Emotional Podcast Reunion: Drake Bell and Josh Peck Explain Their Fallout

In a highly anticipated reunion, Drake Bell and Josh Peck, former Nickelodeon stars, came together in a revealing podcast, discussing the complexities of their past fallout. Note: some readers may find parts of this content sensitive.

Last year, Bell took a brave step by appearing in ID’s impactful docuseries, Quiet on Set, where he disclosed the troubling revelation that he was sexually abused by Brian Peck, a dialogue coach affiliated with Nickelodeon, in 2001. Although Peck was arrested at that time, his victim’s identity remained undisclosed. By sharing his experience, Drake aims to highlight the crucial need for enhanced safety measures for child actors within the entertainment industry.

This revelation set off a wave of speculation regarding the nature of Drake’s relationship with his co-star Josh Peck. Despite admitting to a distance forming between them, both actors provided mutual support during the release of Quiet on Set and have since elaborated on their experiences.

Understanding the Fallout Between Drake and Josh

Drake and Josh and Ben (Part 1) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkS8sBJn9oA)

The duo’s estrangement stemmed from a mixture of personal challenges and drifting apart over time. Their friendship began while working on The Amanda Show in the early 2000s, eventually leading to their leading roles in the smash-hit sitcom Drake & Josh, which aired from 2004 until 2007. Over the years, incidents surrounding their fallout have made headlines, particularly when Drake expressed his disappointment about not receiving an invitation to Josh’s wedding in 2017.

In 2021, an accusation surfaced alleging that Drake had groomed a young girl, beginning at age 12 and culminating in sexual abuse by age 15. Although law enforcement did not pursue charges due to a lack of evidence, Drake ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor related to exposing minors to harmful materials. He received a sentence of two years probation and 200 hours of community service.

Speculation arose around whether Josh had distanced himself from Drake during this turbulent period, a rumor neither has publicly confirmed. Nevertheless, during the airing of Quiet on Set, both actors demonstrated solidarity.

On a recent episode of the Good Guys podcast, co-hosted by Josh and Ben Soffer, Drake referred to their conversation as akin to a therapy session.“I have my perspective, ” he shared, contemplating their experiences during adolescence and how they shaped their friendship.

“There were times when we were very close, and simultaneously times where we just weren’t, even without a specific reason, ” he remarked. He elaborated on the notion that working alongside someone daily while navigating personal issues often leads to misdirected frustrations.“We were both going through a lot outside of our working relationship, and sometimes that burden was placed on each other, ” he noted.

Josh contributed to this sentiment, citing a family quote: “As my mother would say, ‘I’m not here for you to unload.’ I’ve done a lot of therapy on that.”

Josh Reflects on Drake’s Revelations in Quiet on Set

Former Nickelodeon Star Drake Bell Shares His Story for First Time | Quiet On Set | ID (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy94oVh78YY)

Delving deeper into their discussion, Josh expressed his astonishment at Drake’s revelations from Quiet on Set, which aired in March 2024.“I can’t even comprehend what you went through, ” he admitted, reflecting on how time alters perspective, especially as he enters fatherhood.

He recounted a past conversation with Drake where he inquired about Brian’s well-being, leading to Drake’s blunt response: “No, Brian’s a really bad guy.” This revelation left a lasting impact on Josh, who remarked, “I remember thinking, ‘Gotcha.’”

As Josh processed the documentary, he emphasized that the justice served to Brian didn’t eliminate the trauma that Drake experienced.“It’s so much deeper than that. It’s not a simple situation where justice resolved everything, ” he articulated.

Listeners can tune in to Part 1 of the Good Guys podcast on popular streaming platforms or via Josh’s YouTube channel, with Part 2 set to release on Thursday, March 27.

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