2024 marks two decades since the debut of Nickelodeon's beloved sitcom "Drake & Josh" (2004-2007) and its movie specials. It's impossible not to reminisce about the golden era of kids' television that it represents. The show captivated the hearts of a generation and earned numerous Kids' Choice awards during its run. However, today's release of the documentary series "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" (2024-) adds a sombre undertone to our nostalgia. Its promoting trailer features Drake Bell sharing his abuse with his acting coach, and in the present day, he is under the spotlight of controversies with allegations and criminal charges. Like any other Thursday, let’s throwback!
“Drake & Josh” follows the adventures of two stepbrothers with contrasting personalities who share the same household and high school. Drake exudes charm and charisma with his own band and popularity among girls, but beneath the surface lies a narcissistic streak and occasional absent-mindedness. In contrast, Josh is characterized by his intellect, clumsiness, and social awkwardness, yet his genuine love and caring nature shine through.
However, in the present day, there is a laughable nostalgia with a bittersweet taste. Beyond the controversies mentioned, “Drake & Josh” did not age well. There are problematic aspects emerging, especially considering its target audience of children and teenagers, who can be easily influenced by media portrayals. Media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions and our collective understanding of the world around us. Taking that into consideration, over these 20 years, there are concerning issues within the sitcom.
The lack of diversity is evident in "Drake & Josh," with many minorities falling under the Smurfette principle. This practice in media involves including only one woman in an otherwise entirely male ensemble, thereby establishing a male-dominated narrative where women are the exception and exist only in reference to the men. This type of tokenism may seem to support, or help underrepresented groups, but it fails to bring about lasting change and perpetuates stereotypes, making them victims of generalizations.
In the case of Nickelodeon’s show, they are adapted to minorities, who are often relegated to secondary roles, many times depicted in negative lights, perpetuating racism. Some characters, like Helen Dubois (Yvette Nicole Brown), are given speaking roles, while others are nameless flat characters in the backdrop. The show has faced accusations of whitewashing, as it shares similarities with "Kenan & Kel" (1996-2003), which follows the adventures of two best friends, the titular characters.
Josh is often depicted as Drake's 'DUFF' (designated ugly fat friend), with recurring jokes throughout the episodes about his body and weight.
Drake & Josh" centres on male protagonists, with women often portrayed as antagonists or culprit in the episodic conflicts. Additionally, there is a concerning lack of female representation, despite Josh's obsession for Oprah Winfrey, toxic masculinity and many gender stereotypes. Female characters in the show are often depicted in family-centric roles, such as the conniving younger sister Megan, Josh’s grandmother, or Drake’s unnamed mother, whose occupation remains unknown. This portrayal restricts these characters to narrow familial roles, rather than showcasing their multifaceted personalities. Furthermore, a comparison between Drake’s mother and Josh’s father highlights disparities, as the show provides no information about Drake’s mother, while Josh's father is portrayed as a weather presenter. In some ways, it emulates the spectators that often see these people under family lenses, but they are people.
Beyond the family dynamic, female characters like Mindy (played by Allison Scagliotti) and Drake’s girlfriends are introduced. Mindy initially appears as Josh’s school counterpart but eventually becomes his girlfriend. However, this character arc is problematic, particularly when it suggests that her change is attributed to her stay in a mental health hospital. Additionally, Drake's portrayal as a womanizer, combined with the male-dominated studio behind the scenes, contributes to problematic on-screen dynamics. Women are often objectified and subjected to the male gaze, appearing as props or trophies for Drake, with consent not taken seriously. Furthermore, Drake's nameless girlfriends are predominantly white, indicating racism.
The portrayal of mental illness in "Drake & Josh," particularly through the character Crazy Steve played by Jerry Trainor, is depicted in a mocking manner, serving as a recurring joke throughout the series.
In the episode "I Love Sushi" of "Drake & Josh," a moment arises where transphobia and homophobia intersect. The plot unfolds as Drake and Josh eagerly await the results of a contest to redesign their parents' living room. Upon learning that they have won, Drake celebrates by impulsively kissing a random girl, proclaiming, "I won a contest!" Meanwhile, Josh, attempting to join in the excitement, also kisses a random woman without consent, echoing Drake's sentiment. However, the situation takes a troubling turn when Josh's chosen individual responds in a masculine voice, saying, "Congratulations, man." Josh's initial excitement turns to confusion and discomfort, evident in his increasingly disgusted expression as the scene concludes.
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