplistic stereotypes and fear-mongering.

Investigation Discovery’s Quiet On Set rocked the entertainment industry with a 4 part documentary series about child abuse in children’s programming.

For a time, this was largely an open secret. Nickelodeon profited from popular series such as All That, The Amanda Show, and iCarly, all of which were born from the mind of Dan Schneider. However, there was a dark side and Schneider was known for inappropriate behavior behind the scenes.

In episode 5 of Quiet On Set, entitled, “Breaking the Silence,” Soledad O’Brien reunites several of the central figures of the documentary for the first time since the original episodes aired. There, she interviews Drake & Josh star Drake Bell and All That cast Giovannie Samuels and Bryan Hearne. These performers address the reaction to the documentary and how it’s impacted them. The resulting 40 minutes was a moving retreading of heartbreaking material that was a satisfying wrap-up to the series.

Will there be an episode 6 of Quiet On Set? cv5o

Episode 5 of Quiet On Set was a natural progression of the series. The dark secrets of Nickelodeon were so harrowing that there had to be some response. Schneider released a 19-minute apology video that largely fell on deaf ears. For many, it was too little too late. And in any case, time shouldn’t be yielded to the person who spent years profiting from the pain of children. Episode 5 lets these stars have their time to discuss the ramifications of their experiences. Investigation Discovery head, Jason Sarlanis, opened up to The Hollywood Reporter that before the first episode aired, they were inclined to do a follow-up.

“In of specifically extending Quiet on Set in its first series to an episode that captured some of the aftermath, I think we first started talking to [executive producers] Mary [Robertson] and Emma [Schwartz] right after the trailer dropped. And we worked together with them mostly to be able to produce this additional episode after the show itself had been seen so that we could create this platform for our incredibly brave contributors to in the very conversation that we were alluding to. There have been hundreds of media outlets and content creators who have evolved this story. We wanted to give that platform back the a very people whose story it really is.”

However, it is unclear if Investigation Discovery will release more content regarding these concepts. No plans for episode 6 have been made public as of yet. Sarlanis intimated to the outlet that they did not believe Quiet On Set was definitively over, either.

“The themes that Mary and Emma are tackling with Quiet on Set are something that we are committed to continuing to shine a light on, whether or not it’s more of Quiet on Set, or other projects we could do together. What was so incredible about Quiet on Set is that it was expertly crafted to give a platform for this specific story and example of systemic abuse.”

In fairness, there are many more directions that this story could lead. Robertson mentioned that the pouring of outrage has made many consider future federal legislation to protect children in the entertainment industry.

Audiences can view all 5 episodes of Quiet On Set streaming on Max.

ID has announced a bonus fifth episode after Quiet on Set‘s successful 4-episode run. With the new episode, the Nickelodeon documentary will continue the unsettling conversation around the dark side of children’s show production.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement in 2018, the abusive and toxic work culture fostered by producer and showrunner Dan Schneider during his time on Nickelodeon came to light. This was followed by director and producer Mary Robertson’s rigorous efforts to reach out to actors and crew who worked with Schneider to expose his hostile work environment in her new documentary, Quiet on Set.

After interviewing dozens of actors, most prominently The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh star Drake Bell, the 4-episode documentary was released on March 17, 2024, on the Investigation Discovery channel. In his interview, Drake Bell opened up about the sexual abuse he faced at the hands of former Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck. But, there’s more to the docies.

What is Quiet on Set about? 251x67

Quiet on Set is investigative documentary series depicting the rise of television producer Dan Schneider, later accused of misconduct and inappropriate behavior. It features interviews and testimonies from actors and crew exposing the dark reality behind Schneider’s string of Nickelodeon productions. Cast and crew from various Nickelodeon shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s, including All That, and The Amanda Show appear in the documentary.

The director Mary Robertson also told The Hollywood Reporter that if the series became successful, she hoped they could make more episodes of Quiet on Set. Robertson expressed her desire to continue the documentary and share the stories of more people affected by Schneider’s hostility. She said,

“We would be happy to make four more hours on this subject… We’d love to hear from more people who worked in this ecosystem and would like to share experiences.”

Quiet on Set episode 5 release date and time 2z5k1v

The fifth episode of Quiet on Set was confirmed by ID on Tuesday, which will be titled “Breaking the Silence.” According to the press release, Quiet on Set episode 5 will be released on Sunday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET.

Jason Sarlanis promised that the episode will dig “deeper into the crucial conversations the docies ignited and explore the lingering questions left in their wake to provide further insight from the brave voices who’ve spoken out previously and those who are coming forward again.” (via Variety)

Episode 5 will feature earlier subjects, including Drake Bell, All That cast Giovonnie Samuels and Bryan Hearne, Hearne’s mother, Tracey Brown, and a new interviewee, Shane Lyons from All That. Lyons will be interviewed by journalist Soledad O’Brien “for an important discussion about the industry, then and now.”

In the ‘90s and 2000s, there was nothing bigger in kids’ television than Nickelodeon. But in Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, there is seemingly nothing more horrifying.

The new documentary series streaming on Max delves into the underbelly of Nickelodeon’s most prolific writer, Dan Schnieder. Among many things, the creative was the architect behind All That and The Amanda Show. But in recent years, Schneider has been revealed to be an insidious force behind the network. Former stars from Nickelodeon have been coming out of the woodwork, indicating that the writer was inappropriate behind the scenes. Quiet On Set interviews these stars, and former employees who have shocking anecdotes about what the atmosphere was really like.

On season 1 of The Amanda Show, Schneider hired only 2 female writers, who had to share a salary. Jenny Kilgen and Christy Stratton alleged they were degraded and humiliated in the writer’s room before ultimately being phased out. The multi-episode docies fleshes out these stories and so many more.

When does episode 3 of Quiet On Set air? 6e4f6y

Amanda Bynes, Drake Bell, and Jeanette McCurdy were some stars elevated because of their proximity to Schneider. However, these stars have also had struggles later in life. McCurdy has quite publicly denounced her time on Nickelodeon. In her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, the iCarly star detailed how toxic the network was.

Quiet On Set explores the specifics of each episode of the series. The first 2 episodes aired on March 17, 2024. Viewers will not have to wait that much longer for more entries into these fascinating and terrible events. Episodes 3 and 4 will air on the following day, March 18. Fans can watch the following episodes on Investigation Discovery and Max.

Netflix’s true crime documentaries often showcase the darker sides of humanity, but even some seem too harrowing to be true. This is the case with the series entitled The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping.

The title itself effectively communicates exactly what the viewer is in for, and yet it still doesn’t fully prepare you for what’s in store. The Program was made by Katherine Kubler, a survivor of the Ivy Ridge “school,” for lack of a better term. This facility was far from a school.

Ivy Ridge was one of many facilities associated with the troubled teen industry. Parents of children who are acting out or simply struggling enlist facilities such as Ivy Ridge to discipline their children, but there’s a fine line between discipline and abuse. You may wonder how something like this could go on for so long without any intervention. That is also what Kubler wanted to know and how the true crime documentary came to be in the first place.

Is Netflix’s The Program based on facts? 2i4l2a

Unfortunately for many survivors, the troubled teen industry is quite real. True crime podcasts such as Last Podcast On the Left have explored this phenomenon, which is more common than many of us would like to believe. Parents who consider their children too difficult to handle will hire these facilities to kidnap their children from their homes and take them to a so-called educational program. But places such as Ivy Ridge aren’t created out of any sense of altruism. It’s an industry in the truest sense because the directors of these prisons are only interested in making money.

Ivy Ridge was in operation from 2001 to 2009, where Kubler and many others were subjected to psychological abuse and inhumane treatment. The filmmaker’s story is similar to many who have endured this experience. As a teenager, she was warm and creative but had the misfortune of clashing with her stepmother. She acted out, as many teens do, by sneaking out and drinking. After being expelled from a private school, her father and stepmother enlisted Ivy Ridge to take her from her old school without warning.

As soon as she entered the doors, she knew something was wrong. She was no longer allowed to leave and was quickly strip-searched. Friendship between the students in the Program was not allowed, and they had to follow a convoluted list of rules that were impossible to follow. They weren’t even allowed to look out the window. Kubler was just one of many subjected to abuse, as she told Time Magazine.

“I made this series because there really was nothing out there to help explain what had happened to me to my friends and family to warn them about these places. So now, that resource exists.”

In the documentary, Kubler and some former classmates return to Ivy Ridge. The building remained abandoned since the facility was shuttered, with files left cluttering the hallways. The former students were aghast to find evidence of their abuse for anyone to find. To this day, Ivy Ridge was only one of many that still exist. These alleged behavioral schools make a profit off of hurting minors while selling a story to their parents that this is a real school. The Program sheds light on a harmful industry that continues to make revenue.