FridayOL

Fans of the beloved Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh might recall a particularly memorable – and chaotic – scene involving a car crash and a surprising appearance (or rather, appearance-alike) of Oprah Winfrey. Now, Josh Peck, who played Josh Nichols alongside Drake Bell, is shedding light on the behind-the-scenes story, claiming the producers used an unapproved impersonator for the iconic moment.

During a recent appearance on the Syd & Olivia Talk Sh*t podcast, Peck, 38, revealed that the show's producers didn't secure permission from Oprah Winfrey herself to use her likeness. “I feel like we’re gonna need to apologize to Oprah,” Peck stated, hinting at the potential misstep in production. “I think we used a non-sanctioned Oprah double.”

The car crash scene, a standout moment of the show, involved Drake and Josh's antics leading to a spectacular collision. The inclusion of Oprah, even in a comedic and exaggerated form, created a lasting impression on viewers and further cemented the show's reputation for its quirky and unpredictable humor.

While the details surrounding the decision to use an impersonator remain unclear, Peck's revelation has sparked a wave of discussion among fans. Many are curious about the rationale behind bypassing Oprah’s team and the potential legal ramifications, if any. The actor's willingness to publicly acknowledge the situation suggests a desire to rectify the situation and offer a formal apology to the media mogul.

Peck's comments also offer a glimpse into the often-unseen complexities of television production. Securing rights and permissions for celebrity appearances, even in brief or comedic roles, can be a challenging and costly process. In this instance, it seems the producers opted for a different route, one that Peck now appears to regret.

The Drake & Josh series, which ran from 2001 to 2007, remains a nostalgic favorite for many millennials. Its blend of relatable teenage struggles, slapstick comedy, and celebrity cameos contributed to its widespread popularity. This latest revelation, however, adds a new layer of intrigue to the show’s legacy, prompting viewers to re-examine a beloved scene with a fresh perspective.

It will be interesting to see if Peck follows through with his intention to apologize to Oprah Winfrey. Regardless, his candid comments offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of a classic TV show and the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.