You probably think you know the Jenner story. High-glam red carpets, Calabasas mansions, and a reality TV machine that never stops. But for a long time, Brandon and Brody Jenner were the "other" Jenners. The ones who didn't quite fit the Kardashian mold.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how different their lives turned out compared to Kendall and Kylie. While the world was watching Kim’s every move, Brandon and Brody were navigating a much more complicated reality behind the scenes. They weren't just background characters in a famous family; they were two brothers trying to figure out who they were in the shadow of a father who was often physically and emotionally absent.
People always ask why they aren't on the shows anymore. Or if they’re still "close" with the sisters. The truth is a lot more layered than a thirty-second TikTok clip could ever explain.
The Reality TV "Princes" Who Left the Kingdom
Before Keeping Up With The Kardashians was even a spark in Ryan Seacrest’s eye, there was The Princes of Malibu. It was 2005. Brandon and Brody were living at their stepfather David Foster’s massive estate, basically acting like entitled brats for the cameras. It was ridiculous, but it put them on the map.
Brody took that momentum and ran straight into The Hills. He became the ultimate mid-2000s heartthrob. You’ve probably seen the grainy clips of him and Lauren Conrad, or the drama with Spencer Pratt. It felt like he was everywhere. But even back then, there was this sense that he was playing a part.
Brandon took a different path. He’s always been the more sensitive, musical one. He spent years performing as part of "Brandon & Leah" with his first wife, Leah Felder. Their music was actually pretty good—sorta indie-pop with a California vibe. It was a far cry from the high-stakes branding of the Kardashian empire.
The Reality of the "Absent Father" Narrative
Here’s what most people get wrong: they think the Jenner brothers just "opted out" of the family fame. In reality, there was a lot of deep-seated pain regarding their father, Caitlyn Jenner.
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Brandon has been incredibly vocal about this. He once wrote that he only saw his father maybe six times between the ages of eight and twenty-five. That’s staggering. Imagine having one of the most famous fathers in the world, yet feeling like a complete stranger to them.
Brody felt it too. On Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test in 2025, he opened up about feeling "abandoned" as a kid. He talked about how the few times they did see Caitlyn (then Bruce), it felt like a staged photo op for a Christmas card rather than actual bonding.
"I think not having Bruce around growing up... it was tough just being her son," Brody admitted during the show.
It wasn't just about the absence; it was about the Kardashian machine. When Caitlyn married Kris Jenner, the family became a business. Brandon and Brody weren't part of that business. They stayed in Malibu, while the "new" family became global icons. It created a divide that wasn't just about geography—it was about lifestyle and values.
Where Are Brandon and Brody Jenner in 2026?
Life looks a lot different for them now. They aren't chasing the same kind of fame their sisters are.
Brody Jenner: The Family Man
Brody is officially a husband and a dad. He married Tia Blanco in July 2025 at his mom Linda Thompson’s home in Malibu. It was a small, intimate ceremony—only about 70 people. That tells you everything you need to know about where his head is at these days.
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He’s obsessed with being a "girl dad" to his daughter, Honey Raye. He’s said multiple times that he wants to be the "exact opposite" of the father he had. He’s present. He’s there for the small moments.
Money-wise? He’s doing his own thing. He DJs at major clubs and runs a tequila seltzer brand called Mamitas. He’s been very clear that he doesn't get a dime from the Kardashian bank accounts. "We have the same last name, but we don't share a bank account," he told an interviewer recently.
Brandon Jenner: The Malibu Musician
Brandon is also deep in the dad life. He’s married to Cayley Stoker, and they just welcomed their third child together, a daughter named Joan Almond, in late 2024.
He’s still making music, but it’s more for the soul than the charts. He hosts a docuseries called At Home with the Jenners on UnchainedTV. It’s a lot more "real" than anything you’d see on E! or Hulu. It’s basically just him, Cayley, and the kids living a low-key Malibu life.
What's really cool is how he handles his blended family. He’s still great friends with his ex-wife Leah. They co-parent their daughter Eva, and Leah is actually tight with Cayley. It’s a level of maturity you don't often see in Hollywood.
The Healing Process with Caitlyn
Surprisingly, things have gotten better with their father.
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Brody recently revealed that he received a "sincere apology" from Caitlyn. It was the first time in his 40-plus years that he felt like his father actually took responsibility for not being there. It didn't fix everything overnight, but it opened a door.
Brandon, too, has found a way to bridge the gap. He talks to Caitlyn almost every day now. He’s said that while he doesn't care for the "family business" side of things, he cares about the human being.
Moving Forward: What We Can Learn
The story of Brandon and Brody Jenner isn't a tragedy of being "left behind." It’s actually a pretty inspiring story of choosing your own path. They didn't need the Kardashian branding to find happiness.
If you’re looking to follow their journey or apply some of their "Malibu chill" to your own life, here’s what you can do:
- Prioritize the "Nuclear" over the "Brand": Both brothers have pivoted to focusing almost entirely on their immediate families. If you feel overwhelmed by social expectations, try scaling back and focusing on your inner circle.
- Acknowledge the Past to Move On: Brody’s willingness to talk about his childhood trauma on Special Forces was a turning point. Don't be afraid to voice your own history—it’s the only way to write a new chapter.
- Support Independent Creators: Instead of just watching the big reality shows, check out Brandon’s music on Spotify or Brody’s DJ sets. There’s a lot of talent there that gets overshadowed by the headlines.
The Jenner brothers might not have the billion-dollar companies, but they seem to have something a lot more valuable: peace of mind. And in 2026, that’s the real flex.