In their first televised interview since being released from federal prison, reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are speaking out about their time behind bars, the controversial pardon they received from former President Donald Trump, and what’s next for their family.
The former Chrisley Knows Best stars were released just over a month ago after serving slightly more than two years of their respective 12- and 7-year prison sentences for bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. The couple had their convictions upheld by an appeals court but were granted clemency by Trump in May 2025.
“You don’t realize how much your freedom means to you until you don’t have it,” Todd Chrisley told in a new interview. The special, IMPACT x Nightline: The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup, is now streaming on Hulu.
Life After Lockup
Following their release, the couple wasted no time returning to creature comforts. Todd revealed that their first meals were from Pizza Hut and Zaxby’s. When describing the experience of showering at home, he joked, “It was almost like your first sexual encounter.”
Despite the humor, the couple also detailed harsh conditions during their incarceration. Todd claimed his Florida facility had issues with black mold and asbestos. Julie, who was held in a Kentucky prison, said her health deteriorated significantly, developing asthma while in custody.
“I could see my health deteriorating,” Julie said.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons responded to their claims, stating in part that they operate “facilities that are safe, secure, and humane” and provide “regulated temperatures and nutritionally adequate meals.”
Savannah Chrisley Leads the Charge
Throughout their incarceration, the couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, 26, emerged as their most outspoken advocate. She assumed legal guardianship of her younger brother, Grayson, and niece, Chloe, while also lobbying for her parents’ release.
“I forced myself into rooms I was never invited into. I educated myself,” she told ABC News.
Savannah, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention and later received a personal phone call from the former president notifying her of the pardon.
A Controversial Clemency
The pardon sparked backlash, with critics arguing the Chrisleys had already been convicted by a jury and that the decision undermined judicial accountability. Todd defended the action, citing concerns about the jury composition and drawing comparisons to other pardons issued by Trump.
“I don’t have an apology to give you or anyone else over the money that I’ve made,” he said in response to criticism about their lavish lifestyle and financial history.
Since returning home, the couple says they’ve been inspired to advocate for prison reform, citing the people they met behind bars as their motivation.
“I have met some amazing women. I’ve met some women that I will be friends with till the day that I die,” Julie said.
The Chrisleys are also preparing to return to television. Their previous reality show, Chrisley Knows Best, aired on USA Network from 2014 to 2023.
The new show, which is expected to premiere on the Lifetime network, will document the family’s return to normal life. Todd and Julie are also considering relocating to Charleston, South Carolina, where they hope to convert a mansion into a hotel—with cameras rolling.
“I’ve always told my children that it doesn’t matter what someone else’s opinion is of you unless it causes you to question who you are at your core,” Todd said. “No one’s opinion of me has ever caused me to question who I am at the core, so I don’t worry about someone else’s opinion.”