Who Is Ariana Biermann’s Boyfriend? All About Hudson McLeroy

Ariana Biermann and her boyfriend, Hudson McLeroy, are taking on the big city in Next Gen NYC.

Ariana — who is the daughter of The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak-Biermann — has been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Hudson for nine years after they met in high school, she told cameras in Next Gen NYC.

In October 2024, the Don’t Be Tardy alum shared an Instagram tribute for Hudson’s birthday in which she called him her “favorite person in this world.”

“i can’t imagine a life without you and our love. i’m so grateful to be growing up with you,” Ariana wrote. “we have been through it together and that’s part of what makes us, us. i’ve never loved anyone this way, i didn’t even know my heart was capable of it.”

So, who is Ariana Biermann’s boyfriend? Here’s everything to know about Hudson McLeroy and the Next Gen NYC stars’ relationship.

He grew up in Atlanta

Like Ariana, Hudson grew up in Atlanta, per Bravo TV.

According to his Bravo TV profile, Hudson has already built a successful career for himself as an investor. Per his Instagram bio, he is also an artist.

Hudson comes from a prominent family

Hudson’s parents might not be Bravo stars like Ariana’s, but his family has still been in the spotlight for their successful business.

His dad, Zach McLeroy, co-founded chicken chain Zaxby’s and has a net worth of $1 billion, per Forbes.

According to the outlet, Zach opened up the first Zaxby’s chain in Georgia in 1990 before selling 20% of his stake to Goldman Sachs for an estimated $400 million in 2020. Zach served as CEO of the chain until 2022 and remains a chairman of the board of directors, per Forbes.

Meanwhile, Hudson’s half-brother, Parker Lipman, starred on MTV’s Buckhead Shore in 2022.

They began dating in high school

Ariana and Hudson met in high school, debuting their relationship in October 2018 when they attended their homecoming dance together, according to Bravo TV.

At that time, Ariana shared a photo of them from the occasion on Instagram, with her mother adding her stamp of approval in the comments section.

“Where does the time go??” Kim wrote. “My angel @arianabiermann is headed to Homecoming with @hudson.mcleroy. Are they not the cutest!!?! They are only a few hours apart and will both turn 17 this week!!”

Per the outlet, they had a brief breakup before getting back together in 2022.

In October 2022, Ariana reflected on their longtime relationship in an Instagram post for Hudson’s birthday, writing, “you are everything i could dream of, and have been since we were 14.”

“you have brought me more happiness then i knew was possible,” she continued. “thank you for helping me w my battles throughout these last 7 years, i don’t know what i would do without you.”

Ariana and Hudson moved to New York together in July 2024

In July 2024, Ariana shared in an Instagram post that she and Hudson were embarking on a new chapter in New York.

“taking our love story to a new city :),” she captioned a photo of them in front of the Manhattan skyline. “we officially live in New York!!!! thank you god for making this possible and allowing me to live my dream w my best friend <3.”

In an October 2024 Instagram post for Ariana’s birthday, Hudson reflected on their new life in New York, writing, “It’s no walk in the park being a young couple that’s moving your entire lives three times within twelve months.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy living in a new city where our family and friends are now a flight away and no longer just a short drive but we are making it work for us one day at a time,” he continued. “I’m incredibly proud of all the challenges we’ve overcome and the goals we’ve accomplished together this year.”

They’ve traveled around the world together

While they are based in New York, the pair have traveled around the world together, including a trip to Alaska in August 2023.

“i love seeing the world with you ♡,” Ariana captioned an Instagram photo of them at Sheldon Chalet in Alaska.

In March 2024, she shared a glimpse of them seeing the Northern Lights together, followed by photos from a trip to Turks and Caicos the following month.

Ariana calls Hudson her “soulmate”

Throughout their relationship, Ariana has shared many heartfelt messages to Hudson on social media. In October 2023, she posted a sweet message on Instagram for Hudson’s birthday, in which she called him her “soulmate.”

“there are no words to explain how thankful i am for you,” she wrote. “i have never enjoyed every second w someone like i do w you. you truly are my absolute best friend. the love we have is so pure.”

Hudson has shared sweet messages of his own. In October 2022, Hudson shared 21 reasons he loves her in an Instagram post, including the “way [she finds] joy in the little things” and how she makes him “happier than [he’s] ever been.”

As for her celebrations that year, Ariana commemorated her 21st birthday with a cake decorated with her mugshot, which was taken after she was arrested alongside Hudson in August 2024 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, per public records obtained by PEOPLE.

In 2025, Ariana pled guilty to reckless driving and possession and use of drug-related objects. She will serve two years of probation, pay $2,000 in fines and perform 40 hours of community service, according to multiple outlets.

He stars alongside Biermann in Next Gen NYC

Ariana and Hudson are both main cast members for the debut season of Next Gen NYC, in which they’ll appear alongside other Bravo stars’ children.

The show follows a group of 20-somethings who were raised in the spotlight — including Teresa Giudice’s daughter Gia Giudice — as they navigate early adulthood.

In April 2025, Ariana commented on Hudson’s Instagram promo for the show, writing, “i’m so happy we got to do this together, i love you 🩷.”

Ahead of the June 3 premiere, Hudson told PEOPLE that stepping into the spotlight was an “interesting experience,” that included “some nerves throughout the process.”

He went on to say that being in front of the camera helped him open up a new side of himself, explaining that he is “branching out.”

“I used to be more quiet,” he said. “It’s kind of getting me to talk more and just get me to be more who I am.”