Drake Bell, Josh Peck
Frank Micelotta via Getty Images

29+ Secrets From our Favorite Nickelodeon Shows

Entertainment

| LAST UPDATE 06/09/2021

By Genevieve Scott

From Pacific Coast Academy all the way to the Bikini Bottom, Nickelodeon has taken us on endless adventures over the years. But there's more to our favorite stories than we may have thought...

SpongeBob's Squidward is Not a Squid

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Of course, SpongeBob, the sponge; Sandy, the squirrel; Mr. Krabs, the crab. But what if we said one of their fellow neighbors wasn't who he appeared to be?

SpongeBob, Nickelodeon, SecretsSpongeBob, Nickelodeon, Secrets
SpongeBob SquarePants (2020) Nickelodeon - YouTube via SpongeBob SquarePants Official

That's right. Despite his name and physical appearance stating otherwise, Squidward Tentacles is actually... an octopus. Talk about being misunderstood. Perhaps that's why SpongeBob's outspoken neighbor is always so grumpy. But there's more where that came from. Keep scrolling...

Hey Arnold!'s Helga Almost Landed a Spinoff Series

Sure, Helga Pataki may have taken us (and Arnold) on a roller-coaster of a ride. But believe it or not, we almost saw a whole lot more of the Hey Arnold! troublemaker. As a matter of fact, she and the Pataki family almost landed themselves their very own spinoff series.

Hey Arnold! Helga SpinoffHey Arnold! Helga Spinoff
Hey Arnold! (1996) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

According to Hey Arnold! creator Craig Bartlett, a pilot script had even been written for the potential sequel. If things had gone to plan, we'd have followed an older Helga as she navigated adulthood. What happened? "I'm afraid it was too… dark," Bartlett revealed of the moment the series got shot down by Nick at Nite.

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Jay Leno Starred in Fairly Oddparents

Anyone who grew up watching Timmy Turner remembers the Giant snakes, birthday cakes, large fries, and chocolate shakes. But how about the time we watched Jay Leno try his luck in Dimmsdale, California? That's right, the television host once starred in the beloved childhood sitcom.

Fairly Oddparents, Jay LenoFairly Oddparents, Jay Leno
The Fairly Oddparents (2001) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

As for which character he played? Crimson Chin; Otherwise known as the superhero who kept bad guys off of the streets - using his chin's superpowers. And just when we thought we couldn't love Leno anymore. Though we're not so sure The Bronze Kneecap feels the same as us on that one.

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Dora & Boots from Dora the Explorer Were Supposed to Look Very Different

Come on, Vamanos! We've tagged along on Dora and Boot's wild adventures for years now. And while we can probably recite by heart how all of their stories ended (*spoiler alert* Swiper didn't end up swiping), their journey together once started very differently.

Dora the Explorer, BootsDora the Explorer, Boots
Dora the Explorer (1999) Nickeloedon - YouTube via Nick Jr.

As a matter of fact, Dora was initially supposed to be… a bunny rabbit. As for her rainboot-wearing friend? Boots was originally set to be a mouse. Now that's one secret you won't find in Dora's backpack. We can't help but wonder how Swiper would've felt about that, though.

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Figure it Out Wasn't Actually Filmed Live

For all you 90s kids, this next one is about to take us for a trip down memory lane. Back in the day, as we watched our favorite Nickelodeon stars come face to face, things were not quite as they seemed. In fact, remember Figure it Out's live audience that we were only slightly jealous of?

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Figure it Out (1997) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

The lucky spectators might have been catching all of the action live, but we weren't. "I didn't have the heart to tell [people] that [the episodes had] all been taped [ahead of time]," former host, Summer Sanders, revealed of the common misconception that we were tuning in live. Anyone else feeling duped?

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Each Episode of SpongeBob Takes a Very Long Time to Make

SpongeBob might have an affinity for reminding us just how ready he is for any given adventure (cue "I'm ready!"), but don't get it twisted: Each eleven-minute adventure takes a whole lot of sketching and planning before it makes its way to our screen. How much, exactly?

SpongeBob, Patrick, Nickelodeon, SecretsSpongeBob, Patrick, Nickelodeon, Secrets
SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) Nickeloedon - YouTube via SpongeBob SquarePants Official

"From beginning to end, it takes ten or eleven months to create one eleven-minute long episode," writing coordinator Melissa Webster revealed to How Stuff Works. Yep, take a minute to let that one sink in. "It's very challenging to come up with 40 different stories per season," story editor Steven Banks explained.

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Is Getting 'Slimed' Actually a Surprise

Remember that green goo? The one we watched ambush our favorite celebrities time and time again? But ever wonder just how surprised Bieber or Nick Jonas was to be ambushed by the sticky slime? Perhaps not as shocked as we may have thought. Keep scrolling.

Nick Jonas, Slime, NickelodeonNick Jonas, Slime, Nickelodeon
Frazer Harrison for KCA2015 via Getty Images

For starters, "It happens a lot of different ways," as Nickelodeon producer Jay Schmalholz revealed. "There are definitely celebrities who call and say they want to be slimed." And then, as we've seen before: "There's some that are just a full-on surprise," as he explained.

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What the Slime's Really Made Of

We've heard the rumors. But what really is that mysterious sludge made out of? Is it actually as disgusting as it appears to be? Well, folks, we've got a feeling this next fact might come as a shock. The famous slime only consists of 2 ingredients...

Slime, Nickelodeon, Josh PeckSlime, Nickelodeon, Josh Peck
Kevin Winter via Getty Images

Vanilla pudding and food coloring. Yep, that's it. Or at least that's what it once called for, according to Nickelodeon host Summer Sanders. Nowadays, several variations of the goo exist. But there's still one aspect that hasn't changed: "They keep it refrigerated," Summer explained. "It's so freezing that it'd just shock you."

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The Naked Brother's Band Stars felt Overworked

Long before the Jonas Brothers, we had the Naked Brothers. Remember them? We watched Nat and Alex Wolff rock out, as they cemented their names as perhaps the coolest middle-schoolers we'd ever seen. But that doesn't mean it was easy. In fact, it wasn't.

Nickelodeon Secrets Nickelodeon Secrets
Sean Gardner via Getty Images for Nickelodeon

"I needed songs for each episode— almost like I had an assignment," Nat recalled. "We were really working our [butts] off." As for what that called for? "We wrote all the music, we'd record all the music. Alex, as a 7, 8-year-old, was playing live drums on all of our music." Our childhood selves are swooning right now.

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The Big Time Rush x Spy Kids Crossover

It's the crossover we never knew we needed: A troublemaking popstar and a teenaged spy. But while Big Time Rush's Carlos Pena and Spy Kids' Alexa Vega might have gotten different starts on our screen, their stories have the same ending. And you can bet we're here for it.

Alexa Vega, Carlos PenaAlexa Vega, Carlos Pena
Steve Granitz/WireImage via Getty Images

From competing in Dancing With the Stars to co-starring in Hallmark movies, the couple is officially a force to be reckoned with. "We've never fit the Hollywood mold," Alexa explained. "We've never done things in the conventional way." Conventional or not, we're certainly here for this relationship.

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Ned's Declassified Cast Caused Trouble in those Halls

Back in the day, we watched Ned Bigby as he navigated the James K. Polk Middle School halls; Well, attempted to, at least. But ever wondered what happened when class wasn't in session? For starters, it appears the real excitement might have been going down after hours.

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Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004) Nickelodeon - YouTube via NickRewind

"We would play tag, foosball, football, dodgeball, and everything at lunch," actor Devon Werkheiser (a.k.a 'Ned') revealed of the cast's "after-school" activities. "Shooting it was one of the most fun [experiences] I've ever had… We got to run around and play and do what we love."

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What Was Really Inside Sam's Butter Sock in iCarly?

Safe to say, most of us wouldn't be too keen on getting whacked by a sock filled with pounds of butter. But the contents behind Sam's famous weapon of choice was actually not what we thought. The truth? Her butter sock was much more painful. *A moment of silence for Freddie Benson.*

Nickelodeon Hidden Secrets Nickelodeon Hidden Secrets
Sam & Cat (2013) Nickelodeon - YouTube via NickRewind

"Although I am tentative to crush any person's childhood dreams, it was not filled with butter," as actress Jennette McCurdy (a.k.a 'Sam') revealed. Instead? "It was batteries to give it some weight, with Styrofoam around them, wrapped with duct tape," she explained. Ouch.

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Sam from iCarly Did Most of Her Own Stunts

We've watched Carly and her blogging friends get into lots of trouble over the years. But believe it or not, her BFF, Sam, was actually a whole lot tougher than one might have thought. In fact, iCarly star Jennette McCurdy actually did most of her own stunts on the show.

Jennette McCurdy, iCarly, SecretsJennette McCurdy, iCarly, Secrets
iCarly (2007) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

"Any time you saw me with a hammer or sledgehammer, that was always me," the actress proudly revealed to Huffington Post. Perhaps the one exception? "One time, I had to lift either Gibby or Freddie over my shoulder, and they had a stunt double for that," McCurdy continued. "My confidence plummeted."

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The Secret iCarly Reference in Zoey 101

Years before we tagged along on Carly Shay's adventures, it appears the iCarly star actually had other followers: Students from Pacific Coast Academy. That's right. Not only was iCarly's theme song featured on Zoey 101, but fans noticed another sneaky reference on the hit series.

Zoey 101 Nickelodeon Secrets Zoey 101 Nickelodeon Secrets
Zoey 101 (2005) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

In one of the show's scenes where Zoey's laptop was left opened, fans noticed something striking: iCarly.com was plastered on the PCA student's Pear laptop (remember that?). And it really makes us wonder what else we've been missing all of these years...

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Gibby from iCarly Almost Had a Spinoff Series

No doubt about it: Gibby was one of the quirkiest characters we've ever met. All odds were off when the loud-mouthed troublemaker found his way onto our screen. From shirtless dance parties to food fights, we'd seen just about everything there was to see of the hilarious star; Or so we thought.

Gibby, iCarly, Spinoff, SecretsGibby, iCarly, Spinoff, Secrets
iCarly (2007) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

Believe it or not, the iCarly gods almost blessed us with a spinoff - dedicated directly to Gibby and his iconic self. The premise? Gibby landed a job at a recreational center, where he became a mentor to 4 offbeat middle-school kids. Sadly, production pulled the plug after filming the pilot. And we've never been more intrigued.

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iCarly's Cast Had Sweet Perks

Remember Nevel Papperman? Otherwise known as Carly's worst nightmare? But while the iCarly villain may have once made Carly Shay rue the day (remember that?), life was actually rather pleasant when the cameras stopped rolling. But don't take our word for it.

iCarly, Nevel, Nickelodeon, SecretsiCarly, Nevel, Nickelodeon, Secrets
iCarly (2007) Nickeloedon - YouTube via Nickelodeon UK

According to the iCarly actor, life on set certainly had its perks. From daily cast dinners at a Japanese eatery to late-night filming parties, there was never a dull moment. And lets not forget the production's "green room with an Xbox and everything you could want." Yep, only a little jealous.

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Zoey 101 was Nickelodeon's most Expensive Show

Ever wondered which of our favorite Nickelodeon shows racked up the biggest bill? Was it Drake & Josh? After all, they did "go Hollywood." Or maybe it was SpongeBob's 10-minute episodes (which only took about a year to produce)? We've got a feeling the answer might just surprise ya.

Zoey 101 Nickelodeon Secrets Zoey 101 Nickelodeon Secrets
Zoey 101 (2005) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

Zoey 101 was actually the most expensive production when it first premiered. Not only was it shot mostly on a location at Malibu's Pepperdine University, but it also cost Nickelodeon a pretty penny to do so. But that's not the only shocking secret about Pacific Coast Academy's finest...

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Jamie Lynn Spears' Pregnancy Wasn't Really Why Zoey 101 Got Canceled

Are you ready? Most of us were busy reaching for the Kleenex after hearing we'd be saying bye to Zoey Brooks for good. And with good reason. News of actress Jamie Lynn Spears' (a.ka. 'Zoey') pregnancy seemingly came out of left field. Only that's not entirely true.

Jamie Lynn Spears PregnantJamie Lynn Spears Pregnant
Jesse Grant/WireImage via Getty Images

"#itdidNOTendbecauseofpregnancy #contractwasfinished," Spears revealed on Instagram, leaving us with lots of questions. That's right, the final season of Zoey 101 had actually already finished filming when Jamie discovered she was expecting. The truth? The series ended because she wanted to go back "home to finish high school."

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Zoey 101's 'Quinn' Was Made Specifically for Actress Erin Sanders

Anyone who's ever watched Zoey 101 knows exactly who Erin Sanders is: She's the face behind our favorite brainiac; Zoey's quirky roommate with a tendency for bringing Science class to her dorm room. But the Zoey 101 actress originally had her eyes set on a very different on-screen role.

Dan Schneider Nickelodeon Secrets Dan Schneider Nickelodeon Secrets
Zoey 101 (2005) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

'Nicole Bristow,' Zoey's boy-obsessed roomie who eventually left PCA after season 2. Apparently, Sanders' audition was so impressive, showrunner Dan Schneider was inspired to create her very own character: Quinn. And we're certainly happy about the way things turned out.

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Chase from Zoey 101 Wore a Wig

There was a lot more that met the eye to Chase Matthews than that famous mop hair of his. But believe it or not, we're not talking about his deep-rooted feelings for Zoey this time. We're actually talking about that exact famous mop hair of his... and the secret wig it called for.

Chase Secrets, NickelodeonChase Secrets, Nickelodeon
Zoey 101 (2005) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

Ever wondered the secret to those famous curls of his? Wonder no more: After returning from London in season 4, a then-short-haired Sean Flynn had to wear a wig to replicate his character Chase's beloved locks. And we suddenly don't know what to believe anymore.

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Logan from Zoey 101 was Almost Cast as Troy in High School Musical

Ever pictured Logan Reese getting his head in the game for the East High Wildcats? We certainly hadn't. But back in the day, long before Zac Efron blessed us with his 3-pointer skills, there was another guy with his eye on the role of Troy Bolton: Actor Matthew Underwood.

Behind the Scenes SecretsBehind the Scenes Secrets
Zoey 101 (2005) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

"I auditioned once, but then I'm sure they saw Zac Efron, and they were like 'Ya, this is the guy we need,'" the Zoey 101 star joked on the Mike Lewis Podcast. While we can't quite picture Logan Reese bopping to the top, we sure he would've killed it.

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Patrick from SpongeBob was Initially an Angry Bully

Sure, he might not be the sharpest starfish (or resident) in Bikini Bottom. But our favorite dummy was almost set to act very differently; And if things had gone to plan, the Bikini Bottom would've had yet another angry resident. Well, what happened?

Patrick Star, SpongeBob, SecretsPatrick Star, SpongeBob, Secrets
SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) Nickeloedon - YouTube via SpongeBob SquarePants Official

Sorry, SpongeBob, you might not like this one. But according to MentalFloss, SquarePants' partner in crime was almost set to play an angry bar owner; A bully with a "huge chip on his shoulder because he was pink." And suddenly we're the ones who feel like we've been living under a rock...

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Secret Feuds on Set of Victorious

Ever wondered what happens when one puts two aspiring pop stars in the same room together - for 3 whole years? Of course, there's going to be some butting heads. But don't quote us on that one. Instead, allow Ariana Grande's shady remarks about life on set of Victorious to do all the talking…

Victorious, Ariana Grande, FeudVictorious, Ariana Grande, Feud
Micah Smith via Getty Images

"I worked with someone who told me they'd never like me," Grande hinted to Seventeen. "But for some reason, I just felt like I needed her approval," she confessed. "So I started changing myself to please her. It made me stop being social and friendly. I was so unhappy." So many questions.

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Jennette McCurdy & Ariana Grande Feuded on Sam & Cat

Sure, Grande's vague remarks about life on set might have left our minds running wild. But contrarily, her Sam & Cat costar had no problem baring all after addressing rumors of her and Ari's own feud. What happened? It all started when news broke that Sam & Cat wouldn't be returning for another reason.

Sam Cat, Ariana, FeudSam Cat, Ariana, Feud
Raymond Hall/FilmMagic via Getty Images

Was there a secret feud to blame? people wondered. Sure enough, McCurdy seemed to give us those answers after releasing her own web series shortly after. The premise of her show? An aspiring star's acting adventures - including an exchange with a ditzy pop star named 'Gloriana.' We see what you did there, Jennette.

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Avan Jogia Partied Hard on Victorious

We now know all about the backstage drama that ensued when the cameras stopped rolling. But don't think the Victorious cast didn't have their fair share of fun and games. In fact, if you ask Avan Jogia, he certainly did. And it left him reaching for the Gatorade and Aspirin on several occasions.

Avan Jogia, TikTokAvan Jogia, TikTok
Brendan Hoffman via Getty Images for Nickelodeon

"When you don't remember a SINGLE plotline to a SINGLE Victorious episode, but you do remember going out partying every night," the actor (a.k.a 'Beck') joked on TikTok. If only we were a fly on those Hollywood Art walls. But our next secret might be even more shocking. Keep scrolling.

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Drake & Josh's Peruvian Puff Pepper Was Real

Perhaps one of Drake & Josh's most memorable moments was the time they put on their Chef's hats in the hopes of winning a swanky plasma TV. Of course, we all know how that story ends. What we didn't know, though? Was that the mysterious Peruvian Puff Peppers they incorporated into the cooking contest were very much real.

Drake Josh, Meghan, PepperDrake Josh, Meghan, Pepper
Drake & Josh (2004) Nickeloedon - YouTube via NickRewind

According to Urban Dictionary, the fiery peppers can actually be found in Peru and "cause kidney failure and chapped lips." But don't worry. Apparently, that's just a myth. Instead, the on-screen veggie is actually an Aji Chili pepper. And no, it won't leave our mouths on fire. Though we won't be rushing to try them anytime soon...

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Drake & Josh's Drake Bell Didn't Like Josh Peck At First

Long before Drake Bell & Josh Peck found themselves living under the same roof, the Drake & Josh stars were busy causing trouble elsewhere. But believe it or not, their time on All That together didn't quite call for many hugs. At least not where Drake Bell was concerned.

Drake Bell, Josh PeckDrake Bell, Josh Peck
Frank Micelotta via Getty Images

"I'm like, whoa, I'm the only guy in the cast...'No, not Josh Peck!'" Bell revealed to Speech Bubble of his initial feelings for his new male cast member. "We did not click at all. We didn't click." Safe to say, the two have hugged it out since then. And we can't get enough of their little bromance.

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Drake & Josh's Drake Wasn't Invited to Josh's Wedding

Okay, wait a second. We may have actually jumped the gun here. For years, we watched Drake & Josh bless our screens with their hilarious sibling rivalry. But it appears the brothers' on-screen fights might have actually followed them off-screen, after all.

Drake Bell, Josh, WeddingDrake Bell, Josh, Wedding
Lester Cohen/ WireImage via Getty Images

Back in 2019, we watched actor Josh Peck tie the knot to the love of his life. But not everyone got to join in on the festivities: "When you're not invited to the wedding, the message is clear…" costar Drake Bell shaded shortly after. "Ties are officially cut. I'll miss you brotha." Meghan, did you have something to do with this?

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We've Seen 'Moze' from Ned's Declassified Before

We've got a secret, can you keep it? We may remember Lindsey Shaw as Ned's partner in crime back in those middle-school halls. But we've actually caught the Ned's Declassified star dominating several other school hallways as well; Including Rosewood High. Ring a bell?

Lindsey Shaw, ABC, NickelodeonLindsey Shaw, ABC, Nickelodeon
Pretty Little Liars (2010) ABC- YouTube via TVPLLNEWZ

From her attempts to win over Emily to her alleged involvement in A's squad, Shaw's time as Paige McCullers was one for the books. But Pretty Little Liars isn't the only place we've seen her. From 10 Things I hate About you to Suburgatory, CeCe Drake better watch out because Lindsey Shaw is officially a force to be reckoned with.

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What to Expect from the iCarly Reboot

Back in December 2020, we were left buzzing after news broke of an upcoming iCarly reboot. But we can't help but wonder: Well, what exactly does that even mean? What can we expect from the upcoming revival - aside from a sweet dose of nostalgia, of course?

iCarly, Cast, Reboot, SecretsiCarly, Cast, Reboot, Secrets
Charley Gallay/WireImage via Getty Images

For starters, think of the upcoming Paramount+ series as a "reimagining," as actor Nathan Kress teased. "Basically, the show is just a direct continuation, as if no time had passed," he continued. On that note, excuse us, we've got some iCarly marathons to catch up on...

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