Top 10 Normal Looking Kid Shows with Disturbing Backstories

“Zoey 101” (2005-08)

Jamie Lynn Spears got her big break after she signed onto the classic Nickelodeon comedy-drama “Zoey 101”. The series was going four seasons strong when news spread that it was canceled. The reason? Many pointed towards her pregnancy. In 2007, a young Jamie Lynn Spears announced she was expecting a child. Since she had an innocent reputation from her Zoey role, this news shocked many and created a media frenzy. Spears was harshly criticized by reporters and parents. Fans assumed that her pregnancy caused Nickelodeon to pull the plug on the show. However, the network decided to end “Zoey 101” before Lynn announced anything. In the end, the darkest aspect of Lynn’s story is the judgement she received from the media and viewers.

“All That” (1994-2005)

Although comedic actors always look like they’re having fun on camera, there’s no telling what harsh events might be happening when the film isn’t rolling. Unfortunately, first hand accounts prove Angelique Bates had to deal with heavy issues on the set of “All That.” She was part of a strong cast that entertained and enjoyed a great reception. However, Bates left after the second season of the show. She later stated in interviews that she was mistreated by her parents on set while other cast members were in earshot. Although someone did call the proper authorities, multiple people encouraged her to keep the truth hidden. Years later, she openly shares her story to promote awareness for issues children face in the entertainment industry.

“The Muppet Show” (1976-81)

You’d think an actor who consistently provides the voice for the iconic Kermit the Frog might be set for life. But that wasn’t the case for one performer. After original actor Jim Henson passed away in 1990, Whitmire took over the role of Kermit. But he was fired in 2016. Whitmire claimed that his firing was sudden and he didn’t have a chance to address the company’s issues. But Disney representatives alleged that it had been hard to work with him for a while. They claimed that he had years to change his unprofessional and egotistical conduct and chose not to. No matter whose side of the story is correct, it’s clear that it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows behind the scenes of the Muppets.

“Blue Peter” (1958-)

“Blue Peter” is likely the longest-running children’s TV show globally because it’s a brilliant piece of Edutainment that many can enjoy. Since it’s such a strong staple, the actors involved are probably under more scrutiny than normal. In the 1980s, presenter Peter Duncan came under fire after stories surfaced that he acted in a very risqué scene before appearing on “Blue Peter”. But the series has seen even worse hiccups. In the lead-up to the 40th anniversary of the show, tabloids revealed presenter Richard Bacon took an illegal substance prior to his employment. Although he was quickly let go from the show in the wake of the backlash, he and “Blue Peter” both went on to have more success.

“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” Franchise (1993-)

While Mighty Morphin Power Rangers graced many childhoods with over-the-top action and adventure, things weren’t always morphenomenal behind-the-scenes. Since the first cast was non-union, they received abysmally low paychecks and had to do a few dangerous stunts. One of the last original Rangers to go was David Yost. Although he stayed on for multiple seasons, crew members reportedly mistreated him and threw slurs at him because he was gay. Yost even attempted to try changing his sexuality during the run of the show. A producer insisted that the actor’s issues came down to salary. Any way you slice it, it’s clear that it didn’t always pay to be a power ranger.

“Kid Nation” (2007)

While this wasn’t necessarily a show aimed at kids, the reality show’s premise needed young participants. On “Kid Nation”, 40 children between the ages 8 to 15 were sent to a remote location to try and build a working town and win cash prizes. There were claims that children were overworked and had health scares on set. Although there were medics, there were reports that the adults helped stir up conflict to make the episodes more dramatic. And it didn’t help that parents of the participants reportedly didn’t know how much their kids would be put through. It’s a shame that some young people had to go through hell just for a reality show that lasted one season.

“The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-96)

While some animated shows occasionally push the envelope, Nickelodeon’s “The Ren & Stimpy Show” tore the envelope to shreds. Its unhinged nature unfortunately echoed some of what was going on behind the scenes. Show creator John Kricfalusi was a controversial figure who maintained a toxic work environment where he treated his staff like garbage. In the documentary “Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story”, specific and horrifying details came to light. Not only was Kricfalusi horrible to certain staff members, but he also had incredibly disturbing and allegedly criminal interactions with certain fans. Watching a few minutes of these interviews alone might be enough to completely ruin any positive perception you have of the cartoon.

Several Nickelodeon Shows

Unfortunately, Nickelodeon has more than one problematic story about showrunners on the network. “Loud House” creator Chris Savino was let go in 2017 after over ten women complained about his inappropriate behavior. But the most infamous incident involved Dan Schneider. This producer was known for his work on iconic shows like “All That”, “iCarly”, “Victorious”, and several others. But Nickelodeon dismissed Schneider in 2018. Stories about him going on angry tirades and his questionable behavior towards young performers also came to light. Behind-the-scenes footage also hints at how uncomfortable he could be on set. It’s safe to say neither Schneider or Savino will return to Nick anytime soon.

“Sesame Street” (1969-)

Even Sesame Street was not immune to its own share of problems beyond the veil of happiness. While Northern James Calloway was playing David on the show, he grappled with mental health issues and erratic off-screen behavior. There were even more notorious behind the scenes allegations surrounding Elmo voice actor Kevin Clash. In 2012, there were reports that Clash had been involved in inappropriate and illegal relationships. Shortly after the allegations were made public, he decided to leave the show. Clash ultimately never faced jail time and even went on to work on series like “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance”. But the disturbing allegations mean that his career as Elmo is definitely done.

“Rainbow” (1972-92)

“Rainbow” was conceived as the British equivalent of Sesame Street. But while it may have maintained an on-screen innocence, things were more mature off camera . In Zippy puppeteer’s Ronnie le Drew’s memoir, he mentioned that there were heavy drinkers on set. Cast members reportedly also used sexist language towards co-workers and put puppets in adult positions. Perhaps the most notorious incidents involved the unaired studio Christmas tape, which became known as the “Twangers episode.” It involved cast members making deliberate innuendos in character. While this piece never actually aired, it was a little peek at how inappropriate everyone could get when audiences weren’t watching.