Podcast Summary: Watch What Crappens #2903 – Next Gen NYC S1E4 Part One: Getting Fashionasty

Release Date: June 26, 2025

In episode #2903 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive deep into the latest happenings of Bravo's reality lineup, specifically focusing on Next Gen NYC. This episode, titled "Part One: Getting Fashionasty," offers listeners a mix of humor, sharp critiques, and insightful commentary on the intertwined lives of reality TV's newest stars.

Personal Updates and Embracing New Activities

The episode kicks off with Ben and Ronnie sharing their recent personal endeavors, highlighting a shift towards activities that align with current Bravo trends.

Ben Mandelker [04:15]:
"Well, I'm very disappointed to announce I'm going to play pickleball today. I just had to confess it to everybody because I've stood against pickleball as a lifestyle for years."

Ronnie responds with playful teasing about Ben's newfound interest, setting a light-hearted tone for the episode.

Ronnie Karam [04:33]:
"You got to honor it. You got to honor it. You got to go down to the pickleball."

Diving into Next Gen NYC: Character Dynamics and Storylines

Ben and Ronnie transition into a detailed analysis of Next Gen NYC, dissecting character interactions, personal struggles, and the overarching narratives that drive the show.

Family Tensions and Parental Influences

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the complex relationships between the younger cast members and their parents.

Ronnie Karam [07:02]:
"I want to amend something I said last week. I said, there's too many parents. Like, we want to focus on the kids. We don't want to focus on the parents. I want to amend that. I want to welcome all the Asshole parents."

They delve into the dynamics between Anwar and his son Charlie, highlighting the lack of emotional support and the favoritism displayed towards Charlie's roommate, Dylan.

Ben Mandelker [08:44]:
"I would love to see Brooks being fathered by Anwar and just see the difference in Brooks by having a parent that's like you. You don't even know how to thread a bobbin like. Fucking idiot."

Character Development and Viewer Engagement

The hosts critique the show's character development, particularly focusing on Seth Marks and his interactions with other characters.

Ronnie Karam [08:15]:
"Small doses of Seth. I like Seth. I can't even believe I'm in a place where I would even say I like Seth overall as an entity. But I think there's just a little bit too much of him."

They express a desire for more genuine character portrayals, advocating for characters like Anwar who display authentic flaws over caricatures like Seth.

Mocking and Analyzing Bravo Tropes

Ben and Ronnie skillfully mock common Bravo tropes, using Next Gen NYC as a case study to highlight the often exaggerated and melodramatic nature of reality TV.

Over-the-Top Scenarios and Immersive Installations

The discussion shifts to the show's portrayal of art installations and the unrealistic scenarios that unfold within them.

Ben Mandelker [10:38]:
"It's like some art, like, video art installation, where, like, the whole room is video. I want to see the Monet thing. Was it monetized that they did Picasso?"

They critique the superficiality of such installations, likening them to social media photo ops rather than genuine artistic experiences.

Lifestyle and Image Management

The hosts comment on the characters' obsession with image and lifestyle, drawing parallels to broader societal trends.

Ronnie Karam [12:01]:
"I think Picasso was actually reasonably famous during his lifetime. I played some trivia game that was like, who? Yeah, something like that."

This segues into a humorous take on historical figures being out of place in modern settings, emphasizing the absurdity of some Bravo scenarios.

Highlighting Personal Struggles and Growth

Amidst the humor, Ben and Ronnie touch upon deeper themes such as mental health, personal growth, and the impact of upbringing on present behavior.

Ronnie Karam [52:43]:
"Yeah, well, I mean, I was in therapy since, like, age five. And he's like, for what? Like, what do you mean, for what? If you're in therapy, you're in therapy because you need therapy."

They explore how therapy and personal struggles are portrayed on the show, questioning the authenticity and depth of such storylines.

The Intersection of Wealth, Status, and Relationships

A significant focus is placed on the complexities of maintaining relationships amidst wealth and status, particularly through the lens of characters like Ariana and her interactions with her new partner, Omar.

Ben Mandelker [38:33]:
"And so, so then we go to Ariana and Riley in the confessional together, talking about how their moms are housewives and they can handle their own."

The hosts dissect the challenges of balancing personal relationships with external pressures and expectations, a recurring theme in reality TV narratives.

Humorous Interludes and Real-Time Reactions

Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie intersperse their analysis with spontaneous humor and real-time reactions to on-screen events, keeping the conversation lively and engaging.

Ben Mandelker [33:25]:
"I'm not going to start doing math. I feel like the whiteboard guy. I'm not going to do it."

These moments provide listeners with a break from the heavy critiques, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and wit.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Reality TV's Impact

As the episode wraps up, Ben and Ronnie reflect on the broader implications of reality TV shows like Next Gen NYC, contemplating their influence on viewers and the perpetuation of certain stereotypes and behaviors.

Ben Mandelker [60:30]:
"I think Charlie just was like, walked into the elevator and there's someone there to press a button and he just never noticed, you know, it was just like whatever. He just got in. He doesn't pay attention to anything."

They emphasize the importance of critical viewing, encouraging listeners to question and analyze the content they consume.

Key Takeaways:

• Critical Analysis: Ben and Ronnie provide a thorough critique of Next Gen NYC, highlighting both character flaws and the show's adherence to reality TV tropes.

• Humor and Relatability: The hosts balance their critiques with humor, making the discussion both engaging and relatable for listeners.

• Deeper Themes: Beyond surface-level mockery, the episode delves into meaningful discussions about mental health, family dynamics, and personal growth in the context of reality TV.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Mandelker [04:15]:
  "I'm very disappointed to announce I'm going to play pickleball today."

• Ronnie Karam [07:02]:
  "I want to welcome all the Asshole parents."

• Ronnie Karam [08:15]:
  "Small doses of Seth."

• Ben Mandelker [10:38]:
  "I want to see the Monet thing. Was it monetized that they did Picasso?"

• Ben Mandelker [38:33]:
  "And so, so then we go to Ariana and Riley in the confessional together..."

Stay tuned for Part Two of this episode, where Ben and Ronnie continue their deep dive into Next Gen NYC and unravel more of the drama that makes Bravo a staple in reality TV.