Bravo has long been the reigning champ of reality TV. Whether the drama is 100% real or just feels unscripted (we’re still giving you the side-eye, The Hills—looking at you, MTV), one thing’s clear: Bravo knows how to keep audiences hooked. With longtime staples like Below Deck and the Real Housewives franchises, the network has a solid grip on what viewers want. But has the time come for something new? Absolutely.
Enter Next Gen NYC—a fresh, youthful spin in the Bravo universe. This new series follows a crew of young adults– 20 somethings — Ariana Biermann, Riley Burruss, Ava Dash, Emira D’Spain, Shai Fruchter, Gia Giudice, Brooks Marks, Georgia McCann, Hudson McLeroy, and Charlie Zakkour—as they step into early adulthood in the heart of New York City.
Think Summer House meets New York City hustle. But instead of weekend escapes to the Hamptons, this cast is juggling careers, friendships, independence, and drama right in Manhattan. Episode one wastes no time, introducing us to the group and their tangled web of connections. And by the end, two names already have fans buzzing—for all the wrong reasons.
Charlie Zakkour and Georgia McCann, you’re not giving likablity
McCann’s offense might seem minor—until you realize she skipped washing her hands after going to the restroom and touching the bottoms of shoes that have walked all over NYC. Not ideal. Zakkour’s misstep? Far more serious. He crosses a clear line when he disrespects both friendships and, more personally, the sister of castmate Brooks Marks. It’s careless at best, outright rude at worst. Not exactly a stellar debut.
But don’t worry—it’s not all cringe. The show it is.
The real standouts? Gia Giudice and Brooks Marks.
They bring a welcome mix of individuality, maturity, and loyalty. Brooks avoids unnecessary confrontation but knows when to speak up. Gia, a reality TV veteran thanks to her time on Real Housewives of New Jersey, values loyalty deeply—and it shows. Both come across as grounded, self-aware, and not here for needless drama. They’ve lived it, they’ve learned from it, and they definitely aren’t going to accept it in their lives for no good reason.
Respect them and they will respect you.
Then there’s Ariana Biermann, daughter of Kim Zolciak-Biermann.
At first, she doesn’t immediately demand our attention—but when she opens up about her family, everything changes. We learn that every dollar she earned growing up was taken by her parents, Kim and Croy. She doesn’t even know how much—just that it’s all gone. And somehow, Kim still asks her for money. That’s not just frustrating—it’s infuriating. Ariana hasn’t fully stepped into her voice yet, but the moment she finally says “no” to her mother? That’s the moment we’ll all be waiting for.
(Also, did they take Brielle’s money too? Just asking.)
**Riley Burruss—daughter of Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kandi Burruss—**is another one to watch. Calm, level-headed, and refreshingly honest, she’s not afraid to call it like it is. She’s got a year before Kandi cuts her off financially, and it’s clear she’s preparing to stand on her own. She’s also fiercely loyal to Brooks—a dynamic we’re hoping gets even more screen time.
Then there’s Emira D’Spain.
Former beauty director at Paper Magazine, influencer, and unapologetically about her success and herself. She’s living on her own terms, and honestly? We love that energy. She’s intriguing, stylish, and feels like she’s going to be the star of the season.
In 45 minutes, Next Gen NYC delivers what Bravo fans crave: layered relationships, surprising reveals, and just the right amount of chaos—all set against the backdrop of New York City. Whether you’re a longtime Bravo addict or a curious newcomer, this is reality TV worth the watch.
