Chrisley Knows Beststar Todd Chrisleyand his wife, Julie Chrisley, were released from prison on May 28 following a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump, effectively erasingthe Chrisleys sentence for a 2019 convictionfor tax evasion, bank and wire fraud, and conspiracy charges. Todd and Julie,who’ve always maintained their innocence, starred onChrisley Knows Bestfrom 2014 through 2023, showcasing their large, loving Southern family living, and all the trials and tribulations of raising five children. A spin-off show starring daughter Savannah Chrisley and son Chase Chrisley,Growing Up Chrisley, ran from 2019 to 2022.
The Chrisleys are no strangers to the spotlight, having been part of popular culture for over 10 years.
The Georgia residents' fall from grace came whenTodd and Julie were sentenced to prison time(12 years for Todd; 7 years for Julie) and were ordered to pay around $18 million in restitution after their conviction. Now that they’ve been pardoned, they are relieved of all obligations and are free to resume their lives, which means they’ll be back on TV screens in no time. However,I think they should show a more vulnerable side this time around.
Todd Credits Release To Faith, Daughter Savannah
Savannah Fought For Their Freedom
Todd and daughter Savannah appeared at a press conference the day after Todd and Julie were released from prison, and Todd thanked God, his fans who prayed for him, the Trump administration, and his daughter Savannah for working tirelessly for their release.Savannah advocated with officials to pardon her parents, and her work paid off. Todd said watching Savannah fight for them was a “double-edged sword.”
“It’s a blessing and then your heart breaks because your child has been placed in that position. … I will always be grateful to [Savannah] from the bottom of my heart.”
Savannah, who hosts theUnlocked With Savannah Chrisleypodcast, has used her platform to draw attention to her parents' plight since they were sentenced in 2022. She’s changed her focus from strictly fun lifestyle content to more serious issues, which reflects where was in life after her parents were imprisoned. Savannah has interviewed guests like Alice Johnson, a prison reform advocate, on her podcast.It’s a smart move on her part, because it shows a different side to her.
Her parents would be wise to do the same when they return to TV. They’ve both spent two years in prison, andthat can change a person. They should be open about the ways they’ve changed, and use their platform to spread awareness, thereby helping people who are in situations like they were. Talking about their experience openly and honestly will also prove that they took this seriously.
Todd And Julie Chrisley Will Return To Reality TV
Cameras Picked Up Immediately Upon Their Release
The Chrisley family will officially be returning to reality TV, asPeoplemagazine reported that the family is filmingThe Untitled Chrisleys Projectfor Lifetime. Savannah revealed they had already begun filming, and cameras were present when Todd and Julie reunited after their release. Cameras picked up “literally the night that we got home,” said Todd. The family is hopeful that they’ll be able to “set the record straight” on their new show.
“We’re excited, because I think this new show is going to give people a look into the trial and things that we went through, and we’re going to set the record straight. It comes full circle because we go back, and then we get to the point where mom and dad are pardoned and now we move forward with our lives.”
Todd and Julie’s return to public life should be taken seriously, because they’ve both been through something life-changing. It would be hard to imagine them going back to their usual silly family hijinks after such a monumental event.
It’s a great opportunity for Todd and Julie to reflect on what happened, and show a more emotional and humble side to themselves.
Sincesome might believe that their pardon was unjust, which the Chrisley family denies, showing a different, softer side to themselves may endear them to the public.
Todd Formed Meaningful Bonds In Prison
Todd Vowed To Continue To Fight For Them
At the press conference,Todd shed some light on some of the experiences he had while in prison. Todd said that despite being in prison, he found “blessings” in some of the meaningful bonds he formed while behind bars. Todd said he’d continue to fight for those he met in prison.
“I have met some wonderful men. I have listened to some horrific stories about things that have gone on in our system. … I still was convicted of something that I did not do. It could be you. It could be any of you. … I will continue to fight for all the guys that I dealt with and that I was blessed to be with.”
Todd’s revelation about the people he met in prison, and his vow to continue fighting for all those who are wrongly accused and convicted, is something the family should explore further. It’s a beautiful way forTodd to take something bad that happened and turn it into something good,which is advocating for those who are wrongfully convicted and serving jail time.
Serving time in prison can change a person, and Todd and Julie should embrace that change for the positive, rather than trying to go back to their lives before the conviction.
I’m curious to see whether Todd and Julie will actually become advocates for prison reform or fight to help those they met while in prison now that this experience is over for them. Getting a presidential pardon is something that most will never have the privilege of receiving. By acknowledging their privilege in this circumstance, and vowing to help others,Todd and Julie can actually help people. It would make their return to public life a lot more welcoming, in my opinion.
Todd Doesn’t Have Remorse, Maintains Innocence
When asked at the press conference whether Todd had remorse for his actions,Todd clapped backin his signature spicy way, saying, “You must be CNN. Do I have any remorse? I would have remorse if it was something that I did.” Todd went on to blame “corruption” for the reason he and Julie were convicted.
Todd’s sassy response was a bit troubling, however, and implies that Todd didn’t really learn anything from his time away.
Todd and Julie maintain their innocence, sure, but they should still be focusing on coming out of this experience as better people. It would be nice for their actions to prove they know they aren’t above the law, and that they respect the justice system. There are plenty of people who are wrongfully incarcerated who don’t have the same resources and media attention that the Chrisleys have. Shedding a light on some of those stories would serve Todd and Julie well.
Todd and Julie’s prison time forever changed their family. They aren’t alone, as surelymany families can relate to the ways in which having an incarcerated family member can hurt the whole family. The Chrisleys might not want to be known for their prison time forever, but rather than trying to pretend it didn’t happen or acting defiant about their unjust sentence, they should focus on the positives that have come from their experiences.
Seasons 1 through 9 ofChrisley Knows Bestcan be streamed on Peacock.
