Bravo fans weren’t sure what to make of Next Gen NYC at first, but it became one of the network’s most delightful surprises of 2025. Initially, it wasn’t clear what Next Gen NYC was. Would it just follow the Real Housewives nepo babies? How would the other cast members fit into that? Was it a Marks family Real Housewives of Salt Lake City spinoff?
But much like the nepo babies themselves, Next Gen NYC established its own identity over Season 1. Now, fans are sad Season 1 was only eight episodes, and bummed by the lack of a reunion. Here’s how Next Gen NYC exceeded expectations, and why it’s one of Bravo’s best shows of 2025.
Reality fans are finding Next Gen NYC exceptional
2025 was a disappointing year for some of Bravo’s big shows. Earlier this year, Real Housewives of New York was allegedly put on an indefinite pause. In 2024, The Valley was one of the most surprising shows. This year, however, it returned for a second season that fans found too dark and hard to watch. Even though Summer House had a decent Season 9, viewers started to find it stale. Some suggested a full reboot.
Meanwhile, fans came into Next Gen NYC with low expectations, and it exceeded them. With a diverse cast and a modern view of New York, it succeeded where the RHONY reboot disappointed. Airing after The Valley, it offered a nice reprieve from that show’s disturbing drama. And it felt like the early days of Summer House or Vanderpump Rules, when the cast was younger and less guarded.
But reality fans aren’t only loving Next Gen NYC as an alternative to Bravo’s other offerings. I’ve seen lots of comments about how Next Gen NYC feels like a throwback to the type of reality shows we don’t get anymore. It’s a spiritual successor to Bravo’s cult classic series Gallery Girls and NYC Prep. It also reminds me a lot of MTV’s The Hills.
What other shows can learn from Next Gen NYC going forward
Bravo reportedly has Next Gen LA in the works. But that’s not the only show that can take some cues from Next Gen NYC.
Next Gen NYC covers some heavy topics, but it’s still refreshing because it’s fun. Each episode has plenty of goofy moments between the drama. Take Riley Burruss’ slapstick comedy at the obstacle course, or freaking out over dropping her phone only to casually reveal she has another one. Or the moment when, amidst a big fight, Brooks Marks called Emira D’Spain to help him get out of the trunk of a car. At a time where some Bravo shows are too dark, Next Gen NYC is a reminder that fans love some comedy with their drama.
Speaking of that drama, it’s also refreshing how little the fights and storylines of Next Gen NYC revolve around relationships. With some Bravo shows, most of the drama revolves around cheating allegations, which can get repetitive. But the cast of Next Gen NYC fight about things like borrowing speakers, owing money, thoughtless comments, and business ideas. They have important discussions about privilege. The storylines really do focus on young people trying to make it, which contributes to that throwback feel.
Next Gen NYC’s cast contributes to its success
Speaking of those young people trying to make it, the cast of Next Gen NYC contributes to its success. It’s clear Bravo merged a cast of New Yorkers with the Housewives nepo babies. Instead of ignoring that tension, the show leans into it. The cast doesn’t pretend to be a cohesive friend group.
That being said, there are organic connections that make it work, as opposed to the RHONY reboot. For instance, one of the most heartwarming storylines of Season 1 was Riley and Ariana Biermann reigniting their childhood friendship.
Meanwhile, Georgia McCann and Charlie Zakkour have an arguably toxic pre-existing friendship that adds a lot to the drama. Over the course of maybe one episode, they went from irreparable damage to … becoming roommates. Sure sets up some storylines for Season 2!
Personally, my favorite breakout star is Emira, a model and content creator. She’s a trailblazer as Bravo’s first main trans cast member. Emira is gorgeous, hilarious, and, in her own words, loves “being messy.” In the finale, Emira called out Ava Dash for skipping Brooks’ birthday for an event they were both invited to. She also casually mentioned that Georgia’s now ex-boyfriend Omar is an alleged scammer. Hopefully, we’ll see more of Emira and the whole cast soon, and Bravo will renew Next Gen NYC for Season 2.
Next Gen NYC is streaming on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – DO YOU AGREE THAT NEXT GEN NYC IS ONE OF BRAVO’S BEST SHOWS OF 2025? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF SEASON 1?
