Bravo has undeniably mastered the art of reality television over the past two decades, captivating audiences with their keen understanding of viewer preferences. They have honed their ability to create exceptional content that keeps us glued to our screens almost every day of the week. With this expertise, they have launched Next Gen NYC, a show poised to become your next guilty pleasure. Personally, I find myself completely engrossed in it. But is my fascination rooted in the right reasons?

Envision a scenario where every successful element from previous shows—like friend groups, romantic entanglements, extravagant parties, and high-energy runway shows—gets replicated, with young adults stepping into roles previously held by their mothers. This inherent “child of” dynamic in Next Gen NYC compels us to view the show as if we are spectators at a middle school talent show, witnessing our friends’ kids take the stage. It’s reminiscent of Kidz Bop: adult hits reimagined and sanitized for a younger audience. Yet, despite its quirks, Next Gen NYC is undeniably captivating. I’ll be watching every episode this season, even though there’s something oddly unsettling about it. Remember when Kidz Bop covered adult classics? This feels like a modern twist on that concept. Welcome to your latest guilty pleasure, dear friends!

The Kids of ‘The Real Housewives’ Step Into Adulthood on ‘Next Gen NYC’

Since its premiere, Next Gen NYC has demonstrated Bravo’s unparalleled talent for producing captivating television. Launching a new series can be challenging, but this one aligns perfectly with viewer expectations. Any criticism directed at it seems to stem from our need to find something to critique. The main characters featured in Next Gen NYC often fall under the category of “Nepo babies,” which means their willingness to embrace their reality positions them ahead of potential backlash. Once you come to terms with this aspect, you can appreciate the series for its true nature. It resembles a friend group structure akin to Summer House, yet it aspires to emulate the iconic The Real Housewives. The driving force behind this emulation may well be the influence of their well-known mothers.

Among the four young adults introduced through The Real Housewives, Next Gen NYC offers a unique perspective on their lives as they attempt to soar without fully breaking free of their familial ties. Throughout the initial two episodes, their mothers continue to play significant roles in shaping their narratives. This could be a strategy to establish a context for long-time fans, yet the appearances of these Bravolebrity moms often feel like they are still holding their children on a tight leash. It’s a leash we hope will eventually be loosened, as there’s potential waiting to be unleashed. For example, Ariana Biermann disclosed that her mother, Kim Zolciak, is relying on her financial support to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Riley Burruss is living off her mother, Kandi Burruss‘s, resources. Brooks Marks can’t seem to escape the shadow of his mother, Meredith Marks, especially during their joint photo shoots. Lastly, we have Gia Giudice, the daughter of Teresa Giudice, who serves as the group’s bridge-and-tunnel girl.

Navigating Adulthood: The Journey of the Next Generation

The contrasting narratives of Ariana and Riley are particularly intriguing, especially considering their mothers’ history of conflict. The two young adults present vastly different perspectives on finances, stemming from the disputes their mothers had on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Despite these differences, they are determined not to let their mothers’ pasts interfere with their friendship, showcasing a commendable level of maturity. However, the show often reminds viewers that when we first encountered these girls, they were just 8 years old. Now, as they engage in mature discussions, the constant flashbacks to their childhood serve as a jarring reminder of their origins. While brief flashbacks can enhance storytelling, the persistent reminders feel like the show is pushing them to be the next generation of their mothers. Even though Kim and Riley are just a phone call away, the stars from RHOSLC and RHONJ make in-person appearances for an awkward “mommy and me” lunch. Observing the interactions between Meredith and Teresa creates a parallel timeline for dedicated fans. Watching their children navigate life under the shadow of their mothers on a show meant for them raises the question: Was this lunch really necessary? But perhaps the boys from Southern Charm persuaded them to appear as a promotional effort for their restaurant, Carriage House.

While Riley and Ariana have grown up on Bravo, their experience differs significantly from Gia’s transformative journey into adulthood. Viewers have witnessed Gia face numerous challenges in her life, particularly with her parents, yet she has emerged victorious. Unfortunately, the young men on the show tend to reduce her to viral TikTok moments, specifically referencing her well-known “Wake Up in the Morning” clip from RHONJ. It’s surprising that her hit song never received a Kidz Bop cover back in the day.

Discovering the Lives of America’s Youth in ‘Next Gen NYC’

Now, let’s delve into the other young adults featured on the show. Each of them comes from well-known or affluent families that have played a crucial role in their successes and integration into this friend group. Observing Charlie Zakkour as he navigates his crypto career alongside his father is intriguing, yet the way it’s portrayed does little to support the non-Bravo kids striving to carve out their own paths. While parental figures are common in reality shows, their overbearing presence in this series feels like they are dictating the narrative. It’s essential for these kids to forge their own identities and not merely replicate their parents’ accomplishments!

The most surprising twist, however, is how The Real Housewives franchise is infamous for its melodramatic and petty conflicts. In contrast, Next Gen NYC escalates this concept, presenting a truly bizarre scenario where the central issue among the group revolves around germs and hygiene practices like washing hands after bathroom use. It transports us back to the awkwardness of middle school. The Real Housewives would never stoop to such trivial matters! We tune in to see these young adults navigate the complexities of life, even if they are still being supported by their parents along the way.