Honestly, if you grew up watching Don't Be Tardy, seeing Ariana Biermann as a fully grown adult living in Manhattan is already a trip. But seeing her navigate a decade-long romance on camera? That was something else entirely. For a while there, Ariana and Hudson felt like the only "real" thing in a sea of manufactured reality TV drama. They were the high school sweethearts who actually made it out of their hometown, moved to the big city, and started a life together on Next Gen NYC.
Then, the Instagram Stories hit.
In October 2025, the news broke that Ariana Biermann and Hudson McLeroy were over. It wasn't a messy, plate-smashing Bravo finale type of breakup—at least not on the surface. It was a "we're going in different directions" kind of post that left fans wondering how two people who were born in the same hospital just eight hours apart could suddenly decide they weren't meant to be.
The Reality of Growing Up in the Public Eye
You've gotta feel for them a little bit. Most of us get to have our messy breakups in private, far away from the prying eyes of Reddit sleuths and Bravo producers. Ariana and Hudson had been together, on and off, since they were 14 years old. That is a lifetime in "fame years." By the time they landed in New York in July 2024 to film the first season of Next Gen NYC, they were trying to balance a serious relationship with the pressure of being the "anchor couple" for a new show.
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Moving to New York is a stress test for any relationship. Dealing with the 22nd-floor apartment hunts, the chaotic energy of the city, and the shadow of Kim Zolciak’s own public drama? That’s a lot for a 23-year-old to carry. Basically, the show gave us a front-row seat to the beginning of the end, even if we didn't know it at the time.
Why the Split Felt Different
Unlike most reality TV breakups that involve a "leak" to a tabloid or a dramatic cheating scandal caught on 4K cameras, this one was handled with a weird amount of maturity. Ariana posted the announcement first. Hudson reposted it almost immediately. They used the same language. It felt... professional.
- The Timeline: They survived high school, the move to NYC, and the first season of their own show.
- The Shared History: Born 8 hours apart in the same hospital—Kim Zolciak often called them "soulmates" because of this.
- The Amicable Front: Both claimed there was no "bad blood," but fans noticed the vibes shifted months before the official announcement.
What Actually Went Wrong?
Kinda makes you wonder what happens when the cameras turn off. While the official line is that they simply "outgrew" each other, the internet has its own theories. During BravoCon 2025, Kim Zolciak tried to play peacemaker, telling everyone that they are still "best friends" and that the families are still incredibly close. She basically said they needed to grow as individuals before they could ever work as a couple again.
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But if you look at the digital breadcrumbs, things were a bit more complicated. Ariana’s TikTok reposts in late 2025 started leaning heavily into "healing" and "being wronged" territory. Hudson, for his part, remained pretty supportive in her comment sections, but the energy wasn't being returned. It's that classic situation where one person is trying to keep the friendship alive while the other is just trying to find their own feet in a new apartment.
The New York Factor
Living in New York City changes you. Ariana recently shared that she's finally in her own place—the first time she’s ever been the sole person on a lease. That’s a massive milestone. When you’ve been part of a "unit" since you were a teenager, finding out who you are without that other person is terrifying and necessary.
Honestly, the pressure of being "Ariana and Hudson" might have been the very thing that killed Ariana and Hudson. You start performing the relationship for the fans and the followers, and suddenly you forget why you were together in the first place.
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Where They Stand in 2026
So, what's the deal now? As of early 2026, Ariana is fully embracing the single life in Manhattan. She’s been spotted at major events like the Golden Globes, looking happier than ever and focusing on her own brand. Hudson seems to have retreated a bit from the NYC spotlight, spending more time back in Atlanta and focusing on his own projects away from the reality TV lens.
There were rumors for a minute that they might reconcile for a second season of Next Gen NYC, or that Hudson might be replaced by a new love interest. But the reality is that they seem to be sticking to their "separate ways" mantra. It’s a rare case of a reality TV couple actually knowing when to call it quits instead of dragging it out for the sake of a paycheck.
Takeaways for the Fans
If you're still mourning the loss of this couple, here’s how to look at it:
- Outgrowing people is normal. Just because a relationship ends doesn't mean it was a failure. Ten years is a hell of a run for people in their early 20s.
- Social media isn't the full story. The "amicable" posts usually hide a lot of the actual hurt. Respect the privacy they’re trying to keep.
- Independence is the goal. Seeing Ariana thrive in her own apartment and handle her own business is actually a pretty cool "growing up" arc for someone we've seen on TV since they were a kid.
If you're looking to follow their journeys individually, keep a close eye on Ariana's solo content. She’s leaning into a more sophisticated, "city girl" aesthetic that feels a lot more authentic than the high-school-sweetheart vibe she was carrying before. As for Hudson, he’s still around, but he’s clearly choosing a quieter path for now. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your brand—and your mental health—is to just walk away while the memories are still mostly good.
Actionable Insights for Following the Drama:
- Watch Next Gen NYC on Peacock to see the subtle shifts in their dynamic during their final months together.
- Follow Ariana's "Solo in the City" updates for a look at how she's navigating life without a partner for the first time in a decade.
- Keep an eye on Kim Zolciak’s interviews; she usually lets a few more details slip than the kids do.