Bravo’s Next Gen NYC Stars Still Want to Prove Themselves

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Bravo’s Next Gen NYC hints that the ability to thrive on reality TV might run in families. The show centers on Brooks Marks, son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Meredith, and Riley Burruss, who viewers first met as Kandi Burruss’s young daughter on Real Housewives of Atlanta. It follows their group of friends – many of whom also come from famous families – as they live their lives in New York City. By featuring people fans already know from their mothers’ shows, Next Gen NYC quickly gained a following. However, being the star of your own show is a different challenge, with both upsides and downsides.

You know, people always ask me when I felt like I’d ‘made it’ in the industry. Honestly, I don’t think I have yet! It’s a constant journey, and I’m still pushing forward, working hard to reach my goals. I believe we’ll get there eventually, though.

Seeing someone wear Brooks Marks clothing in public for the first time was a really strange and exciting experience. I was at the Salt Lake City airport, going through security, and spotted someone wearing one of my designs.

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What was the first big thing you bought with your own money?

R.B.: It was probably my French Bulldog, Banks! He was a bit of an expensive purchase.

I put the money back into my clothing line. It’s not a very glamorous answer, I admit! I was hoping to say I bought a Birkin bag, but I didn’t.

If you had to sum up your on-screen character in five words or fewer, what would you say?

R.B.: Silly, fun, dramatic, funny, and relaxed – that’s how I’d describe my on-screen persona.

B.M.: I would say authentic, loyal, and funny, I hope.

Looking back at my time on reality TV, there are two moments people always bring up. One is when I talked about microaggressions, and the other is when I was being really over-the-top and clumsy, especially when I fell around on the waterslide.

I think the hardest conversation I had was with my mom during the first season of Next Gen NYC. We talked about whether or not I would keep helping with her work, and it was really difficult.

If you could travel back in time and alter a single scene from a movie or show, what would it be?

R.B.: I truly wouldn’t change a thing. I believe everything happens as it should, and even moments that seemed wild at the time taught me valuable lessons.

As a critic, I’ve noticed a common issue with reality TV – we only get snippets of people’s lives, and it’s easy to form the wrong impression. That’s exactly what happened with my perception on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. I felt like viewers only saw a tiny, fifteen-minute version of me across several seasons, which didn’t really allow them to understand who I am. But I think Next Gen NYC is different. This show actually gives the audience a chance to know me, and see that there’s a lot more depth to my personality than what they saw before.

R.B.: I constantly feel misunderstood, but I don’t feel like you always have to be understood.

How did you arrive at that conclusion?

R.B.: I reached that point through many conversations with my mother and friends. I’m very lucky to have such a supportive network of people around me.

If you could trade lives with someone on a reality TV show right now, who would it be?

B.M.: Probably someone on a Food Network show. I’d really enjoy being a judge and getting to taste all the food.

I initially thought of my mom, but I’ve decided against that. I’m genuinely content with my current situation.

Who among reality stars is the most genuine, and who puts on the biggest act for television?

B.M.: I believe I’m consistent in who I am, both on and off camera – many people have told me that. As for who’s the least authentic? You’ll have to watch season two of Next Gen to find out!

Does every successful reality TV show require a ‘villain’ character?

B.M.: From the perspective of someone watching, likely yes.

I disagree, but that’s just how these shows are made. I do believe every reality TV show benefits from having at least one relatable person.

Who is the main antagonist in Next Gen NYC?

B.M.: I don’t think there is one single villain. It feels like the role shifts around constantly. It only works if everyone contributes, and it’s no fun being stuck as the bad guy all the time.

When asked what he misses most about life before fame, R.B. explained that the question doesn’t quite fit his experience. His mother has been successful for a long time, so he’s been around success his whole life, even before his own fame.

You know, if someone asked me for advice about trying out for reality TV, I’d tell them to just be themselves, honestly. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. You’re not going to please everyone, and people will have opinions, but if you’re genuine, none of the negativity will really stick with you. Just stay true to who you are, and you’ll be okay.

It’s tougher than it looks. Many believe they’re prepared for something challenging, but when they actually try it, they realize how difficult it really is.

If you could choose two reality TV stars to join you on The Traitors, who would you pick?

R.B.: I’d definitely choose Mary Cosby from Salt Lake City. And, since my mom isn’t currently on reality TV, I’d say her.

B.M.: My mom, a thousand percent, and I’d love to have Riley there.

What’s the most memorable reality TV fight you’ve ever seen?

R.B.: I always enjoyed watching Bad Girls Club – there were so many conflicts on that show.

Some of the most memorable Real Housewives moments, in my opinion, are things like when I said “I’m disengaging” – that was all me! And when my mom dramatically left, saying “Love you, baby, bye,” that was hilarious. But honestly, the original, biggest fight ever was when Kim Kardashian hit her sister with a bag.

You know, as a fan, I’ve always wondered when Brooks decides to step into those tense moments. He explained it like this: he jumps in if someone he cares about is getting a hard time and needs a little support. He also said he used to be more likely to speak up if he felt someone was taking advantage of him, but he’s kind of let that slide over time, so he doesn’t call it out as much anymore.

Riley, growing up on reality TV meant a lot of your life was filmed. Is there a particular moment you’re glad the cameras captured?

RM: I sometimes watch old clips of myself as a kid in my pink bedroom and I’m surprised by how much of a personality I already had, even back then.

Have you ever rewatched something and realized you see it differently now?

RM: Definitely. I often see clips and think, ‘I don’t remember that happening that way!’ Especially when it involves my family. I was younger then, so I didn’t fully understand what was going on. Now, looking back, I realize some of my actions weren’t ideal.

Someone asked if I had a specific example. I do: it’s seeing my grandma on TV. I find it hilarious, though I suspect my mom doesn’t feel the same way.

When it comes to filming, Atlanta is generally more relaxed than New York City. New York can be challenging due to the constant crowds and occasional hecklers.

What does your ideal night out in New York City look like?

RM: It really depends on my mood! Lately, a lot of us have been enjoying dinner and drinks at Catch. After that, we either relax at one of our places or just see where the night leads us.

Honestly, my perfect night out usually involves grabbing Italian food and then just crashing for the night. But when I’m with my friends, it’s a whole different story! We usually start with cocktails – I love Crosby or Bond Street – and then have a late dinner. It’s important to eat late so we can head straight to a club afterwards – you definitely don’t want to be at a club before midnight!

What are the summer fashion trends, Brooks?

B.M.: Terrycloth – specifically, a lightweight, custom fabric developed by Brooks Marks.

As a film and fashion enthusiast, I’m always paying attention to the costumes! When I think about my mom’s best looks, one that really stands out is from the first season – this amazing blazer dress designed with Christian Cowan. It was black, metallic, and covered in crystals that looked like stardust on the lapel. More recently, I really loved this Rick Owens jacket she wore during a confessional. And let’s not forget that gorgeous Vos floral skirt and jacket combo! She also wore a killer dress to the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party. Honestly, she consistently nails her style, it’s fantastic!

We’re really shaking things up in season two of Next Gen NYC! It’s going to be quite different from what viewers anticipate, and even surprised us while we were filming. We’re curious to see how the audience will react.

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2026-05-05 16:10