Next Gen NYC is poised to crown a new generation of Bravo stars, but who should return for Season 2? The cast is a mix of Real Housewives nepo babies, young upstart New Yorkers, and their significant others. Plus, the whole Marks family. The Next Gen NYC Season 1 cast helped make it one of Bravo’s best shows of 2025. But that’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement. Who should return for Next Gen NYC Season 2, and who should hail a taxi off the set? Read on for our thoughts.
Who should return to the Next Gen NYC Season 2 cast?
I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole cast returns for Next Gen NYC Season 2. The interesting thing about Next Gen NYC is that it combines a cast of Real Housewives nepo babies with individuals unrelated to the Bravosphere. Plus non-Bravo nepo babies like Ava Dash. The mix clearly caused some tension in Season 1. There were often arguments over things like privilege.
Next Gen NYC also had a pretty big cast, which meant some people didn’t get as much screen time. For instance, Dylan Geick, whom I hope is back for Season 2. Although him moving out of the apartment he shared with Charlie Zakkour might put that into question. Fans would also love to see more of Shai Fruchter. He was the only one to be there for Riley Burruss when she got ganged up on at the Jersey Shore. Here’s who else should return for Season 2.
Ariana Biermann
Ariana Biermann surprised longtime Real Housewives of Atlanta viewers on Next Gen NYC. By the end of Season 1, Ariana emerged from her parents’ shadow and made a name for herself as a standout Bravo personality in her own right. Also, we loved watching her become best friends with Riley Burruss again. Ariana’s adorable and supportive boyfriend Hudson McLeroy should come back for Season 2 as well.
Riley Burruss
Speaking of Riley, she should definitely return to Next Gen NYC Season 2. Riley takes after her mom Kandi Burruss, and has an undeniable star power on screen. Unsurprisingly, Riley emerged as the fan favorite. She’s witty, confident, and doesn’t stand for bs. I love how unafraid she is to speak her mind. While she got pushback for her brutally honest review of Georgia McCann’s Club Club idea, everyone had to admit she was right by the finale. Unfortunately, Riley had to deal with an unfair level of criticism from her fellow cast mates this year. I hope next season they all ease up on her a bit.
Emira D’Spain
I’d love to see more screen time for Emira D’Spain in Next Gen NYC Season 2. The trailblazing Bravo star made the most of her limited role in Season 1. It’s no wonder she already had a social media following. She’s hilarious, gorgeous, and a great friend. She’s also wonderfully messy. In the last few episodes alone, she beautifully called out Georgia McCann’s food shaming and Ava’s excuses for missing Brooks’ birthday. She also masterfully dropped the tea about Georgia’s alleged scammer ex. More of Emira in Season 2 please!
Georgia McCann
Georgian McCann’s quirks and big personality rubbed some viewers, and cast members, the wrong way. But I would argue she’s fascinating to watch and plays the antagonist role at times, which is necessary. Also, the finale ended with her very dramatic breakup with her boyfriend Omar. Who may or may not be a scammer. And she moved in with Charlie. That’s plenty of set up for storylines in Season 2.
Brooks Marks
Honestly, I wasn’t sure where to put Brooks Marks. But the cast somewhat revolves around him. Brooks is likable and sweet, but I hope he gives a little more in Season 2. His fear of confrontation was a major throughline in Season 1. It could get frustrating to watch him run from conflict, although it also gave hilarious moments like when he locked himself in the trunk of a car. Hopefully, the steps he took in the finale will pay off in Season 2. I also could do without his voice overs, which is a weird production choice. Just stick to confessionals, Next Gen NYC!
Who should leave the Next Gen NYC cast before Season 2?
Again, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bravo brings the whole cast of Next Gen NYC back for Season 2. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The last time a show turned out to be a pleasant surprise for Bravo, it was The Valley. And the whole cast returned for Season 2 in that case.
But with such a big cast, it wouldn’t hurt to downsize a bit next year. There are also at least two cast members whose off-screen controversies might give Bravo a bit of a pause.
Charlie Zakkour
Every show needs a villain, so I wouldn’t be completely opposed to Charlie staying on Next Gen NYC. Plus, he has a will they/won’t they dynamic with Ava and is roommates with Georgia. But I don’t want another season with Charlie’s microaggressions or the way he speaks to women. Bravo has an unfortunate track record of male stars getting away with this behavior. Hopefully, if Charlie returns, he leaves the offensive comments in Season 1. But I’m also not sure if his connection to a disturbing news story will give Bravo pause.
Gia Giudice
Gia Giudice was a bit of an odd choice to be on this show. Because, to state the obvious, she doesn’t live in NYC. She even said how much she doesn’t like traveling there from New Jersey. Gia also tried the patience of viewers this season. It was confusing to see her defend Charlie so much. Especially as she called him a kid when, as Riley pointed out, Charlie is older than all of them. Meanwhile, Gia’s comments to Riley left a bad taste in people’s mouths. Her own boyfriend took Riley’s side. Between the rumors she was fired from Bravo and her recent plea to the President, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gia isn’t on Season 2.
Meredith and Seth Marks
Unsurprisingly, some of the Real Housewives made cameos on Next Gen NYC. That makes sense, especially since a big part of the show is their kids trying to make it on their own. But while Kandi, Kim Zolciak, and Teresa Giudice made brief appearances, Seth and Meredith Marks were practically main cast members. Also, the finale was all about Brooks breaking away from his mom’s brand and starting his own. It would diminish the impact of him leaving the nest if Meredith and Seth are on every episode next season.
Next Gen NYC is streaming on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHO DO YOU WANT TO SEE RETURN FOR NEXT GEN NYC SEASON 2?
