Chrisley Family returns to Television, Promises Raw Look at Life After Legal Battles
The Chrisley family is stepping back into the reality television spotlight with “The Chrisleys: Back to Reality,” premiering Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime. The new series arrives following a tumultuous period for Todd and Julie Chrisley, who where convicted of federal fraud charges, served time in prison, and were subsequently pardoned by former President Donald Trump.
For years, the family cultivated a carefully constructed image of wealth and idyllic family life with “Chrisley Knows Best,” a show Savannah Chrisley now acknowledges was “a scripted comedy.” This new venture, however, promises a starkly different portrayal. “we peel back the layers. We break it down. You’re gonna see the dysfunction. You’re going to see the fight and the tears and everything we had to go through to get to today,” Savannah Chrisley told ABC News’ Juju Chang in an interview airing Tuesday, Sept. 2, on “Nightline.”
In 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion, convictions later upheld by an appeals court. todd Chrisley received a 12-year prison sentance and 16 months of probation, while Julie chrisley was sentenced to seven years in prison and 16 months of probation. Both served just over two years before receiving a presidential pardon in May.Despite maintaining their innocence – Todd Chrisley stated upon his release, “I was convicted of somthing I did not do” – the couple has experienced a mixed reception from the public since their release. Julie Chrisley noted that interactions with fans have largely been positive, while Todd Chrisley observed that much of the negative commentary centers on the circumstances of their pardon.
The family anticipates the new series will address lingering doubts about their case. “those are the people that have not dug into the case,” todd Chrisley told ABC News. “and you’re gonna see this come out in these eight episodes. But at the end the day,I don’t live my life for those people that think I’m guilty. I know what I’ve done.”
