In an unexpected turn of events last Wednesday, President Trump granted pardons to two notable reality TV personalities who had previously been serving sentences in federal prison. In 2022, Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the USA Network series <em>Chrisley Knows Best</em>, faced serious legal challenges, standing trial for multiple allegations, including eight counts of financial fraud and two counts of tax evasion, with Julie also facing additional charges of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The outcome was grim, as both were found guilty; Todd received a 12-year prison sentence, while Julie was sentenced to 7 years behind bars.
The evidence presented against the couple during the trial appeared overwhelmingly convincing. Legal representatives from the Justice Department showcased documentation revealing that the Chrisleys had conspired with a former business associate to deceive financial institutions in the Atlanta area, ultimately securing over $36 million in personal loans fraudulently.
However, factors such as their conservative values, alignment with the policies of the Trump administration, and connections between the prosecutors in their case and the Georgia prosecutor who charged Trump in 2023 for his attempts to retain power post-2020 election, drew the personal attention of the President. Consequently, he issued a pardon on May 28, 2025. Following this pivotal moment, the Chrisleys shared updates regarding the implications of this pardon on their upcoming untitled reality series.
Savannah Chrisley Advocates for Her Parents’ Release
Amidst the ongoing legal turmoil, Todd and Julie’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has been vocal in advocating for her parents’ release ever since their sentencing. Despite the overwhelming evidence presented during the court proceedings, Savannah has consistently maintained her parents’ innocence. She frequently expressed her concerns regarding the prison conditions her parents were enduring on her social media platforms, suggesting they deserved a better experience. Her outspoken demeanor sparked criticism online, particularly from those who believe that prison should not be perceived as a luxury experience.
Nonetheless, Savannah’s relentless efforts seemed to have garnered attention, as her appeals to the White House were reportedly prioritized. The couple’s legal team submitted an appeal arguing that their conviction represented a troubling trend of the weaponization of justice against conservatives and high-profile individuals, undermining fundamental constitutional protections. This narrative resonated with the Trump administration, leading to Savannah receiving a personal phone call from the president, assuring her of her parents’ impending release.
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The Chrisleys Quickly Resume Filming Their New Reality Series
The newly pardoned couple wasted no time in reconnecting with their audience and returning to the screen after their release from prison. Todd was spotted on Savannah’s social media shortly after his return, humorously concealing his head in a gift bag while shopping, as Savannah joyfully remarked on his happiness to be home. Furthermore, on May 30, Todd publicly announced during a press conference that he and his wife had immediately resumed filming for their reality TV series. He noted that they “started filming literally the night that we got home.”
For the first time since entering prison in January 2023, the couple reunited on camera. Savannah shared that the family had already been filming their new untitled reality series for Lifetime, which had been completed before news of her parents’ pardon emerged. However, following the pardon, the cameras rolled once again. Savannah claimed that the upcoming series would offer crucial context surrounding their trial, stating that it would “provide viewers with insight into the trial and the challenges we encountered, and we will set the record straight, presenting various documents.”
The couple appears resolute in asserting their innocence now that the pardon has been granted, despite Julie’s earlier public apology during the trial for her actions. The family patriarch, Todd, firmly insisted that he was wrongfully convicted, expressing that he feels “no shame” regarding his sentence. This bold stance is expected to be prominently featured in their new reality series, where the Chrisleys plan to leverage their platform to reinforce their claims of innocence.
