The Valley: Persian Style Cast Previews ‘Age-Appropriate’ Drama (Excl) Clutch Fire

For a special group of Persian friends, it’s time to say goodbye to Beverly Hills and hello to suburban life in The Valley: Persian Style.

Featuring Shahs of Sunset alumni Reza Farahan, Mercedeh “MJ” Javid and Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, the new Bravo show will see the reality TV legends navigating a new chapter of their lives with a larger friend group.

“We’re further along in life, something the audience that watched Shahs will be able to relate to,” Reza exclusively shared with Us Weekly before the Thursday, January 8, series premiere. “Shahs was great, but Persian Style is amazing.”

As MJ navigates a “raw, relatable and unfiltered” season of reality TV, she’s excited to share the highs and lows of her reality living in the Valley.

“Shahs was the blackout party,” she teased to Us. “Persian Style is the even better afterparty — we bring receipts, growth and mortgages. You’re going to see sweeter heart, tougher boundaries.”

If you ask GG, the only difference between Shahs of Sunset and The Valley: Persian Style is the “age-appropriate” drama.

“I was 29 years old when I started Shahs,” she shared. “I am now 44 years old. I have grown up alongside my fans for the last 15 years and so have the types of situations around me. I used to stay out late partying and now I can barely stay awake past 8 p.m. My friends are all successful, married or have kids, and so our lives and interactions look very different than Shahs days. But with a group of fire personalities like us, no matter your age, there’s bound to be drama!”

As excitement continues to build for the premiere, Us had the exclusive opportunity to chat with the entire cast and get a preview of their personalities and what’s to come.

Keep reading to learn more about the cast and watch The Valley: Persian Style premiering with back-to-back episodes on Bravo Thursday, January 8, at 9 p.m. ET. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.

Reza Farahan

After years of ups and downs with MJ and GG, Reza is in a solid place with his former Shahs of Sunset costars. Now, he’s ready to return to reality TV with a larger friend group and a new perspective on life.

“I’ve had the calm of living without cameras for a long time, and I’ve settled into much more of a suburban soccer mom vibe, without the kids, of course,” he told Us. “Most of our friends are married or married with kids. Life is much less about turning up and much more about meaningful experiences.”

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “That Persians love family, getting together, breaking bread, supporting each other and helping one another grow and be their best!”

Adam Farahan

Happy married to Reza, Adam is in “a completely different era” from when you met him on Shahs of Sunset.

“I’m secure in my marriage, Reza’s happiness is an utmost priority, I’m managing multiple properties, building a small suburban farm and launching a new business,” he said. “I’d call this era, ‘the male Suzy Homemaker with spreadsheets and a shovel.’”

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope fans see how real the balance is between marriage and friendship. It’s hard, it’s raw and it requires effort. We argue with passion, but we love just as hard. Holding each other to a higher standard matters to us because at this stage in life, authenticity and accountability are non-negotiable. We show up honestly, or not at all.”

Mercedeh ‘MJ’ Javid

One of the original cast members of Shahs of Sunset is back on Bravo and ready to showcase her life as a mom, real estate agent and woman going through a divorce. As she described, “This is my healing, honest, don’t-try-me era.”

MJ is excited for viewers to meet her extended friend group, including the stylish Natasha and Amir. And yes, old and new fans alike can count on drama.

“The growth surprises you,” she teased before declaring, “Immaturity announces itself.”

What She Hopes Fans Take Away: “Your favorite Persian family is back — navigating through life is messy but real, but the rebuild is stronger than ever.”

Tommy Feight

Although fans watched Tommy marry MJ on Shahs of Sunset, their relationship looks a lot different today. “My wife and I grew apart in a lot of ways, which is just the reality of that period,” he teased about season 1 of The Valley: Persian Style. “I think what you’ll see is a bit of a breakdown era — but also the beginning of a bounce-back era. I’m more self-aware, more focused and clearer on who I am and what I want than I’ve ever been since Shahs of Sunset.”

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “I’m a lot happier than I look. And no matter what happens between my wife and I, it’s till the dirt for me, so I’ll always protect her; and I’ll always make sure to be the best father to my son that I can be.”

Golnesa ‘GG’ Gharachedaghi

GG has said goodbye to city ruckus and hello to nature in the Valley. “Having a son, two cats and two Rottweilers, I need a lot of space along with a lot of outdoor space,” she explained. “My life has changed dramatically since Shahs ended. I think it’s safe to label myself a serial entrepreneur. I’m definitely in my ‘Boss Mama’ phase.”

While viewers may remember GG for her dramatic fights and spicy personality, she promises that’s only one small part of her. “I would love to have my fans see the different layers that exist within me,” she told Us. “I feel that during Shahs, I was going through some pretty tough times and I got judged by the world. I was having human moments.”

What She Hopes Fans Take Away: “I have been on my healing journey for nearly a decade and with a beautiful and smart son beside me, I’m so excited to paint a new picture for the world to see, and to allow them to understand that we are all just humans going through life, learning from our mistakes.”

Tanin Nikpey

As she works to rekindle her connection with husband Greg, Tanin admits she goes through “a lot” during her first season of reality TV. “I’ve faced some tough times with work, friendships and relationships that have really changed me,” she explained. “It feels like everyone is on their own journey of growth, but some people still have some maturing to do — especially when it comes to realizing how their actions impact others.”

What She Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope fans really see the value of being true to themselves and embracing their cultural roots. Life is a wild ride, and it’s totally OK to struggle as long as you stay authentic.”

Greg Haroutunian

Married to Tanin, Greg is proud to have his family, business and friends in the Valley. As he navigates reality TV for the first time, he’s not ready to call out some costars for their poor behavior just yet. “There’s someone who really surprises people this season. You see genuine self-reflection and growth,” he teased. “As for who still needs to grow up, some people confuse being loud and opinionated with being real, and that catches up to them.”

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “Honesty and humility always win. You don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not for people to like you. Be genuine and count your blessings.”

Bamshad Akhbari

As Bamshad navigates changing dynamics with his wife, Sky, he also can’t help but keep his eyes on three cast members who helped launch Shahs of Sunset and know how to bring the drama. “Without a doubt; Reza, MJ and Golnesa,” he teased about this season’s pot stirrers. “Let’s just say they have a special talent for keeping things interesting and making sure no pot ever stays unstirred for too long.”

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope viewers see me as someone who is authentic, accountable and grounded; strong in character and reliable in how I show up for the people around me. More than anything, I want that consistency and integrity to come through.”

Sky Askari 

Married to Bamshad, Sky finds herself opening up about the state of her marriage in season 1. “This season, I was focused on holding my own life together, so I wasn’t really tracking anyone else’s growth,” she said matter of factly. “I do think we all have moments where we can pause, listen more and react less — myself included.

While filming the Bravo show, Sky tried to follow the rule that negativity and conflict, “especially when filmed, never really serve anyone.”

What She Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope fans take away honesty and vulnerability from my life in season 1. I showed up and shared parts of my life that are deeply personal, especially when it comes to family. My message is to stay true to yourself, don’t quit, don’t go out of your way to blend in and know when to remove yourself from toxic situations.”

Reza Jackson  

The group’s resident charmer can’t help but consider settling down and making a permanent home in his friends’ neighborhood. “I see the Valley as the best place to start a family life,” he told Us. “Seeing as I’m still single but curiously peeking into the beauty of family life, I find it very fitting to be in the ‘Valley Adjacent’ category.”

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope that fans who are in my position — still single in their 30s and struggling to settle down — can relate and feel seen. With that, my hope is that they can laugh at life and not take it too seriously and ultimately, recognize that the right things will come in due time.”

Natasha Kashanian

Happily married to Amir, Natasha and her husband try to bring grounded energy to their often chaotic but tight-knit group.

“I don’t think anyone is actually trying to stir the pot,” she told Us. “I think we’re all just close enough that we’re willing to ask questions and get to the bottom of things — even when it’s uncomfortable.”

What She Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope people see that real life is complicated. I’m navigating motherhood, marriage, friendships and my own growth at the same time. It’s OK to not have it all figured out, because no one really does.”

Amir Boroumand

As he continues raising children with his wife, Natasha, Amir can’t help but love the Valley for being “kid friendly” and “five minutes from Costco.”

While much of the cast describes Amir’s relationship with Natasha as “couple goals,” the Bravo star will find himself grieving the loss of a late partner.

What He Hopes Fans Take Away: “I hope that the fans remember that at the end of the day, their health and the health of their loved ones are most important. I do wish that those who are facing loss and grief can take some comfort in seeing someone that traveled that road and is able to find purpose and love. And to those with kids, you are not alone in the struggles and pressure of parenting.”