Gia Giudice is no stranger to the world of reality television, having grown up in front of the cameras as the daughter of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice. Now stepping into her own spotlight on Next Gen NYC, the 24-year-old is reflecting on how she was portrayed in the show’s first season, and how that experience has helped shape her perspective moving forward.
Speaking candidly on the latest episode of her podcast Casual Chaos, Gia opened up to former Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent about her experience on Next Gen NYC. While she said she had “a good experience,” Gia admitted she felt the show leaned into portraying her as a younger version of her mom.
“I think they were waiting for me to always have these mini Teresa moments because they love that nepo baby,” Gia said. “I just hated giving that to them because I was like that’s not me.”
Teresa Giudice, known for her strong personality and iconic moments—like the now-famous table flip in season one of RHONJ—has long been a fan favorite. And while Gia acknowledges she shares some of her mother’s bold traits, she emphasized that there’s much more to who she is.
“I genuinely have the biggest heart. I’m a hustler, I’m a hard worker and I guess I could say that I wish more of that was captured,” she told Kent. “Rather than mini Teresa moments.”
Gia shared that, despite her overall positive experience, watching the show back became an unexpected moment of self-awareness. She noted that while filming, she believed she was doing the right thing in many situations. But viewing the episodes helped her realize that she could have handled things differently.
“It was a mirror and I self reflected and now I know how I’m going to be a better version of myself moving forward,” she said.
Part of that growth includes recognizing when to take a step back—even if her intentions come from a caring place. “I have a ‘mom instinct’ and am a ‘protector,’” she shared, “but also need to pull back sometimes because not everyone wants [my] opinion.”
Having grown up on television, Gia is aware of how editing and storytelling can shape audience perception. Still, she’s hopeful viewers of Real Housewives and now Next Gen NYC can see the bigger picture. “I think people were able to see I am compassionate and I mean well,” she said. “Even if I come off harsh [in some instances].”
Lala Kent offered encouragement during their conversation, reminding Gia that, in time, the show will likely capture more dimensions of who she is. Her advice? “Move on” from season one and keep being herself.
As Gia continues to navigate public life, she’s clearly focused on growth, authenticity, and leading with heart—qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well both on and off screen.
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