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Chrisley Family's Post-Prison Ordeal: 'Rougher' Reality and New Show Unveiled!

Published 1 day ago5 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Chrisley Family's Post-Prison Ordeal: 'Rougher' Reality and New Show Unveiled!

The Chrisley family is making a highly anticipated return to television with a brand-new reality series titled "The Chrisleys: Back to Reality." This marks their first appearance on screen in two years, following the conclusion of "Chrisley Knows Best" and the subsequent legal challenges faced by family patriarch Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie Chrisley. The couple was sentenced for tax evasion and bank fraud, a period that deeply impacted the family and led to a high-profile presidential pardon by President Donald Trump in May 2025, which ultimately secured their freedom. With their legal ordeal now behind them, the Chrisleys are poised to share their unvarnished story, offering an intimate look into their lives post-incarceration.

The new docuseries is set to premiere as a two-night television event on Lifetime, beginning Monday, September 1, and continuing on Tuesday, September 2. Each night will feature a two-hour episode, starting at 8/7c. Following the premiere, back-to-back episodes will air on Tuesday, September 9, with the season finale scheduled for Tuesday, September 16.

Familiar faces from the original series will be returning for "The Chrisleys: Back to Reality." Todd and Julie Chrisley lead the cast, joined by their children Savannah, Chase, and Grayson, as well as their adopted granddaughter, Chloe. Fan-favorite Nanny Faye is also back, expected to bring her characteristic humor and warmth to the show. New additions to the family's on-screen presence include Julie's parents, Harvey and Pam, who will be appearing for the first time. However, Todd’s older children from a previous marriage, Lindsie and Kyle Chrisley, will not be participating in the new project.

An emotional five-minute trailer for the series was released on July 31, providing fans with a candid glimpse into the family's current dynamics and struggles. The trailer opens with a poignant phone call between Savannah and her father, Todd, who was still incarcerated at the time. Todd reassures Savannah, saying, "We will get through this. I don't know how it's going to end, but at some point, the truth is going to come out." Savannah candidly reveals the household's fractured state, stating, "With my parents gone, our household is completely divided. I told my parents, I don't know if it can ever be repaired, honestly." Chase Chrisley also reflects on the immense popularity of "Chrisley Knows Best," noting, "I don't think people really understood how big Chrisley Knows Best was. My dad's this insane human. I think it definitely made good TV." He further highlights the dichotomy of their lives, explaining, "We were filming one thing that was this happy life. Cameras go down, and we're also fighting a fed case."

The journey to their freedom was arduous. Todd and Julie were initially sentenced in November 2022 to a combined 19 years in prison for multiple charges, including bank and wire fraud and tax evasion. Their sentences were later reduced in 2023 following ongoing appeals. The pivotal moment arrived on May 27, 2025, when President Donald Trump officially announced their pardons during a phone call with the Chrisley children. Trump conveyed his well wishes, stating, "It's a terrible thing, but it's a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean. I don't know them, but give them my regards and wish them a good luck."

Since their release, Todd and Julie have candidly discussed the unexpected challenges of adjusting to normal life. On the July 23 episode of their "Chrisley Confessions 2.0" podcast, they shared a surprising consensus with other former inmates: life outside prison can be "rougher than prison life" from an emotional and psychological standpoint, despite the horrific physical conditions of incarceration. Julie explained that in prison, there was a "mental simplicity" due to limited choices, and the longer one was there, the more removed they became from the outside world. She also spoke about survival instincts kicking in while separated from their children, emphasizing the need to focus on personal well-being. They noted that unlike many, they were "thrown right back into the real world" without the intermediate step of a halfway house or probation officer, intensifying their adjustment period.

The series will also delve into the personal struggles of the Chrisley children, particularly Chase. Savannah Chrisley revealed on her September 2 "Unlocked" podcast episode a past incident of drinking with Chase when they were younger, which led her to vow never to drink with him again. Julie Chrisley hinted at Chase's "public" story, likely referencing his January arrest in Atlanta for allegedly slapping a bar manager. Although he was released on bond and charges were not pressed, the incident is revisited in "The Chrisleys: Back to Reality." On the show, Chase admitted to not remembering much of that night, insisting he "wouldn't slap somebody," but acknowledged hitting "rock bottom" and drinking heavily after his parents' imprisonment. He also expressed regret for taking "Chrisley Knows Best" for granted, calling it "the best job in the world," and recognized his lack of boundaries after his parents were gone.

Ultimately, "The Chrisleys: Back to Reality" promises to be an emotional and revealing series, documenting the family's journey through legal battles, incarceration, pardon, and the complex process of rebuilding their lives and relationships in the public eye. It aims to portray the raw reality behind their public persona and the lasting impact of their experiences.

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