Next Gen NYC Cast Hints at Breakups and Betrayals in Season 2
The Big Apple doesn’t always shine bright.
Following their debut, reality stars Ariana Biermann, Riley Burruss, Brooks Marks, Ava Dash, Gia Giudice, and the rest of the Next Gen NYC crew are primed for another season of excitement, kicking off Wednesday, June 24.
A significant storyline centers around the breakup of on-and-off high school sweethearts Hudson McLeroy and Ariana, 22, who announced their separation three months post the first season’s finale. “I can handle scrutiny for myself. I have dealt with that my whole life,” Ariana exclusively shares with Us Weekly. “But I’ve never wished to hurt him.”
Despite rumors about the possibility of a reunion, she alludes to some challenging moments in season 2: “Seeing the person you’ve been with for so long with someone else is tough. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Another noteworthy change? The cast feels more self-assured now that they’ve navigated a season and its aftermath. “Our parents were a significant part of our lives,” Riley mentions to Us, “but we’re now being recognized as individuals.”
Returning cast members include Emira D’Spain, Charlie Zakkour, Shai Fruchter, and Georgia McCann, alongside newcomers Liam Obergfoll and Rowan Henchy, who add to the mix of fun and tension.
“We’re a bunch of determined, independent young adults,” Liam hints. “That leads to fun, bizarre moments, and some chaos.”
Before the new episodes premiere, Us had the opportunity to sit down with every cast member for their first interviews ahead of season 2. Keep reading to find out what they encountered in the Big Apple.
Don’t forget, Next Gen NYC season 2 is set to debut on Bravo Wednesday, June 24, at 9 p.m. ET, with episodes available for streaming on Peacock the following day.
Ava Dash
After kick-starting her modeling career, Ava, 26, is eager to take on New York City solo. “I cover all my expenses,” states the daughter of record mogul Damon Dash and fashion designer Rachel Roy to Us. “I hustle hard. Without that, living in this city wouldn’t be possible.” As the activist and author embraces a “whole new chapter,” she finds herself in some lighthearted drama with certain cast members. “I don’t want to come off as gossiping,” the Manhattan native jokes. “Let’s clear our minds and dive in.” We are here for it!
Ariana Biermann
Thinking about reliving season 2 makes Ariana, 24, “want to throw up,” she admits. Beyond dealing with her public breakup with Hudson, the former Don’t Be Tardy star faces a love triangle and tension with some cast members. “This is definitely my season of realizations,” Ariana states. “It’s also my season of life lessons.” As raw emotions unfold, she promises to remain genuine and share her truth. “I stayed true to my feelings in the moment,” she reflects, “which may come back to bite me.”
Hudson McLeroy
Hudson, 24, isn’t sure if he’ll be tuning into season 2. “Going through the breakup made it tough,” he shares with Us. “I was also trying to manage a business in Atlanta simultaneously, so it was overwhelming.” While remaining quiet about his current status with Ariana, Hudson is “curious to see everyone’s thoughts” about their relationship. He assures, “No matter what, Ariana and I will always have a close bond.” As for what to expect this season: “Get ready for a wild ride.”
Georgia McCann
Before filming season 2, creative strategist Georgia, 24, realized she needed to address something important. “I wasn’t satisfied with my hair during the first season,” she recalls. “I literally couldn’t stand it.” Her first move was getting a keratin treatment. Following that, her focus was on establishing new ventures and mending estranged friendships. “This season is quite chaotic,” she describes. “It’s a whirlwind.” She adds, “At the end of the day, we’re just young adults in our 20s trying to figure things out.”
Charlie Zakkour
Whether loved or not, club kid Charlie, 30, had no intention of altering himself for the cameras after enduring season 1 — including real-life headlines associating him with legal issues, for which he faced no charges. “I’ve avoided certain subjects,” he states, “but I didn’t approach [season 2] much differently.” This time around, Charlie’s adventurous behavior includes flirting with Ariana and “many surprises,” he notes, as some cast members find themselves apart from the rest. “Georgia was quite isolated,” he reflects on his former friend. “I’m now closer with at least half the group.”
Brooks Marks
“This was definitely a challenging season,” Brooks, 26, reveals to Us. As the son of SLC’s Real Housewife Meredith Marks, he recognizes “my strong avoidance of conflict.” However, navigating difficult discussions is as crucial as figuring out the New York City subway in this friend group. “We went through some ups and downs, and it felt like we fell off the roller coaster,” he explains. Amidst the turmoil, Brooks keeps busy with his clothing line while finding peace in his relationship with his boyfriend, whom he affectionately calls “my person.”
Riley Burruss
Riley, 23, was the responsible figure in season 1, and now she’s aiming for further growth. “We’re witnessing my journey to understand adulthood,” she shares. “I’m piecing things together.” Referring to season 2 as “hectic,” the daughter of Kandi Burruss remains “solid” with most of the cast but admits some scenes may be tough to watch. “I think it will be challenging for all of us to see how everything unfolds,” the NYU grad mentions. “We have varied perspectives on life, so sometimes it’s tricky to blend.”
Emira D’Spain
Emira, 29, is excited to open up more than ever this season — even if it risks her closest friendships. “There’s a lot of bonding and establishing boundaries,” she reveals to Us. “I’d say this season is disorganized.” While she tries to mend her friendship with Charlie after “he really messes up our dynamic,” her relationship with Georgia seems less promising. “I’m content with where we are now,” she explains — implying she’s okay with their distance. “I believe time is needed. This will be shown throughout the season.”
Liam Obergfoll
Confident and ambitious, newcomer Liam, 29, flawlessly navigates his roles as a ski instructor, volunteer firefighter, and actor. However, staying away from conflict with his new friends proves challenging. “I’m not fond of it when it shows up,” he admits, “but if it does, I’m prepared to face it.” Liam finds himself in hot water after expressing interest in recently single Ariana, aware that he might have to answer to his castmates or even the ever-watchful Andy Cohen. “If I’m involved, I’ll shift the attention elsewhere,” he jokes.
Shai Fruchter
Shai, 26, can’t quite explain why, but he’s often at the center of drama. “I inadvertently find myself in sticky situations,” he states. “It’s been a recurring theme in my life.” Coming off a job loss and breakup, this season’s Shai aims to launch his upcycled vintage clothing label, About Time, while exploring the offerings of New York City. He also forms an unexpected friendship with Charlie. “This season feels fresh,” he describes. “It’s thrilling yet very exposing.”
Rowan Henchy
Brooke Shields expressed concerns to Us about her daughter entering reality TV, but Rowan felt fully prepared. “I might grab a coffee while she stresses,” she jokes about her mother’s protectiveness. “She’s just being a mom.” The Hollywood icon advised her daughter to be authentic. For the 23-year-old Manhattanite, this meant stepping back from drama when miscommunications arose. Reflecting back, Rowan feels “no regrets.” “I would happily do this again,” she adds. “I’ve built a circle of friends I can reach out to anytime.”
Gia Giudice
Although she grew up with The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Gia, 25, faced the challenge of establishing her own identity in season 1. “This isn’t our mom’s series,” she shares with Us as she moved out of the family home. “It’s perfectly fine to leave home, and my family will be okay without me. That was a tough pill for me to swallow.” Her boyfriend Christian Carmichael remains Gia’s biggest supporter, and throughout season 2, she focuses on dispelling misunderstandings about herself. “I’m genuinely sweet,” she insists, “and my intentions are undeniably sincere.”
For more insights from the Next Gen NYC cast, grab the latest issue of Us Weekly — available now.
