Hudson McLeroy Reportedly Exits Next Gen NYC Season 2 Amid Ariana Biermann Split

It looks like things are changing fast in the Big Apple for the Next Gen NYC cast, with Hudson McLeroy seemingly out for Season 2 after his recent split from Ariana Biermann.

TL;DR

• Hudson McLeroy and Ariana Biermann officially announced their breakup in mid-October 2025 after dating on-and-off since junior high.
• Hudson has since posted Instagram stories indicating he's left New York City and is now in Atlanta, hinting at his departure from Next Gen NYC Season 2 filming.
• Ariana is embracing her single life in NYC, moving into her own apartment and celebrating her 24th birthday with friends like Gia Giudice and Brielle Biermann.

The Shocking Split Heard 'Round the Bravo Universe

Hold onto your designer bags, Bravo fans, because it’s been a whirlwind for Next Gen Nyc's fan-favorite couple, Ariana Biermann and Hudson Mcleroy. After chronicling their lives and love in Manhattan during the first season of the breakout Bravo show, the high school sweethearts officially called it quits in mid-October 2025. The news came as a surprise to many, especially after fans had just watched their journey unfold from their big move to New York City in July 2024 to establishing their lives together.

Ariana, daughter of The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak, was the first to share the news via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, October 14. Her statement was heartfelt and clear, emphasizing mutual respect during a tough time:

"Hudson and I have decided to go our separate ways. While these things are never easy, we both know it's what's best for us right now. We are so grateful for all the love and support you've shown us over the years. Sometimes, life takes you in different directions and that's OK." — Ariana Biermann, via Instagram Story (October 14, 2025)

Hudson, whose father Zach McLeroy founded the popular chicken chain Zaxby's, reposted Ariana's announcement. The very next day, Wednesday, October 15, he followed up with his own candid message, hinting at personal struggles and a need for self-improvement:

"I feel like everyone deserves to hear both sides of our story. I still and always will love Ariana. She's been there for me at times when I couldn't be there for myself. I still have a lot of things I need to heal from and deal with on my own to become the person I truly want to be. I appreciate all of the love and support everyone is showing us during this difficult time." — Hudson McLeroy, via Instagram Story (October 15, 2025)

This "personal growth" narrative is a common theme in public breakups, and it certainly resonated with fans who had grown to love their seemingly rock-solid relationship on screen. The split marks a significant shift for both young stars as they navigate new chapters in their lives.

Decoding Hudson's Social Media Clues: Is He Really Out of Next Gen NYC?

Just days after the breakup announcement, the puzzle pieces started falling into place regarding Hudson's Next Gen NYC future. Fans and Bravo sleuths quickly noticed his absence from key cast gatherings, which were widely speculated to be early filming events for Season 2. One such event was a joint birthday bash for Ariana and fellow cast member Emira D’Spain.

While the rest of the crew, including Ava Dash, Brooks Marks, Gia Giudice, Georgia McCann, Shai Fruchter, and even "bad boy" Charlie Zakkour, were present, Hudson was noticeably missing. The reason became clear through his own social media. On Saturday, October 18, Hudson shared Instagram stories that strongly suggested he was no longer in New York City. One post featured him in a car with the caption, "And we’re out!" followed by another image of a Porsche geo-tagged in Atlanta, Georgia.

Given that Next Gen NYC is, well, in NYC, Hudson's return to Atlanta points heavily toward his departure from the show for its second season. His personal statement about needing "to heal from and deal with on my own to become the person I truly want to be" also aligns with stepping away from the intense spotlight of reality television. While no official announcement has been made by Bravo or Hudson himself about his status, the social media breadcrumbs paint a pretty clear picture for eager fans.

Ariana Embraces Her Single Chapter and a New NYC Apartment

As Hudson headed South, Ariana wasted no time in charting her new course in the city that never sleeps. On Thursday, October 16, just two days after her breakup announcement, Ariana shared an emotional update with her followers: she was moving out of the apartment she shared with Hudson and into her very own place.

Her Instagram video showed her packing up, admitting, "Today is moving day, again... I'm moving into my own apartment. First ever apartment in New York City. I'm the sole person on the lease. I'm excited, but also a very bittersweet thing." She gave fans a glimpse into her new, modern kitchen, living room with large paneled windows, and a stunning city view. It's a fresh start, indeed, and a powerful statement of independence for the 24-year-old.

The new apartment also sparked a fun exchange with her childhood friend and Next Gen NYC co-star, Riley Burruss (daughter of RHOA's Kandi Burruss). After Ariana posted about her move, Riley commented, "can't wait for our new apt." Ariana playfully replied, "LMAO. I love that you live [five] minutes from me now!!! Basically roommates." This suggests that while they might not be fully cohabiting, their close proximity could lead to plenty of shared moments and, hopefully, more "practically roomies" content for fans in Season 2!

Celebrating 24 & Friends: Life Beyond the Breakup

Ariana's commitment to moving forward was further highlighted by her 24th birthday celebration on Sunday, October 19. Despite the recent split, Ariana rang in her special day with a "glamorous NYC celebration" alongside her sister Brielle Biermann, and fellow Next Gen NYC castmate Gia Giudice, who is the daughter of The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice.

Photos and stories from the event showed Ariana enjoying a spa day, followed by a Western-themed night out with friends, complete with a birthday cake from Milk Bar. Brielle shared a sweet message, calling Ariana her "biggest blessing" and "built-in best friend," praising her strength and grace through recent changes. Gia also posted a throwback photo with Ariana, sending love to her "girl." Even Riley Burruss, though not at the main party, shared polaroid pictures and birthday wishes, showing the strong bond within this circle.

Ariana's mom, Kim Zolciak, also took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos and a touching message, praising her daughter's resilience: "This past year has brought so much change, and yet through it all, you’ve carried yourself with such strength, grace, and beauty." It’s clear Ariana has a strong support system as she embraces this new phase of her life.

The Next Gen NYC Cast for Season 2: Who's In and Who's a Mystery?

With Hudson's presumed exit, the focus shifts to the returning cast and new dynamics for Next Gen NYC Season 2. While Bravo hasn't made an official cast announcement, the details from Ariana's birthday bash and other social media hints offer some clues.

The birthday party for Ariana and Emira D'Spain served as an unofficial roll call, with many Season 1 faces making an appearance:

• Ava Dash
• Brooks Marks
• Gia Giudice
• Georgia McCann
• Shai Fruchter
• Charlie Zakkour

Ariana's older sister, Brielle Biermann, was also at the party, sparking speculation about whether she might join the cast in a more formal capacity for Season 2, or if she was just there to celebrate her sister. Her presence, along with her mom Kim Zolciak-Biermann's continued public support, keeps the door open for potential family crossovers.

One notable absence from the speculated early filming event was Riley Burruss. However, her strong social media interaction and friendship with Ariana, including the "basically roommates" comment, suggests she remains a key part of Ariana's NYC life, making her return for Season 2 seem highly likely, perhaps due to a scheduling conflict rather than a departure.

The "Reality TV Curse" and Fan Reactions: Blaming Kim Zolciak?

Ariana herself had previously expressed reservations about bringing her relationship with Hudson onto reality TV. Ahead of the split, she told Us Weekly that it was "a little nerve-wracking bringing somebody onto a TV show with you and putting your whole relationship out for the world to see." She acknowledged their youth and the potential for a breakup, stating, "I feel like it would suck to have to watch that back if we weren't together or things like that, but it is my life." Ultimately, she was happy they did it, as fans "loved it" and were "so sweet."

Despite the amicable nature of their breakup announcements, some fans on social media were quick to place blame, with some even pointing fingers at Ariana's mother, Kim Zolciak. Comments ranged from general sadness ("We get a non-toxic couple on Bravo, and then they break up?") to theories about the strain of NYC life ("Landing in NYC with your significant other never lasts!") and even accusations related to Kim's past financial issues ("I wonder if he’s tired of her paying for her nasty mom." and "She’s such a leech, and he wasn’t tolerating it... sad but this doesn’t surprise me."). While these are purely fan speculations and not supported by the former couple's statements, they highlight the intense scrutiny and drama that often follow reality TV families.

The breakup of a beloved on-screen couple always leaves a void, but it often paves the way for new, compelling storylines. For Next Gen NYC, Hudson's departure and Ariana's journey as a newly single, independent woman in the city could mean a fresh, drama-filled Season 2, which producers often welcome with open arms. The public nature of their relationship, from its romantic start to its mature conclusion, exemplifies the unique challenges young adults face when their lives are documented for millions to see.

What's Next for Next Gen NYC?

With so many changes in the air, the anticipation for an official Next Gen NYC Season 2 announcement is at an all-time high. Fans are eager to see how Ariana navigates her newfound independence, potentially with Riley Burruss by her side. The dynamic among the remaining cast members, now without the central couple of Ariana and Hudson, is ripe for fresh drama and evolving friendships.

Hudson's decision to prioritize personal healing and growth away from the cameras is a brave one, and his journey, while off-screen, will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion among the Next Gen NYC fanbase. For now, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any official word from Bravo on cast, plot, and premiere dates, ready to dive back into the lives of NYC's next generation of reality stars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Next Gen NYC and the Cast Changes

When did Ariana Biermann and Hudson McLeroy break up? Ariana Biermann announced their split on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and Hudson McLeroy followed with his own statement on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Where can I watch Next Gen NYC? The first season of Next Gen NYC is currently streaming on Peacock.

Who is expected to be in Next Gen NYC Season 2? While no official cast announcement has been made, cast members seen at a recent gathering rumored to be early filming for Season 2 include Ariana Biermann, Emira D'Spain, Ava Dash, Brooks Marks, Gia Giudice, Georgia McCann, Shai Fruchter, and Charlie Zakkour. Brielle Biermann was also present, but her role is unclear. Hudson McLeroy is reportedly out.

Is Riley Burruss returning to Next Gen NYC? Although Riley Burruss was absent from an early cast gathering, her close friendship and social media interactions with Ariana Biermann strongly suggest she will likely return for Season 2, possibly in a more prominent role given Ariana's new living situation.

Sources:

• Michelle K Alejandro, "Hudson McLeroy Seemingly Quits Next Gen NYC Season 2 Amid Ariana Biermann Split" (October 21, 2025)
• Ranjita Paul, "‘I feel like everyone deserves to hear both sides of our story’: Next Gen NYC’s Hudson McLeroy addresses split from Ariana Biermann" (October 16, 2025)
• Alysha Lindvik, "Newly Single Ariana Biermann Rings In Her Birthday with a Glamorous NYC Celebration" (October 19, 2025)
• Lindsay Cronin, "PHOTOS: Next Gen NYC’s Ariana Biermann Shows Inside New Apartment After Hudson McLeroy Split, Is She Moving in With Riley Burruss?" (October 17, 2025)
• Zaid Bin Amir, "Gia Giudice weighs in on Ariana Biermann and Hudson McLeroy's split" (October 22, 2025)
• Sarah M. Stone, "Fans Blame Kim Zolciak After Ariana Biermann and Hudson McLeroy Announce Breakup" (October 14, 2025)
• Johnni Macke and Sarah Hearon, "Ariana Biermann Had ‘Hesitation’ About Putting Hudson McLeroy on Next Gen NYC Before Split" (October 17, 2025)
• TMZ Staff, "Ariana Biermann & Hudson McLeroy Break Up ... After Long Relationship" (October 15, 2025)