Brooks Marks Is Getting Used to Conflict

by

Is having the knack for being a successful reality star inherited? This is a question that often crosses one’s mind when watching Bravo’s latest show, Next Gen NYC, which focuses on the adult children of Real Housewives mainstays and their high-society friends as they navigate life in Manhattan. The initial cast includes Ariana Biermann (daughter of RHOA‘s Kim Zolciak), Riley Burruss (daughter of RHOA‘s Kandi Burruss), Gia Giudice (daughter of RHONJ‘s Teresa Giudice), and Brooks Marks (son of RHOSLC‘s Meredith Marks). It is Brooks, however, who stands out as the main character. He gathers his glamorous city group and other Bravo offspring together but proves to be an unusual pick for reality television, as he expresses a dislike for confrontation in the series premiere, stating, “I genuinely detest confrontations more than anything.

In the room, that declaration definitely gave everyone a shiver, but it sets up an intriguing tension for the series to delve into. As Brooks is compelled to handle disputes with his fellow cast members, such as reprimanding Charlie Zakkour for disrespectful remarks following a date with Brooks’s sister, we observe him finding his footing. He’s like Eliza Doolittle, except instead of learning manners, he’s learning how to create compelling television – with guidance from some of the best in the industry. Former Bravo stars like Riley and Gia, who have been part of this world for a longer time, aid him in navigating the confrontations as they unfold. He also turns to his mother, an expert at knowing when to intervene or step back, and even his father, Seth, isn’t shy about getting involved. In fact, in the latest episode, Seth decides to have a private talk with Charlie – much to Brooks’s dismay. All in all, they are helping Brooks adapt as he moves from occasional RHOSLC appearance to being the main focus of the show.

Was the transition from having a supporting role in RHOSLC to being a main cast member on Next Gen NYC an easy one, or did I encounter some unexpected challenges? To be honest, the timing seemed ideal for sharing more of my personal life and revealing details about my clothing brand and work at Meredith Marks. However, there were certain aspects that took me by surprise and for which I hadn’t specifically prepared.

What took you by surprise the most? Whenever your mother is producing her show, she often explains how the cameras capture everything and there’s no escaping them. I thought, “Oh my God, you could probably just step away for a moment, like head to the restroom or something.” But in reality, it’s impossible to hide from them. This was different from when I film for my mother’s show because I could always retreat to my room if I wasn’t feeling up to it. However, with “Next Gen” there was no such luxury.

Over the course of filming this reality show, has your approach towards conflicts changed? To be honest, I’m eager to witness my personal development in handling conflicts throughout the season, and I hope that by the end, I can look back with pride. Watching myself struggle with addressing issues between Charlie, feeling timid and scared, I thought, “You need to be more straightforward and assertive. Pull yourself together.” However, in the heat of the moment, it doesn’t always feel the same way.

It appears that Gia and Riley acted as your guides during that confrontation. Does it strike you that their upbringing surrounded by cameras might provide them a unique perspective on conflicts? Indeed, this experience seems to have significantly influenced them, teaching them at an early age the importance of standing firm and not seeking others’ approval in order to find happiness. Throughout this season, viewers will likely see me grapple with this dilemma: either prioritizing myself or others. These two have inspired me to embrace this philosophy, and it’s something I believe many viewers will observe in my journey.

How did you feel when your father talked to Charlie? Frankly, I must admit I felt embarrassed. After all, it’s not typical for a 24-year-old to witness their parent engaging in such conversations, so I wasn’t exactly pleased about it. Yet, I am grateful that my father takes an interest in the people around me, even if it means stepping in occasionally.

As a movie lover, I couldn’t grasp the prejudice Charlie seemed to have towards Ariana at first. I was aware that he wasn’t fond of the idea of more Bravo kids joining the cast, but his reasons were unclear to me. Given my upbringing in New York society, where gossip about each other’s families is inevitable, I thought Charlie would understand and relate to the shared experience of having our family dynamics discussed on shows like this. So, I’m puzzled by his unusual response to that aspect. Perhaps he’s spent too much time scrolling through Reddit or something.

As a movie enthusiast, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my mom about this job is to always be genuine. It’s easy to talk about authenticity, but it takes real courage to live it out. My mom exemplifies this perfectly. When you’re true to yourself, you’re creating something unique that can’t be copied by anyone else.

The most mind-blowing aspect of your mom becoming a Housewife has been witnessing conversations that would have otherwise remained hidden due to the presence of cameras. For example, the interactions between my mom and dad during their date nights or the resolution of conflicts, as well as their candid discussions about marital challenges and victories. I was aware of these aspects from both sides before the cameras were installed, but I never visualized them. Therefore, being able to see it all now is quite extraordinary.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself in uncharted territory with this cast, as our careers are deeply intertwined with social media and sharing our personal lives. Unlike some of my co-stars, I opted to keep much of my life offline, preferring to let the stories unfold on the show instead. My romantic relationships, for instance, will be a fresh revelation to viewers during the course of Next Gen, making it all the more intriguing and exciting!

I’m eager for people to grasp the depth of work behind our hoodies and sweatpants, beyond simply attaching a label. It involves careful selection of ethical and sustainable fabrics, grading the garment, and meticulous measurements. There’s a significant amount of thought and time invested in this process, often spanning months.

What impact has your experience with reality TV scrutiny had on you, and how have you learned to manage it as you move forward? Well, my friendships with Riley, Gia, and the rest of the cast have been instrumental in helping me not worry too much about such matters. Moreover, my family’s support is invaluable. As we progress through this season, you’ll likely observe my journey in handling this scrutiny. I hope that by the end, I will have learned to let it go entirely.

Read More

2025-06-19 16:54